TATER TOT SLOPPY JOE SKILLET

Tater Tot Sloppy Joe Skillet Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter version)

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup ketchup

• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (optional, for extra flavor)

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tsp mustard (yellow or Dijon)

• 1 tsp chili powder

• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots

• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)

• 2 green onions, thinly sliced (optional garnish)

• Pickles or jalapeños (optional garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven and prepare skillet:

• Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

• Use an oven-safe skillet (cast iron works great).

2. Cook the ground beef mixture:

• Heat the skillet over medium-high heat.

• Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned (~5-7 minutes).

• Drain excess fat if necessary.

• Add chopped onion and garlic; cook until softened and fragrant (~3 minutes).

3. Add the sloppy joe sauce:

• Stir in ketchup, BBQ sauce (if using), Worcestershire sauce, mustard, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

• Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened slightly.

4. Layer the skillet:

• Spread the sloppy joe mixture evenly in the bottom of the skillet.

• Layer frozen tater tots evenly over the sloppy joe mixture.

5. Bake:

• Place skillet in preheated oven.

• Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy and heated through.

6. Add cheese:

• Remove skillet from oven.

• Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top.

• Return to oven for another 5 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

7. Garnish and serve:

• Sprinkle sliced green onions on top.

• Add pickles or jalapeños for extra zing if desired.

• Serve straight from the skillet and enjoy!

Tips:

• For a healthier version, use ground turkey or chicken.

• You can swap tater tots for frozen hash browns.

• Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms with the onions for extra veggies.

• Use sharp cheddar for more flavor or pepper jack for some spice.

Would you like me to help you customize it (like making it spicy, vegetarian, or extra cheesy)?