Introduction
Oh, the sweet memories of childhood dinners! There’s something incredibly comforting about a classic Sloppy Joe, isn’t there? But what if I told you there’s a way to get that same nostalgic, crowd-pleasing flavor with even less fuss, all in one glorious skillet? Say hello to the Sloppy Joe Potato Skillet! This recipe is a total game-changer, turning a weeknight favorite into an even simpler, more satisfying meal. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s guaranteed to become a new family tradition. Get ready to fall in love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast: Ready in about 30 minutes from start to finish – perfect for busy weeknights!
- Easy: Minimal prep and everything cooks in one skillet. Less mess means more happy moments.
- Giftable: While you’ll want to keep this all to yourself, the components are simple enough to share if you make a double batch!
- Crowd-Pleasing: Kids and adults alike adore the zesty, savory flavors of Sloppy Joes, and the tender potatoes make it a complete meal.
Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients is half the fun! Here’s what you’ll need to make this delightful Sloppy Joe Potato Skillet:
- 1 lb ground beef: The hearty foundation of our Sloppy Joe magic.
- 5 small/medium potatoes: These will become perfectly tender little bites. Russets or Yukon Golds work wonderfully.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Because what’s better than melted cheese on top of everything?
- 1 chopped onion: Adds a sweet, savory aroma as it cooks.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For getting those potatoes perfectly seasoned and roasted.
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce: The base of our classic Sloppy Joe sauce.
- ¼ cup ketchup: For that quintessential sweet and tangy Sloppy Joe flavor.
- 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce: Adds an extra layer of smoky sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon mustard: A little zing to balance the sweetness. Dijon or yellow mustard works!
- 1-2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce: The secret ingredient for that deep, savory umami!
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic: Because garlic makes everything better.
- ½ teaspoon salt: To enhance all those delicious flavors.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: A classic for a reason.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Doubles down on that savory onion goodness.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: For a touch of color and subtle warmth.
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika (for seasoning potatoes; to taste): We want those potato cubes to sing with flavor!
How to Make It
Let’s get cooking! This is where the magic happens, and it’s simpler than you think.
- Prep the Potatoes: First things first, let’s get those potatoes ready. Dice them into nice, bite-sized ½-inch cubes. Give them a good toss in a bowl with the olive oil, a sprinkle of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Make sure each little cube is coated – this is key for delicious flavor!
- Brown the Beef: Grab a large skillet and set it over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook, breaking up the meat as you go, until it’s nicely browned. Once it’s cooked through, carefully drain off any excess grease. Nobody likes a greasy dinner!
- Combine and Season: Now, it’s time to bring it all together. Add those beautifully seasoned potato cubes right into the skillet with the browned beef mixture.
- Sauce it Up: Pour in the tomato sauce, ketchup, BBQ sauce, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Give it a good stir. Then, add the salt, pepper, onion powder, and paprika for the sauce. Mix everything until it’s all beautifully combined.
- Simmer to Perfection: Cover your skillet and let it simmer away for about 15-20 minutes. You’ll want to stir it occasionally. The goal here is for those potatoes to become perfectly tender and soak up all that amazing Sloppy Joe flavor.
- Melt the Cheese: Once the potatoes are fork-tender, it’s cheese time! Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the skillet. Cover the skillet again and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, just until the cheese is melty and gooey. Oh, pure bliss!
Substitutions & Additions
This recipe is fantastic as is, but I always love to encourage a little kitchen creativity! Here are some ideas:
- Spice it Up: Love a little heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the spices, or a dash of hot sauce into the sauce mixture.
- Veggies Galore: Feel free to toss in some diced bell peppers (any color!) or frozen corn with the onions for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Different Cheese: Monterey Jack, a Colby-Jack blend, or even a sharp cheddar would be delicious swaps for the cheddar cheese.
- Turkey or Chicken: Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of ground beef for a slightly lighter version.
- Bun-less Wonder: This skillet is hearty enough to be enjoyed on its own, no bun required!
Tips for Success
A few little tricks can make this already easy recipe even more foolproof:
- Potato Size Matters: Make sure your potato cubes are roughly the same size (½-inch) so they cook evenly. If some are too big, they might stay firm, and if they’re too small, they could get mushy.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If your skillet isn’t quite big enough for the beef and potatoes, it’s better to brown the beef first, remove it, then cook the potatoes in a single layer before combining. This ensures a better sear on the potatoes.
- Taste and Adjust: Before you cover the skillet to simmer, give the sauce a taste. Does it need a little more salt? A touch more sweetness from ketchup? Adjust it to your preference!
- Prep Ahead: You can dice your potatoes and chop your onion a day in advance and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
How to Store It
Leftovers? Lucky you! This Sloppy Joe Potato Skillet is just as delicious, if not more so, the next day. Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can gently warm it in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally, or pop it in the microwave. A splash of water or a tiny bit of extra ketchup can help refresh the sauce if it seems a bit dry after refrigerating.
FAQs
Got questions? We’ve got answers!
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the entire skillet dish ahead of time and reheat it. The flavors meld beautifully overnight.
Is this recipe spicy?
Not typically! The sauce is a classic Sloppy Joe flavor profile which is savory and slightly sweet. If you like it spicy, I recommend adding red pepper flakes or hot sauce to your taste.
What kind of potatoes are best?
Potatoes with a waxy or all-purpose texture like Yukon Golds or red potatoes tend to hold their shape well and cook up nicely tender without getting too mushy. Russets are also a great option!
Can I cook this in a slow cooker?
While this recipe is designed for the stovetop for quickness, you could adapt it. Brown the beef and onion first, drain, then add all other ingredients (except cheese) to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours until potatoes are tender. Stir in cheese at the end.
Sloppy Joe Potato Skillet
Equipment
- Large skillet With a lid
- bowl For tossing potatoes
Ingredients
Sloppy Joe Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion chopped
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 can tomato sauce 8 oz
- 0.25 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce
- 1 tablespoon mustard Dijon or yellow
- 1 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 0.5 teaspoon salt for sauce
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper for sauce
- 1 teaspoon onion powder for sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika for sauce
Potatoes
- 5 potatoes small/medium, diced into ½-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- salt for potatoes, to taste
- pepper for potatoes, to taste
- garlic powder for potatoes, to taste
- paprika for potatoes, to taste
Topping
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Dice potatoes into ½-inch cubes. Toss in a bowl with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until coated.1 lb ground beef
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic until beef is browned. Drain excess grease.1 lb ground beef
- Add seasoned potato cubes to the skillet with the browned beef mixture.1 lb ground beef
- Pour in tomato sauce, ketchup, BBQ sauce, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well. Add salt, pepper, onion powder, and paprika for the sauce. Mix until combined.1 lb ground beef
- Cover the skillet and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are tender.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover and cook for another 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted and gooey.1 lb ground beef