Sloppy Joe Potato Skillet

This Sloppy Joe Potato Skillet is a one-pan wonder that brings crispy air fryer potatoes and savory sloppy Joe beef together for a comforting and satisfying meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and full of flavor without a lot of fuss.

I made this the first time when I needed a quick dinner and was surprised how much my family loved the mix of textures and cheesy goodness on top. Now it’s a regular request on hectic evenings.

Ingredients

• Potatoes: small to medium size, their texture crisps up beautifully in the air fryer
• Olive oil: helps the potatoes get golden and adds a smooth flavor
• Salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika: these seasonings bring warmth and depth to the potatoes
• Ground beef: the base for the classic sloppy Joe flavor, choose 80/20 for best juiciness
• Onion: chopped to add sweetness and aroma to the meat mixture
• Salt, black pepper, onion powder, paprika: essential spices that layer more complexity in the beef
• Minced garlic: fresh flavor that perks up the savory sauce
• Worcestershire sauce: adds umami richness and a bit of tang
• Tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, BBQ sauce: these build the tangy and sweet tomato base that defines sloppy Joes
• Shredded cheddar cheese: melted on top for gooey richness and a satisfying finish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics and Brown the Beef:

Cook the chopped onion in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it softens slightly. Add the ground beef and break it up as it cooks. Season with salt, black pepper, onion powder, and paprika. Brown the beef well to develop flavor.

Simmer the Sloppy Joe Sauce:

To the browned beef, add the minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, and BBQ sauce. Stir everything thoroughly then reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently while the potatoes cook. This lets the flavors meld beautifully.

Prepare and Cook the Potatoes:

Peel and wash the potatoes then cut into bite-sized cubes. Toss them with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until evenly coated. Place the potatoes in your air fryer at 400 degrees and cook for about 20 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally to ensure they crisp up on all sides. If you don’t have an air fryer, roast them in the oven at 425 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes.

Combine and Melt Cheese:

Once the potatoes are crispy and cooked thoroughly, add them directly into the skillet with the sloppy Joe mixture. Stir everything together so the flavors marry. Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top. Put the skillet under your oven broiler just long enough to melt the cheese fully. Watch carefully so it does not burn.

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Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat either in the microwave or covered in the oven until warmed through. The potatoes maintain some crispness but will soften a bit on reheating which is still delicious.

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground turkey or chicken can replace the beef for a leaner option though the flavor will be milder. For dairy-free cheese, try a plant-based cheddar alternative. If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce mixed with a little lemon juice can work in a pinch.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this skillet alongside a simple green salad or steamed veggies to balance the richness. A dill pickle spear on the side adds a tangy crunch that cuts through the savory layers nicely. It’s also great simply on its own as a filling meal.

Pro Tips

Toast the paprika in a dry pan before adding to unlock more smoky depth in both potatoes and beef. Make sure your skillet is oven-safe to avoid any accidents under the broiler. When air frying the potatoes, shake the basket every 7 to 8 minutes to promote even crisping.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use oven roasting instead of an air fryer for the potatoes?

Yes, roast the potatoes at 425°F for 25-30 minutes until crispy, turning once to ensure even cooking.

→ How do I prevent the cheese from burning under the broiler?

Watch the skillet closely under the broiler and remove it as soon as the cheese melts and bubbles to avoid burning.

→ What spices enhance the beef mixture's flavor?

Paprika, onion powder, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce add depth and a lightly smoky tang to the beef.

→ Is it necessary to use an oven-safe skillet?

Yes, using an oven-safe skillet allows the dish to go from stovetop to broiler safely for melting the cheese.

→ Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?

Prepare the beef mixture and potatoes in advance, then combine and finish under the broiler just before serving for best texture.