Name: Tater Tot Sloppy Joe Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped; 1/2 cup bell pepper, chopped (optional); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 3/4 cup ketchup; 1 tbsp tomato paste (optional for depth); 1 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tsp yellow mustard; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 (28–32 oz) bag frozen tater tots; Optional: chopped parsley or green onions for garnish

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe combines two of my favorite comfort meals into one easy dish. The sloppy joe filling is rich, tangy, and a little sweet, and the crispy tater tots on top make it irresistible. Best of all, it’s made in one skillet, so cleanup is a breeze. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, game-day dinners, or feeding a hungry crowd.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef (or ground turkey)
Onion (diced)
Garlic (minced)
Ketchup
Tomato sauce
Brown sugar
Worcestershire sauce
Yellow mustard
Salt and pepper
Frozen tater tots
Shredded cheddar cheese
Olive oil or butter (for cooking)
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

I preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large oven-safe skillet, I heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onion until softened.
I add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
I add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. I drain any excess grease.
I stir in the ketchup, tomato sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, and pepper. I let it simmer for 5 minutes so the flavors can blend.
I arrange the frozen tater tots evenly on top of the sloppy joe mixture.
I transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the tots are golden and crispy.
I sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the tots and bake for another 5 minutes until melted.
I garnish with parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 6 people. It takes around 10 minutes to prep, 25–30 minutes to bake, and is ready in under 40 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes add diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the sloppy joe filling for extra veggies.
For more spice, I stir in a little hot sauce or use pepper jack cheese on top.
I’ve swapped tater tots for sweet potato tots for a fun twist.
When I want it extra cheesy, I mix some shredded cheese into the sloppy joe filling before adding the tots.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it in the oven at 350°F until hot, or microwave individual portions. For the crispiest tots, I prefer the oven method.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I prepare the sloppy joe mixture, top with tater tots, and refrigerate. When I’m ready, I bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes since it’s starting cold.

Do I have to use an oven-safe skillet?

No, if I don’t have one, I prepare the filling in a regular skillet, transfer it to a baking dish, and then add the tots before baking.

Can I use homemade sloppy joe sauce?

Absolutely. If I have a favorite homemade version, I just swap it in for the sauce ingredients in this recipe.

Will the tater tots stay crispy after reheating?

They’re crispiest fresh from the oven, but reheating in the oven or air fryer helps bring some crunch back.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, I use plant-based ground meat or lentils in place of the beef, and the rest of the recipe stays the same.

Conclusion

Tater Tot Sloppy Joe Skillet is pure comfort food in a single pan—saucy, cheesy, and topped with golden potato goodness. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but tasty enough to serve at casual get-togethers. Every bite is hearty, flavorful, and just a little nostalgic, making it a go-to in my dinner rotation.