Sloppy Joe Potato Skillet

This skillet brings together two crave—worthy meals in one simple dish. Think saucy sloppy Joe flavors and crispy golden potatoes tucked under a blanket of cheddar. It is a weeknight wonder I keep coming back to when my family wants something filling and familiar. You get the comfort of a classic sandwich, but with that crunchy potato twist that soaks up every last bit of sauce.

My kids ask for this anytime we cannot decide between burgers and fries. It became our Friday fun dinner the very first time I tried it.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: Brings hearty protein and soaks up all the sauce. Choose 80 or 85 percent lean for best flavor and texture
• Small or medium potatoes: Crisp up beautifully in the air fryer. Waxy yellow or Yukon Golds stay creamy inside and crispy outside
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts perfectly and gets bubbly under the broiler. Go for bold sharp cheddar if you like more punch
• Chopped onion: Gives the sloppy Joe base real depth. White or yellow both work well
• Olive oil: Helps the potatoes brown up and crisp. Use extra virgin for best taste
• Tomato sauce: The key base for sloppy Joe flavor. Choose a simple unsalted canned sauce if possible
• Ketchup: Adds sweetness and classic tang. Use your favorite brand
• BBQ sauce: Brings a smoky twist. I reach for one with brown sugar and a little hickory
• Mustard: Wakes everything up and gives that signature sloppy Joe zing. Yellow is my pick but spicy brown adds depth
• Worcestershire sauce: Layers in umami rich flavor. Use one with real anchovies for best results
• Minced garlic: Brightens and boosts the savoriness. If you love garlic go a little extra
• Salt and black pepper: Round out the flavors
• Onion powder: Bumps up the savory without extra chopping
• Paprika: Brings a gentle warmth. Try smoked paprika for even more complexity
• Extra salt, pepper, garlic powder and paprika: Season the potatoes so every bite pops. Freshly ground is best if you have it

Instructions

Prep the Potatoes:

Peel the potatoes then wash and dice them into small cubes. You want the pieces close to the same size for even cooking. Toss the cubes well with olive oil plus a generous shake of salt, black pepper, garlic powder and paprika. Make sure each piece has a light coating so they bake up flavorful not bland.

Air Fry the Potatoes:

Set your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Spread the potatoes out in an even layer in the basket so they crisp and do not steam. Cook for 20 minutes shaking the basket or stirring halfway through so they brown evenly and nothing sticks. When the edges are deeply golden and the insides are tender they are ready.

Brown the Beef and Onion:

While the potatoes are cooking heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion. Break up the meat well with a spatula and stir as it cooks so the onion softens at the same time. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, onion powder and paprika. You want the onion to get golden and the beef nicely browned without any pink left.

Build the Sloppy Joe Sauce:

Once the beef and onion mix is browned stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for about a minute until very fragrant but not burnt. Pour in the Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard and BBQ sauce. Mix well and let it simmer on low. The sauce should thicken and get glossy as it gently bubbles while you finish the potatoes.

Combine and Assemble:

Add the crispy cooked potatoes from the air fryer directly into the skillet with the sloppy Joe mixture. Stir gently so the potatoes do not break up but do pick up some sauce on each piece. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese all over the top in an even layer.

Melt the Cheese:

Slide the skillet under your oven broiler on high. Watch closely and let it go until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling with just a few golden spots on top. This usually takes two or three minutes. Remove the skillet when it looks extra tempting.

Serve Hot and Enjoy:

Bring the whole skillet right to the table and dig in while everything is hot and the cheese is still gooey. A big spoonful of this hits all the right notes from saucy to crispy to cheesy.

The bite of cheddar on top reminds me of comfort food at my childhood kitchen table. My daughter now likes to help sprinkle the cheese which always makes this meal extra homey.

Storage Tips

Let the skillet cool completely before packing away. Store any leftovers in a tightly sealed container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove over low with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. The potatoes stay surprisingly crispy if you warm them gently.

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground turkey or chicken both work in place of beef especially if you want something a little lighter. Any melty cheese like Monterey Jack or pepper jack gives a different spin. Toss in diced bell pepper with the onion for an extra veggie boost. For a gluten free version double check your Worcestershire sauce and BBQ.

Serving Suggestions

This skillet is great as a stand alone meal but if you want more add a crisp green salad with something tangy like pickled red onions. Fresh bread or rolls turn it into a fork and knife sandwich dinner. A handful of chopped chives or scallions over the top adds color and bright flavor.

Cultural Inspiration

Sloppy Joes were first a Midwest lunchroom staple and later a home classic. Swapping rolls for potatoes takes the idea closer to a hotdish and lets every bite stay hot and saucy. This recipe bridges diner nostalgia and comforting one pan meals.

Seasonal Adaptations

Use sweet potatoes instead of regular for a fall twist. In summer add fresh chopped tomatoes and a little corn to the mix for something brighter. Try smoked paprika or chipotle powder for a subtle campfire flavor.

Success Stories

A friend texted me a picture of her family finishing the skillet in ten minutes flat. We have had zero leftovers every time I make this for a group and it is always the most requested comfort meal in our house.

Freezer Meal Conversion

You can freeze the fully assembled but unbroiled dish for up to two months. Cool completely, cover tightly and thaw before broiling and serving. I like to freeze small portions that can go straight from the freezer to the oven for quick lunches.

This skillet is hearty cozy and guaranteed to be devoured. Try it once and it will quickly earn a spot in your family’s dinner rotation.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do you get the potatoes extra crispy?

Air fry diced potatoes with oil and seasonings at a high temperature, shaking the basket for even crisping.

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Ground turkey can replace beef for a lighter dish. Adjust seasoning for best flavor.

→ What’s the best cheese for topping?

Cheddar melts nicely and adds flavor, but Monterey Jack or pepper jack work well, too.

→ Is it possible to make this skillet ahead?

Prepare beef and potatoes separately, then combine and broil when ready to serve for best texture.

→ Can I cook the potatoes in the oven?

Yes, roast seasoned potato cubes at 425°F until golden and crispy, about 25-30 minutes, turning once.