Creamy, juicy, and packed with comforting, savory flavor — this Sloppy Joe Potato Skillet is the kind of weeknight dinner that gets everyone to the table fast. Imagine crispy seasoned potatoes tossed with a rich, tangy sloppy joe sauce and topped with gooey cheddar cheese: it’s hands-down satisfying and simple. Fun fact: sloppy joes evolved from loose-meat sandwiches and are beloved for their saucy, hearty appeal — perfect for using pantry staples and stretching a little extra into a big family meal. If you love easy one-skillet dinners, this hits all the marks: quick prep, minimal cleanup, and crowd-pleasing taste. For a twist on cheesy, baked comfort, check out this Garlic Bread Cheesy Sloppy Joe Bake for another comforting option. Ready to get cooking? You’ll be hooked after the first cheesy bite.
What is Sloppy Joe Potato Skillet?
What’s in a name? Sloppy Joe Potato Skillet sounds like a mashup of comfort classics — and that’s exactly the point. Is it a sloppy joe? Is it a hearty potato skillet? Yes to both. Picture the saucy, ground-beef filling you grew up eating, but with crispy seasoned potato cubes standing in for a bun. Why call it that? Maybe because “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and this dish aims right for that heart — and everyone else’s too. Think of it as playful, saucy, and seriously satisfying. Give it a try and see how quickly it becomes a weeknight favorite.
Why You’ll Love This
- Bold, saucy flavor meets crispy, savory potatoes: the best textures in one pan.
- Cost-effective and family-friendly: ground beef and potatoes are affordable staples that feed a crowd.
- Customizable toppings: shredded cheddar, extra BBQ for sweetness, or a dollop of sour cream for creaminess.
This skillet delivers big on comfort without fuss. The tang of ketchup and mustard blends with Worcestershire and BBQ sauce for depth, while the air-fried potatoes add a delightful crisp contrast. Compared to other casseroles like the Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes, this version is more rustic and potato-forward, making it a great alternative when you want something familiar but different. Try it tonight — you’ll love how easy and satisfying it is.
How to Make:
Quick Overview
This recipe is straightforward, fast, and forgiving. You’ll air-fry or roast seasoned potato cubes to crispy perfection, simmer a savory sloppy joe sauce with browned beef and onions, then combine and finish under the broiler with melted cheddar. Expect a creamy, tangy sauce coating crisp potatoes and a bubbly cheese topping that seals the deal.
Prep time: about 10 minutes
Cook time: about 25–30 minutes
Total time: 35–40 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef, raw
- 5 small to medium potatoes, peeled and diced into bite-sized cubes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, packed
- 1 onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, for tossing potatoes
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce, room temperature
- 1/4 cup ketchup, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard, room temperature
- 1–2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, to taste
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (or 3 cloves fresh, minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste, for finishing
- Garlic powder to taste, for potatoes
- Paprika to taste, for potatoes
Directions
- Cook the Potatoes: Peel and dice the potatoes into bite-sized cubes. Toss them with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, garlic powder to taste, and paprika to taste. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally to ensure even cooking and crisping. If you don’t have an air fryer, spread the potatoes on a baking sheet and roast at 425°F (220°C) for 25–30 minutes, turning once halfway through.
- Prepare the Sloppy Joe Mixture: While the potatoes cook, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 lb ground beef and 1 chopped onion, cooking until the beef is browned and the onions are softened, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and 1 teaspoon paprika. Stir in 1 tablespoon minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Simmer Sauces: Add 1–2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce, 1/4 cup ketchup, 1 tablespoon yellow mustard, and 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce to the skillet. Stir well to combine, reduce heat to low, and let everything simmer for 5–7 minutes so the flavors meld and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine and Finish: Once the potatoes are crispy, add them to the skillet with the sloppy joe mixture. Gently stir to coat the potatoes with the sauce and distribute the beef evenly. Sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Melt the Cheese: Place the skillet under the broiler for 2–4 minutes, watching closely, until the cheese is melted and bubbly with a few golden brown spots. Remove from oven carefully and let sit for a minute.
- Serve: Serve hot straight from the skillet and enjoy this comforting, hearty meal!
What to Serve With:
- A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut the richness.
- Quick coleslaw for crunch and acidity.
- Cornbread or warm dinner rolls to soak up extra sauce.
- Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli for color and nutrients.
- For drinks, try an iced tea, a light lager, or a sparkling lemonade.
Top Tips for Perfecting:
- Potatoes: Cut the potatoes uniformly so they cook evenly. If roasting, give them space on the sheet to get crisp.
- Beef: Brown the beef well for caramelized flavor; drain excess fat to prevent a greasy sauce.
- Sauce balance: Taste and adjust the ketchup, mustard, or BBQ sauce to tweak sweetness and tang.
- Cheese finish: Use the broiler just long enough to melt and bubble the cheese — overdoing it can dry the dish.
- Make it vegetarian: Swap ground beef for cooked lentils or plant-based crumbles and use vegetable Worcestershire.
- Don’t overcrowd: If your skillet is small, combine in stages to ensure everything heats through evenly.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the cooked mixture (without cheese) in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce, or microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between intervals. To revive crispiness, reheat in a 375°F oven for 10–12 minutes, uncovered.
FAQs
What potatoes are best for this recipe?
Yukon Gold or red potatoes are great because they hold their shape and crisp nicely. Russets work too but can be fluffier.
Can I bake the potatoes instead of air frying?
Yes — roast the potatoes at 425°F for 25–30 minutes on a baking sheet, turning once, until golden and crispy.
How can I make this spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne, a few dashes of hot sauce, or swap regular BBQ sauce for a spicy variety.
Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Yes. Freeze the sloppy joe mixture without the cheese for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating and add fresh cheese after warming.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely. Ground turkey or chicken works well; you may want to add a little extra seasoning for depth.
Conclusion
This Sloppy Joe Potato Skillet is proof that comforting weeknight meals can be quick, economical, and delicious. It combines the tangy, hearty sauce of sloppy joes with crispy seasoned potatoes and melty cheddar for a one-skillet dinner that’s easy to make and irresistible to eat. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is simple enough for beginners and flexible enough for seasoned cooks to customize.
For another take on this idea, you can see a similar version at Sloppy Joe Potato Skillet – Cooking in the Midwest and a cheesy variation at Cheesy Sloppy Joe Potato Skillet – Stef’s Eats and Sweets. Try it tonight, share it with family, and enjoy the smiles it brings.
Sloppy Joe Potato Skillet
Equipment
- Skillet
- Air Fryer or Oven
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground beef, raw
- 5 small to medium Potatoes, peeled and diced Cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese Packed
- 1 cup Onion, chopped About 1 onion
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil For tossing potatoes
- 1 8 oz can Tomato sauce Room temperature
- 1/4 cup Ketchup Room temperature
- 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce Room temperature
- 1 tablespoon Yellow mustard Room temperature
- 1–2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce To taste
- 1 tablespoon Minced garlic Or 3 cloves fresh, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt Plus more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper Freshly ground
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- Salt and pepper To taste, for finishing
- Garlic powder To taste, for potatoes
- Paprika To taste, for potatoes
Instructions
- 1. Cook the Potatoes: Peel and dice the potatoes into bite-sized cubes. Toss them with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Air fry at 400°F for about 20 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally. Alternatively, roast at 425°F for 25–30 minutes, turning once halfway through.
- 2. Prepare the Sloppy Joe Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and chopped onion until browned and softened, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed. Season with salt, black pepper, onion powder, and paprika. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- 3. Simmer Sauces: Add Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce, ketchup, yellow mustard, and BBQ sauce to the skillet. Stir well, reduce heat to low, and let simmer for 5–7 minutes.
- 4. Combine and Finish: Once the potatoes are crispy, add them to the skillet with the sloppy joe mixture. Stir gently to coat the potatoes and distribute the beef. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- 5. Melt the Cheese: Place the skillet under the broiler for 2–4 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- 6. Serve: Serve hot straight from the skillet and enjoy!