Description of this recipe
This Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Skillet is a fun and comforting twist on the classic Sloppy Joe. It combines the savory, slightly sweet, and tangy flavors of Sloppy Joes with the crispy, satisfying crunch of tater tots, all topped with melted cheese and fresh green onions. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, potlucks, or casual get-togethers. This dish is hearty, flavorful, and easy to customize to your liking.
Why you will love this recipe
You’ll absolutely fall in love with this Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Skillet because it’s:
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal effort and uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry and freezer.
- A Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike will devour this dish. It’s a fun and familiar combination of flavors and textures that everyone enjoys.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to suit your taste preferences. Use different types of ground meat, cheeses, or toppings. Add extra vegetables or spices to customize the flavor profile.
- A One-Pan Meal: Everything cooks in a single skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
- Comfort Food at Its Finest: This skillet is warm, cheesy, and satisfying, perfect for a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ lb. lean ground beef
- ½ onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¾ cups ketchup
- ½ cup water
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp prepared mustard
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 30 to 40 tater tots, frozen
- 1 ½ cups Colby Jack cheese, shredded
- 2 tbsp green onions, sliced
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 450 degrees F (232 degrees C). Make sure you have an oven-safe skillet ready to go. A cast-iron skillet works best for even heat distribution and a nice crispy crust, but any oven-safe skillet will do.
Step 2: In the oven-safe skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. This process should take about 3 minutes. You want the beef to lose its pink color but not necessarily be fully cooked through at this stage.
Step 3: Add the diced onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Continue cooking until the beef is no longer pink and the vegetables are tender. The onions should be translucent, and the bell pepper should soften slightly. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
Step 4: Drain any excess fat from the skillet. This step is crucial for preventing a greasy final product. You can carefully tilt the skillet and spoon out the fat, or use a colander if necessary. Return the skillet to the stove top.
Step 5: Add the ketchup, water, brown sugar, chili powder, prepared mustard, red pepper flakes, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to the beef and vegetable mixture. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. The sauce should start to thicken slightly as it simmers.
Step 6: Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken further, creating a rich and flavorful Sloppy Joe base.
Step 7: Remove the skillet from the heat and arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the Sloppy Joe mixture. Make sure to cover the entire surface evenly so that each bite gets a taste of both the Sloppy Joe filling and the crispy tater tots.
Step 8: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on the skillet to prevent the tater tots from burning. If they start to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover the skillet with aluminum foil.
Step 9: Carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Sprinkle the shredded Colby Jack cheese evenly over the tater tots. Make sure to cover the entire surface for maximum cheesy goodness.
Step 10: Return the skillet to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch closely to prevent the cheese from burning.
Step 11: Remove the skillet from the oven and let it cool slightly before garnishing with the sliced green onions. The green onions add a pop of color and a fresh, slightly sharp flavor that complements the richness of the Sloppy Joe and cheese.
Step 12: Serve immediately and enjoy! Be careful, as the skillet will be very hot.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Skillet as a main course for a casual weeknight dinner.
- Pair it with a simple side salad or coleslaw for a complete meal.
- Offer a variety of toppings, such as sour cream, guacamole, or hot sauce, for guests to customize their servings.
- Serve it as a party appetizer by cutting it into squares and serving it on a platter.
Tips:
- For a spicier kick, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the Sloppy Joe mixture.
- Use different types of cheese, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack, to customize the flavor.
- Add other vegetables, such as diced mushrooms, carrots, or celery, to the Sloppy Joe mixture for added nutrients and flavor.
- For a healthier option, use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef.
- To prevent the tater tots from getting soggy, make sure to bake them until they are crispy and golden brown.
- If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, you can transfer the Sloppy Joe mixture to a baking dish before topping it with the tater tots and cheese.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
35 minutes
Total Time:
50 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
Calories:
Approximately 600-700 per serving
Protein:
Approximately 30-40 grams per serving
Sodium:
Approximately 800-1000 mg per serving
Conclusion
This Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Skillet is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that combines the best of comfort food in one easy-to-make dish. The combination of savory Sloppy Joe filling, crispy tater tots, and melted cheese is simply irresistible. It’s a perfect meal for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or any time you’re craving a warm and satisfying dish. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and toppings to create your own unique version of this family favorite. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and unforgettable Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Skillet!
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use a different type of ground meat for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! While this recipe calls for lean ground beef, you can easily substitute it with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even ground pork. Each type of meat will offer a slightly different flavor profile, so feel free to experiment and find your favorite. Ground turkey and chicken are leaner options for a healthier version of the dish.
Q2: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the Sloppy Joe mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to bake the skillet, simply spread the chilled Sloppy Joe mixture in the skillet, top with the frozen tater tots and cheese, and bake as directed. Keep in mind that the baking time may need to be adjusted slightly if the mixture is cold.
Q3: What if I don’t have Colby Jack cheese? Can I use another type of cheese?
A: Of course! Colby Jack cheese is a great choice because it melts well and has a mild flavor that complements the Sloppy Joe filling. However, you can easily substitute it with other types of cheese, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a blend of cheeses. For a spicier kick, try using pepper jack cheese.
Q4: Can I add any other vegetables to the Sloppy Joe mixture?
A: Definitely! Adding vegetables to the Sloppy Joe mixture is a great way to boost the nutritional value and add extra flavor and texture to the dish. Some good options include diced mushrooms, carrots, celery, green bell peppers, or even a can of drained and rinsed black beans. Just be sure to cook the vegetables until they are tender before adding the other ingredients.
Q5: How do I prevent the tater tots from getting soggy?
A: To prevent the tater tots from getting soggy, it’s important to make sure they are cooked until they are crispy and golden brown. This can be achieved by baking them at a high temperature (450 degrees F) and avoiding overcrowding the skillet. Make sure the tater tots are arranged in a single layer and that there is enough space between them to allow for proper air circulation. You can also try lightly tossing the tater tots in a little bit of oil before baking them to help them crisp up even more.
