Garlic: Minced for fresh punch Jarred garlic works if in a hurry but fresh adds the most flavor
Salt: Enhances all the other ingredients Use kosher or flaky salt for even seasoning
Black pepper: Adds a hint of bite Always use freshly cracked for best flavor
Onion powder: Boosts the onion flavor and builds that diner classic taste
Paprika: Gives sweet smokiness Use smoked paprika for an even richer dish
Instructions
Bake the Tater Tots:
Bake tater tots on a parchment-lined sheet in a single layer at 425 degrees until golden brown and crispy This usually takes about 25 minutes but check the package directions to be sure A super crunchy tot layer is key to holding up under the cheesy topping
Brown the Beef and Onion:
Heat olive oil in a deep oven-safe skillet over medium heat Once shimmering add ground beef and onion Break up the meat with a wooden spoon and sauté for 6 to 8 minutes until the beef is fully browned and the onion is translucent The mixture should have no visible pink and a little browning on the beef for added flavor
Build the Sloppy Joe Filling:
Add minced garlic salt black pepper onion powder and paprika Cook for 1 minute stirring constantly so the garlic does not burn The mixture should smell very fragrant and turn a golden color around the edges
Simmer with Sauces:
Stir in tomato sauce ketchup BBQ sauce mustard and Worcestershire sauce Mix well and let the mixture simmer uncovered for 5 minutes so the flavors marry and the sauce thickens slightly The skillet should smell tangy sweet and savory with a little smoke
Top with Tater Tots:
Arrange the baked crispy tater tots in a single even layer directly over the Sloppy Joe filling in the skillet pressing down lightly so they nestle together This makes sure every bite gets both tot and filling
Broil with Cheese:
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots Transfer the skillet under a hot broiler for 1 to 2 minutes just until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling with a few brown spots Watch closely the cheese melts fast Broil only long enough for bubbling cheese and crisp edges
A delicious meal of tater tots and beef in a skillet.
Pin it
A delicious meal of tater tots and beef in a skillet. | myhomemaderecipe.com
You Must Know
Great way to use up leftover or frozen tater tots
High protein and satisfying for busy nights
Freezes and reheats beautifully in portions
My favorite part of this dish is always the chewy crust of cheese that forms around the edge of the skillet It reminds me of childhood games at the dinner table where we would race for the browned corners When I made it one snowy night my niece and nephew declared it the best thing ever and the laughter in the kitchen is a memory I treasure.
Storage Tips
Let your skillet cool completely before portioning leftovers into airtight containers. Refrigerate up to three days and reheat in a toaster oven for crispy tots again. This recipe also freezes well Just layer portions with a bit of parchment so you can reheat in the oven straight from the freezer as a fast lunch or snack.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap ground turkey or chicken for beef with great results. Use dairy free cheese to keep things allergy friendly or try a pepper jack for extra spice. If you do not have tomato sauce use crushed tomatoes plus a little extra ketchup. For a smoky barbecue vibe add a pinch of chipotle powder to the beef filling.
Serving Suggestions
Top with sour cream and sliced green onions for a loaded twist. I love to serve this with a green salad dressed simply with lemon juice to brighten up the meal. It also makes a craveable game day snack or main dish at a casual potluck alongside pickles and crunchy veggies.
Cultural Context
Tater Tot casseroles are a Midwestern classic and Sloppy Joe sandwiches have been a family dinner favorite in America for generations. This mashup brings together both traditions in a way that is both retro and modern. Every region seems to have its own take and I love how this skillet brings the best of comfort food memories to life.
A delicious meal of tater tots and beef in a skillet.
Pin it
A delicious meal of tater tots and beef in a skillet. | myhomemaderecipe.com
Pro Tips
Broil only as long as it takes for cheese to bubble to avoid burning the tots
Do not skimp on seasoning the beef plenty of flavor makes a difference in this dish
Let the skillet rest for five minutes before serving This helps the cheesy topping set so you get perfect scoopable portions
This skillet is sure to become a go-to family favorite you will crave on chilly nights. Serve it hot and enjoy the laughter at your kitchen table.
Frequently Asked Questions
→ What type of cheese works best for this dish?
Shredded cheddar cheese melts beautifully and adds sharp flavor, but mozzarella or a blend can be used for a milder taste.
→ Can I substitute the ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken also works well and delivers a lighter flavor while keeping the same hearty texture.
→ Why bake and broil the tater tots separately?
Baking the tots first ensures a golden, crispy texture before topping and broiling with the cheese for extra crunch.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
→ Can this skillet meal be made ahead?
Prepare the beef and sauce in advance, then assemble with tots and cheese just before baking and serving for best texture.
Tater Tot Sloppy Joe Skillet
Tater tots meet tangy beef, onion, savory sauce, and cheddar in a skillet—comforting, flavorful, and family-friendly.
Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
40 Minutes
By: Susan
Category: Main Dishes
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: American
Yield: 6 Servings (1 large skillet for sharing)
Dietary: ~
Ingredients
→ Main ingredients
450 g ground beef
900 g frozen tater tots
120 g shredded cheddar cheese
1 onion, finely chopped
→ Sauce and seasoning
30 ml olive oil
225 ml tomato sauce
60 ml ketchup
30 ml barbecue sauce
15 ml yellow mustard
15–30 ml Worcestershire sauce
15 g garlic, minced
2.5 ml salt
2.5 ml ground black pepper
5 ml onion powder
5 ml paprika
Instructions
Preheat oven as directed on package and arrange tater tots in a single layer on a baking tray. Bake until golden brown and crisp.
Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and chopped onion. Sauté for 6 to 8 minutes, breaking up beef, until browned and onions are softened.
Stir in minced garlic, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and paprika. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Blend in tomato sauce, ketchup, barbecue sauce, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer gently for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Arrange baked tater tots in a single layer on top of the beef mixture in the skillet.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots. Broil for 1 to 2 minutes until cheese melts and bubbles.
Notes
Use an oven-safe skillet to minimize dishwashing and achieve a perfect broil finish.
Tools You’ll Need
Oven-safe skillet
Baking tray
Oven
Broiler
Allergy Information
Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
