Why Make This Recipe
Tater Tot Sloppy Joe Skillet is a fun and comforting dish that combines classic flavors with a twist. It’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The soft tater tots paired with seasoned ground beef and melted cheese create a delicious meal that the whole family will love. Plus, it’s all made in one skillet, which means less cleanup for you!
How to Make Tater Tot Sloppy Joe Skillet
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) sloppy joe sauce
- 2 cups frozen tater tots
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened.
- Stir in the sloppy joe sauce and heat through.
- Top the beef mixture with the tater tots and shredded cheese.
- Cover the skillet and cook until the tater tots are heated through and golden, about 20 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
How to Serve Tater Tot Sloppy Joe Skillet
Serve your Tater Tot Sloppy Joe Skillet hot right from the pan. It’s a hearty meal on its own, but you can also pair it with a side salad or some pickles for a nice crunch. Enjoy it with a fork right out of the skillet or dish it up on plates for a family-style meal.
How to Store Tater Tot Sloppy Joe Skillet
To store leftovers, let the skillet cool completely. Transfer any uneaten Tater Tot Sloppy Joe Skillet to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. It will stay good for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.
Tips to Make Tater Tot Sloppy Joe Skillet
- For extra flavor, consider adding some garlic powder or seasoning salt to the beef mixture.
- If you like it spicy, you can add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the sloppy joe sauce.
- Feel free to top the dish with fresh herbs like parsley or green onions for a pop of color and flavor.
Variation
You can easily make the Tater Tot Sloppy Joe Skillet vegetarian by using lentils or black beans instead of ground beef. Just cook the beans or lentils and mix them with the sloppy joe sauce.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat substitutes if you prefer.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture and store it in the refrigerator. Just add the tater tots and cheese before baking.
What can I serve with this skillet dish?
This dish is filling on its own, but you can serve it with a simple salad, corn on the cob, or some crusty bread for a complete meal.

Tater Tot Sloppy Joe Skillet
Ingredients
Method
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened.
- Stir in the sloppy joe sauce and heat through.
- Top the beef mixture with the tater tots and shredded cheese.
- Cover the skillet and cook until the tater tots are heated through and golden, about 20 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.