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Tater Tot Sloppy Joe Skillet

Family-Favorite Tater Tot Sloppy Joe Skillet (One Pan, 45 Mins!)

A fun and delicious family-friendly meal that combines the classic flavors of sloppy joes with crispy, cheesy tater tots, all in one skillet.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80% lean)
  • 1 bag frozen tater tots (about 28–32 oz)
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for kick)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Beef: In a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, add ground beef and chopped onion. Cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking the meat apart with a spoon, until beef is browned and onion is softened. Drain excess grease.
  2. Add Garlic and Sauce: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Then add ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder (if using), and season with salt and pepper. Stir to coat the beef evenly and let simmer for 3–4 minutes until thickened.
  3. Top with Tater Tots: Remove the skillet from heat. Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer over the Sloppy Joe mixture. Don’t press them down—keep them nice and fluffy for that crispy golden finish.
  4. Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
  5. Add Cheese and Broil: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese all over the crispy tots and place the skillet under the broiler for 2–3 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning!
  6. Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired. Serve hot right from the skillet for the ultimate family-style comfort meal!
  • Author: Sabrine Jay
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Skillet
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 480

Keywords: tater tots, sloppy joe, skillet, comfort food, cheesy