🍲 Sloppy Joe Potato Skillet
If you’re craving something hearty, comforting, and ridiculously easy to make, this Sloppy Joe Potato Skillet will be your new go-to dinner. It’s a fun spin on the traditional sloppy joe sandwich — instead of piling that saucy beef onto buns, we combine it with crispy golden potatoes and smother it all with melty cheddar cheese. The result? A one-pan meal that tastes like cozy comfort food, but comes together in under 30 minutes.
This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, game-day gatherings, or when you just want a quick dinner that still feels like a treat. The potatoes soak up the savory sloppy joe sauce, the beef provides protein and flavor, and the cheese ties everything together with a gooey, satisfying finish. Trust me, it’s one of those meals where everyone goes back for seconds!
🛒 Ingredients
- 3 cups diced potatoes (fresh or frozen)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) sloppy joe sauce (like Manwich, or homemade if you prefer)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp oil (for frying potatoes)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Optional garnish: fresh parsley or sliced green onions
👩🍳 Instructions
- Cook the potatoes:
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced potatoes and season with a little salt and pepper. Fry until golden and crispy on the outside, tender on the inside — about 10–12 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside. - Brown the beef:
In the same skillet, add ground beef, onion, and bell pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and the veggies are soft, about 6–8 minutes. Drain any excess grease. - Add the sauce:
Stir in the sloppy joe sauce and let it simmer for 3–5 minutes so all the flavors come together. - Combine with potatoes:
Return the crispy potatoes to the skillet, stirring gently so they’re evenly coated with the sloppy joe mixture. - Add the cheese:
Sprinkle shredded cheddar evenly over the top. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the cheese melt, or place the skillet under the broiler for 2–3 minutes until bubbly and golden. - Serve hot:
Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions, and bring the skillet straight to the table for a family-style meal.
🌟 Recipe Notes & Variations
- Protein swap: Try ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles if you want to make it lighter.
- Add more veggies: Corn, mushrooms, or carrots blend right into the sauce and add extra nutrition.
- Cheese options: Cheddar is classic, but Monterey Jack, Colby, or even Pepper Jack give it a fun twist.
- Make it spicy: Stir in a little hot sauce, chili powder, or jalapeños for a kick.
- Meal prep friendly: This reheats well, so make a double batch and enjoy it for lunch the next day.
🥄 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One pan = easy cleanup
- Quick — ready in under 30 minutes
- Kid-friendly — a fun twist on a classic sloppy joe
- Customizable — easy to adapt to what you have on hand
This Sloppy Joe Potato Skillet is the perfect balance of crispy, saucy, cheesy, and comforting. It’s proof that simple ingredients can turn into something truly special with just one pan and a little creativity.