Okay, confession time: some weeknights, I just need dinner to be EASY. Like, *really* easy. This Sloppy Joe Cheesy Potato Skillet is my absolute go-to when I’m running on fumes but still want something hearty and delicious. It’s like a hug in a pan! You get all that classic sloppy joe flavor, but then you add tender potatoes and gooey, melted cheese all in ONE skillet. Seriously, the cleanup is almost as amazing as the taste. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone at the table happy, even my pickiest eaters.
Why You'll Love This Sloppy Joe Cheesy Potato Skillet
Seriously, this Sloppy Joe Cheesy Potato Skillet is a weeknight lifesaver. Here’s why it’s a winner:
- Super Quick Prep: We’re talking 10 minutes, tops!
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal dishes means more time relaxing.
- Crowd-Pleaser: That combo of sloppy joe, potatoes, and cheese? Pure magic for everyone.
- So Satisfying: It’s hearty, filling, and just plain delicious.
Gathering Ingredients for Your Sloppy Joe Cheesy Potato Skillet
Alright, let’s get our ingredients ready for this amazing Sloppy Joe Cheesy Potato Skillet! It’s pretty straightforward, which is exactly what we want on a busy night. You’ll need:
- 1 pound ground beef – I usually go for 80/20, it has just enough fat to keep things tasty.
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped – I love the little bit of sweetness it adds.
- 2 cups diced potatoes – I like them cut into about half-inch cubes. You can peel them if you want, or leave the skins on for a little extra texture and nutrients. Either way works!
- 1 (15 ounce) can sloppy joe sauce – Grab your favorite brand, they all work great here.
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese – Or really, whatever cheese you love!
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper – Just to taste, you know how it is.
That’s pretty much it! Simple, right?
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
So, about those potatoes – if you’re really short on time, you can totally use pre-cooked diced potatoes. They’ll cut down the cooking time even more! And while sharp cheddar is my jam, don’t be afraid to switch it up. Monterey Jack melts like a dream, or a cheddar-jack blend is always a good idea. Sometimes I even throw in a little bit of pepper jack if I want a tiny kick. As for the diced potatoes, aim for about half-inch cubes. If they’re too small, they might get mushy, and if they’re too big, they’ll take forever to cook.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your Sloppy Joe Cheesy Potato Skillet
Alright, let’s get this delicious Sloppy Joe Cheesy Potato Skillet into your bellies! It’s seriously so easy, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it before. We’re aiming for about 25 minutes total cook time here.
Browning the Beef and Onions
First things first, grab your biggest skillet – the one you’ll be doing all the magic in. Pop it over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef and chopped onion. Break up the beef with your spoon as it cooks, getting it nice and browned. You want to get a good sear on it. Once it’s all cooked through, carefully drain off any excess fat. Nobody wants a greasy skillet, right?
Simmering the Sloppy Joe Cheesy Potato Skillet
Now for the easy part! Toss in those diced potatoes and the entire can of sloppy joe sauce. Give it all a good stir to make sure everything is coated and combined. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once it’s bubbling a little, reduce the heat to low, pop a lid on the skillet, and let it cook for about 15 to 20 minutes. Make sure to stir it every so often so nothing sticks to the bottom. You’re just waiting for those potatoes to get nice and tender.
Finishing Touches and Melting the Cheese
Once your potatoes are fork-tender – you can easily poke one with a fork – it’s time for the grand finale! Give it a taste and add a pinch of salt and pepper if you think it needs it. Then, evenly sprinkle that shredded cheddar cheese all over the top. Put the lid back on, turn off the heat, and just let it sit for a few minutes. That residual heat will melt the cheese into gooey perfection. And voilà! Your Sloppy Joe Cheesy Potato Skillet is ready to rock!
Tips for the Perfect Sloppy Joe Cheesy Potato Skillet
To make sure your Sloppy Joe Cheesy Potato Skillet turns out absolutely amazing every single time, here are a few little tricks I swear by. First off, when you’re browning that beef and onion, don’t cram it all into the pan at once if your skillet isn’t huge. Overcrowding can steam the meat instead of browning it, and you want those nice little crispy bits! If needed, brown the beef in two batches. Also, when you’re checking the potatoes for tenderness, just give one a gentle poke with a fork or a knife. It should slide in easily. If it’s still firm, just let it cook a few minutes longer. Trust me, a little patience here makes all the difference!
Serving and Storing Your Sloppy Joe Cheesy Potato Skillet
This Sloppy Joe Cheesy Potato Skillet is a meal in itself, but it’s also delicious served with a simple side salad or some crusty bread for dipping. If you have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), just pop them into an airtight container. They’ll keep nicely in the fridge for about 3-4 days. To reheat, I like to give it a quick stir in a skillet over low heat, or you can zap it in the microwave. You might want to add a tiny splash of water or a bit more cheese when reheating to bring back that creamy texture!
Frequently Asked Questions about Sloppy Joe Cheesy Potato Skillet
Got questions about this amazing Sloppy Joe Cheesy Potato Skillet? I’ve got answers!
Can I make this vegetarian? Absolutely! Just swap out the ground beef for a plant-based ground crumbles or even some hearty lentils. It’s delicious either way!
What kind of potatoes work best? Honestly, most potatoes work well here. Yukon Golds or red potatoes hold their shape nicely and don’t get too mushy. But you can totally use Russets too, just keep an eye on them so they don’t break down too much. Peeling is totally optional!
How long does it take to cook the potatoes? Usually, about 15-20 minutes after you bring the mixture to a simmer, covered. If you’re in a super big hurry, using pre-cooked diced potatoes will cut that time down significantly!
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef? Yep, go for it! Ground turkey or chicken works great in this recipe. Just make sure to drain off any excess fat, just like you would with beef.
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a little heads-up: the nutritional information provided for this Sloppy Joe Cheesy Potato Skillet is just an estimate. It can vary quite a bit depending on the specific brands of ingredients you use and how you prepare everything. So, think of these numbers as a helpful guide, not a hard rule!
Sloppy Joe Cheesy Potato Skillet: 1 Pot Wonder
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and easy skillet meal combining ground beef, sloppy joe sauce, and potatoes, topped with melted cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 (15 ounce) can sloppy joe sauce
- 2 cups diced potatoes (about 2 medium)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown ground beef and onion in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in sloppy joe sauce and diced potatoes.
- Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender, stirring occasionally.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Sprinkle cheese over the top and cover until melted.
Notes
- You can use pre-cooked diced potatoes to reduce cooking time.
- Add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or corn for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skillet
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Sloppy Joe, Cheesy, Potato, Skillet, Ground Beef, Quick Dinner, Easy Meal