Name: Sloppy Joe Potato Skillet
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 pound Ground Beef; 5 small or medium Potatoes, peeled and cubed; 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese; 1 medium Onion, chopped; 2 tablespoons Olive Oil; 1 8 oz can Tomato Sauce; 1/4 cup Ketchup; 2 tablespoons BBQ Sauce; 1 tablespoon Mustard; 1–2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce; 1 tablespoon Minced Garlic; 1 teaspoon Onion Powder; 1 teaspoon Paprika; 1/2 teaspoon Salt; 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper; Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, and Paprika (to season potatoes; to taste)

Jump to Recipe

Imagine a bubbling skillet loaded with crispy golden potatoes, juicy beef, and a blanket of melty cheese—now that’s the comfort food we all crave! Sloppy Joe Potato Skillet is a hearty, flavorful dish that’s as easy on your wallet as it is to prepare. This one-pan wonder takes the classic flavors of a childhood favorite, Sloppy Joes, and combines them with tender roasted potatoes and gooey cheddar cheese. Fun fact: the original Sloppy Joe recipe was reportedly created in the 1930s by a cook named Joe in Sioux City, Iowa. The beauty of this skillet meal lies in its speed—ready in under 40 minutes—making it perfect for busy families. If you’ve tried my Cheesy Taco Pasta Skillet and loved the blend of flavors and simplicity, you’ll absolutely adore this recipe, too. Let’s dive in and get cooking!

What is Sloppy Joe Potato Skillet?

You might be wondering: what on earth is a Sloppy Joe Potato Skillet? Is it a sandwich? A casserole? Or something else entirely? Well, this dish is all the savory goodness of classic Sloppy Joes—think sweet, tangy, saucy beef—piled high over perfectly roasted potatoes, then crowned with a generous helping of bubbly cheddar cheese. Why the funny name? My family says it’s because dinner gets “sloppy,” everyone digging in for seconds and thirds! Just remember, the way to a man’s heart (or anyone’s, really) is through his stomach. Go ahead, scoop up this deliciousness and share the love at your dinner table tonight!

Why You’ll Love This

Get ready to fall for the Sloppy Joe Potato Skillet! The star of this dish is its delightful contrast—crispy, hearty potatoes meet saucy, flavor-packed beef and melty cheese. Making this at home isn’t just satisfying; it’s incredibly cost-effective, stretching a pound of ground beef and a handful of pantry staples into a meal that easily feeds the whole family. Then there’s the toppings: smoky BBQ sauce, zesty mustard, and a cascade of cheddar that brings everything together. If you’re a fan of my Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole, you’ll appreciate how this skillet brings all the cozy, nostalgic flavors you love, but with a new twist. Don’t wait—gather your ingredients and try this recipe tonight!

How to Make

Quick Overview

This Sloppy Joe Potato Skillet is a lifesaver on hectic weeknights. With just one pan and about 40 minutes, you get a cheesy, saucy, and deeply satisfying meal that’s perfect for the whole family. The best part? Crispy, golden air-fried potatoes baked right alongside that classic, tomato-and-BBQ sloppy joe mix—all finished with bubbling cheddar cheese. Cleanup is simple, prep is minimal, and the flavors are off the charts. You’ll wonder why you didn’t make this sooner!

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
5 small or medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 onion, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons BBQ sauce
1 tablespoon mustard
1–2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika (to season potatoes; to taste)

Directions

Cook the Potatoes:
Toss the cubed potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a large bowl. Arrange in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, shaking the basket a couple of times so the potatoes get evenly crispy and golden on all sides.
Prepare the Sloppy Joe Mixture:
While the potatoes cook, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and chopped onion. Cook, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink. Season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and paprika. Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
Make It Saucy:
Add Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, and BBQ sauce to the skillet. Mix everything thoroughly and let simmer on low heat. This allows the flavors to meld while you finish the potatoes.
Combine & Top:
When the potatoes are crispy and golden, transfer them into the skillet with the beef mixture. Gently toss everything together so the potatoes are coated in sloppy joe sauce. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top of the skillet.
Melt the Cheese:
Place the skillet under the broiler for just a few minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and a bit golden. Watch closely so it doesn’t burn.
Serve:
Scoop generous portions onto plates and enjoy hot! Serve alongside your favorite garnishes or sides for a complete meal.

What to Serve With

This skillet meal is hearty on its own, but pairing it with simple sides takes it to another level. Try serving it with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness, or a side of steamed green beans for extra veggies. Warm dinner rolls or garlic bread are perfect for sopping up any extra sauce. For drinks, a cold glass of iced tea or lemonade completes this homey meal. If you’re serving a crowd, set out dill pickles or bread and butter pickles for a zippy contrast!

Top Tips for Perfecting

Potato Perfection: For extra crispiness, soak your cubed potatoes in cold water for 10–15 minutes before air frying. This removes some starch and helps them crisp up nicely.
Cheese Choices: Feel free to swap cheddar for mozzarella or a mix of your favorite melting cheeses for a different flavor.
Ground Meat Options: Try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, or use plant-based ground for a vegetarian-friendly meal.
Time Savers: You can make the beef mixture ahead and store it in the fridge for up to two days. Just reheat, toss with freshly cooked potatoes, and broil with cheese.
Sauce It Up: Adjust the ratio of ketchup, BBQ sauce, and mustard to your taste. Some like it tangier or sweet—make it your own!

Storing and Reheating Tips

Store any leftover Sloppy Joe Potato Skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. To reheat, scoop a portion into a microwave-safe dish, cover, and microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through. Alternatively, warm leftovers in an oven-safe dish, covered with foil, at 350°F (175°C) for about 15–20 minutes. If you plan to freeze leftovers, skip the cheese and add it fresh when reheating. Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as directed for delicious results every time!

FAQs

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Absolutely! Sweet potatoes add a lovely sweetness and work perfectly in this recipe—just cut them the same size for even cooking.

Can I cook the potatoes in the oven instead of the air fryer?
Yes. Toss them with oil and seasonings, then roast on a baking sheet at 425°F (220°C) for about 25–30 minutes, flipping once halfway through.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Of course! Skip the cheese or use your favorite dairy-free cheese alternative. The recipe will still be hearty and flavorful.

Can I prep this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare and store the sloppy joe beef mixture in advance. Cook the potatoes and assemble the skillet right before serving for the best texture.

What kind of BBQ sauce should I use?
Use whatever BBQ sauce you love—sweet, smoky, or spicy all work well. Try a homemade version for a personal touch.

Conclusion

Sloppy Joe Potato Skillet brings the best of comfort food right to your dinner table in under an hour, combining the nostalgic flavors of classic sloppy joes with crispy potatoes and melty cheese. With minimal prep, budget-friendly ingredients, and family appeal, this recipe is destined to become a household favorite. It’s easy enough for busy weeknights but delicious enough for a cozy weekend meal with loved ones. Give it a try, and don’t forget to explore other hearty skillet creations on the blog—you might just discover your new favorite!