The aroma of tomato sauce, savory spices, and warm potatoes always brings me back to my childhood kitchen. My mom, a master of simple, comforting meals, often whipped up a version of this, and it was always a family favorite. We’d all gather around the table, eager to dig into the hearty goodness.
This wasn’t just dinner; it was a symbol of togetherness, a warm hug on a plate. I remember the way the cheese stretched as I pulled a spoonful, the tangy sweetness of the sauce, and the perfectly tender potatoes. Recreating that comforting feeling in my own kitchen is something special.
Now, I’ve taken that memory and created my own version: a delicious and satisfying sloppy joe potato skillet that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s both easy to make and incredibly flavorful.
Why you’ll love this Sloppy Joe Potato Skillet
- This sloppy joe potato skillet is a complete meal in one pan, making cleanup a breeze.
- It’s incredibly versatile; you can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or cheeses.
- The combination of seasoned ground beef, tangy sauce, and tender potatoes creates a symphony of flavors.
- It’s a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
- This sloppy joe potato skillet is a great way to use up leftover ingredients in your fridge.
- It’s a budget-friendly meal that doesn’t sacrifice taste or quality, providing a satisfying dish for everyone.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1.5 pounds ground beef
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, for topping
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Directions
Step 1
Sloppy joe potato skillet makes every moment feel satisfying. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and bell peppers, and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 2
Add ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
Step 3
Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute, until fragrant. This step is crucial for building flavor, so don’t skip it!
Step 4
Pour in tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and yellow mustard. Stir well to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Let the sauce thicken slightly.
Step 5
Add the cubed potatoes to the skillet and stir to coat them evenly with the sloppy joe mixture. Spread the mixture into an even layer. Ensure the potatoes are submerged for even cooking.
Step 6
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork. Check the potatoes halfway through and stir gently if needed.
Step 7
Remove the skillet from the oven and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Return to the oven for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
Step 8
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley (if desired) and serve hot directly from the skillet. Let cool slightly before serving, as the skillet will be very hot. Enjoy!
Variations, pairings, and serving ideas
Variations
Looking to switch things up? Try adding different vegetables to your sloppy joe potato skillet. Diced carrots, celery, or even corn kernels would be delicious additions. You could also incorporate a can of drained and rinsed lentils for extra fiber and protein.
For a different flavor profile, experiment with other spices. A pinch of cumin or chili powder can add a warm, earthy note. Consider using different types of potatoes, such as red potatoes or sweet potatoes, for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
If you want to make it even cheesier, try adding a layer of mozzarella or provolone cheese along with the cheddar. For an extra layer of richness, consider stirring in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese into the sloppy joe mixture before baking.
Pairings
This hearty sloppy joe potato skillet pairs perfectly with a simple side salad. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette will provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the skillet. Consider adding some sliced tomatoes and cucumbers for extra freshness.
For a heartier meal, serve it with a side of steamed green beans or roasted broccoli. The vegetables will add nutrients and balance to the dish. You can also try pairing it with a crusty loaf of bread for soaking up all the delicious sauce.
If you’re in the mood for something sweet, a side of coleslaw or a fruit salad would be a great addition. For a simple yet satisfying dessert, try these easy mini apple pies recipe, which offer a delightful contrast to the savory flavors of the skillet.
Serving ideas
For a casual family dinner, serve the sloppy joe potato skillet directly from the oven-safe skillet. Place the skillet in the center of the table and let everyone serve themselves. This creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
To elevate the presentation, transfer the skillet to a serving dish. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream. This will make the dish look more appealing and sophisticated. For a fun and festive touch, top with a drizzle of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
Consider making individual portions by baking the mixture in small ramekins or mini cast iron skillets. This is a great way to control portion sizes and make the dish more elegant. If you’re looking for a cheesy hamburger potato casserole Cook Reel has a similar recipe that offers a different approach.
Storage and make-ahead tips
Storage
Leftover sloppy joe potato skillet can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to let the skillet cool completely before transferring it to the container. This will prevent condensation from forming and help the leftovers last longer.
To reheat, you can use the microwave or the oven. For the microwave, heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. For the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
If you want to freeze the leftovers, transfer them to a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Adding a splash of beef broth when reheating can help restore moisture.
Make-ahead
You can prepare the sloppy joe mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This will save you time on the day you want to bake the skillet. Simply cook the ground beef with the onions, peppers, and spices, then add the sauce ingredients and simmer.
You can also peel and cube the potatoes ahead of time, but make sure to store them in a bowl of cold water to prevent them from browning. Drain the potatoes well before adding them to the skillet. This step can be done the morning you plan to bake the skillet.
Alternatively, you can assemble the entire skillet ahead of time, but don’t bake it. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and bake as directed. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure everything is heated through.
Common mistakes when making Sloppy Joe Potato Skillet
- Not draining the excess grease from the ground beef: This can result in a greasy and unpleasant dish. Make sure to drain the grease thoroughly after browning the beef.
- Overcooking the potatoes: Overcooked potatoes will become mushy and lose their shape. Check the potatoes for doneness after 25 minutes of baking and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Not seasoning the ground beef properly: Seasoning is key to flavor. Make sure to use enough garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to season the ground beef.
- Adding too much liquid: Adding too much tomato sauce or ketchup can make the dish too saucy. Stick to the recommended amounts in the recipe.
- Not spreading the mixture evenly: Uneven spreading can result in some potatoes being undercooked while others are overcooked. Make sure to spread the mixture into an even layer before baking.
Final notes
This sloppy joe potato skillet is more than just a recipe; it’s a way to bring comfort and joy to your table. I hope it becomes a family favorite in your home, just like it is in mine. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and make it your own!
Remember, cooking should be fun and stress-free. So, gather your ingredients, turn on some music, and enjoy the process. I can’t wait to hear how your sloppy joe potato skillet turns out!
Loved this Sloppy Joe Potato Skillet? Try these next
Sloppy Joe Potato Skillet
A comforting and hearty one-pan meal featuring seasoned ground beef, potatoes, and a tangy sloppy joe sauce, all baked to perfection in a skillet.
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1.5 pounds ground beef
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, for topping
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and bell peppers, and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Pour in tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and yellow mustard. Stir well to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the cubed potatoes to the skillet and stir to coat them evenly with the sloppy joe mixture. Spread the mixture into an even layer.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- Remove the skillet from the oven and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Return to the oven for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley (if desired) and serve hot directly from the skillet. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sloppy joe mixture. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg