Introduction
Welcome to our delicious Tater Tot Sloppy Joe Skillet recipe! This hearty and comforting dish combines the classic flavors of sloppy joes with the crispy goodness of tater tots in one easy-to-make skillet meal. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Let’s dive into the details of how to create this mouthwatering dish.
Ingredients
Before we start cooking, let’s gather all the essential ingredients for our Tater Tot Sloppy Joe Skillet:
1. 1 pound ground beef
2. 1 small onion, chopped
3. 1 red bell pepper, chopped
4. 1 can (15 ounces) sloppy joe sauce
5. 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
6. 1 package (32 ounces) frozen tater tots
7. Salt and pepper to taste
Now that we have everything we need, let’s move on to the steps to create this delicious meal.
Steps
1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook until the vegetables are tender.
3. Pour the sloppy joe sauce into the skillet and stir to combine with the meat and vegetables. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes.
4. Preheat your oven to the temperature indicated on the tater tots package.
5. Spread the tater tots in an even layer over the sloppy joe mixture in the skillet.
6. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots.
7. Bake the skillet in the preheated oven until the tater tots are crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Now that your Tater Tot Sloppy Joe Skillet is ready, it’s time to explore some variations you can try to customize this dish to your liking.
Variations
1. Veggie Lover’s Delight: Add more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or corn to the sloppy joe mixture for an extra boost of nutrition and flavor.
2. Spicy Kick: Mix in some chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicier version of this dish.
3. Cheesy Overload: Experiment with different types of cheese or add an extra layer of cheese between the sloppy joe mixture and tater tots for a gooey, cheesy delight.
4. Breakfast Twist: Serve leftovers of this dish with a fried egg on top for a delicious breakfast or brunch option.
These variations are just a starting point; feel free to get creative and make this recipe your own. But before you head to the kitchen, here are some tips to ensure your Tater Tot Sloppy Joe Skillet turns out perfectly every time.
Tips
1. Make sure to season the ground beef well with salt and pepper as it cooks to build layers of flavor in the dish.
2. If you prefer a crispier tater tot topping, bake the skillet for a few extra minutes under the broiler until the tater tots are golden brown.
3. Feel free to swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this recipe.
4. Leftovers of this dish can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in the oven for a quick and satisfying meal later on.
With these handy tips in mind, you are well-equipped to create a scrumptious Tater Tot Sloppy Joe Skillet for your next meal. But before you start cooking, let’s wrap up with a brief conclusion.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Tater Tot Sloppy Joe Skillet is a delightful combination of two classic comfort foods that come together to create a satisfying and flavorful meal. With simple ingredients and easy steps, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you crave something hearty and delicious. Get creative with variations and enjoy the process of making this tasty skillet meal for yourself and your loved ones.
FAQs
Q: Can I use homemade sloppy joe sauce instead of canned?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite homemade sloppy joe sauce recipe for a more personalized touch to this dish.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: While this dish is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, you can prepare the sloppy joe mixture in advance and assemble the skillet when you’re ready to bake it.
Q: Is this recipe kid-friendly?
A: Yes, kids tend to love the combination of tater tots, sloppy joe sauce, and cheese in this dish. It’s a great way to sneak in some veggies too!
Q: Can I freeze leftovers of this dish?
A: Yes, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Simply reheat in the oven until warmed through for a quick and convenient meal.
Tater Tot Sloppy Joe Skillet
A delightful combination of two classic comfort foods – sloppy joes and tater tots, coming together in one skillet meal. This hearty and flavorful dish is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can (15 ounces) sloppy joe sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 package (32 ounces) frozen tater tots
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
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In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
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Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook until the vegetables are tender.
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Pour the sloppy joe sauce into the skillet and stir to combine with the meat and vegetables. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes.
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Preheat the oven to the temperature indicated on the tater tots package.
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Spread the tater tots in an even layer over the sloppy joe mixture in the skillet.
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Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots.
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Bake the skillet in the preheated oven until the tater tots are crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
