Get ready to fall in love with comfort food all over again with this Cheesy Sloppy Joe Potato Skillet! This one-pan wonder brings together the bold, tangy flavor of classic Sloppy Joes, tender russet potatoes, and gooey cheddar cheese into a weeknight meal that’s as fun as it is satisfying. It’s hearty, bold, and melts together in your skillet for a family dinner that’s loaded with nostalgia but excitingly new at the same time. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just craving a cozy dish that cuts down on dishes, this Cheesy Sloppy Joe Potato Skillet is a guaranteed hit—every single bite will have you coming back for seconds (and maybe thirds!).
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this recipe is how a small handful of kitchen staples can transform into a flavorful, bubbling skillet. Each ingredient plays an important role—building the layers of taste, adding pops of color, and creating that craveable texture you just can’t resist!
- Olive oil: Brings everything together with a subtle richness, preventing sticking and enhancing flavors as the base for sautéing.
- Onion (about 1 cup, chopped): Adds a sweet, fragrant backdrop and depth to the skillet that’s classic in any Sloppy Joe-inspired dish.
- Green bell pepper (about 1 cup, chopped): Lends a bright, slightly peppery crunch and vibrant color.
- Russet potatoes (2, cubed): These hearty potatoes turn creamy and tender, soaking up all those delicious sauces for the ultimate comfort food vibe.
- Tomato (about 1 cup, chopped): Brings acidity and freshness that balances the richness of the meat and cheese.
- Ground beef or ground turkey (1 lb.): Adds hearty protein and a savory element—choose your favorite for a personalized twist.
- Sloppy Joe sauce (1 can, 15 oz., plus a little water): The heart of the recipe, this sauce infuses that signature tangy-sweet flavor in minutes.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup, or more): Melts into gooey perfection on top, tying it all together with serious cheesy appeal.
How to Make Cheesy Sloppy Joe Potato Skillet
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables and Potatoes
Fire up your skillet over medium heat and pour in the olive oil to get things rolling. Once the oil is warm, toss in your chopped onions, green bell peppers, and cubed russet potatoes. Let them cook for about five minutes—stirring occasionally—until the veggies start to soften and their aroma fills your kitchen. This first step builds a flavorful, hearty base for everything else to come!
Step 2: Brown the Meat
Next, scoot the veggies to the side just a bit and add your ground beef or turkey into the mix. Break it up with your spatula and cook for another five minutes, or until there’s no more pink in the meat. This step not only adds substance and savoriness, but the meat picks up all that flavor the vegetables left in the skillet.
Step 3: Stir in Tomatoes and Sloppy Joe Sauce
Now it’s time for the real fun—pile in your chopped tomatoes and then pour in the entire can of Sloppy Joe sauce. Add just a splash of water to the can, swirl it around to grab every last drop, and tip it into the skillet. Stir everything together until the mixture is gloriously combined, letting those flavors get to know each other.
Step 4: Simmer Until Tender
Turn the heat down to a gentle simmer and cover the skillet. Cook for about 10 minutes, letting all those flavors meld and the potatoes get tender. Give them a poke with a fork to see if they’re soft—if not, just let it bubble away for a few minutes more. This slow bubble is what gives the Cheesy Sloppy Joe Potato Skillet its signature heartiness.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Melt
Sprinkle your shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top of the skillet—don’t be shy! Cover again for just a few minutes until the cheese is completely melted and irresistibly gooey. Once the cheesy topping is bubbling, it’s ready to serve piping hot!
How to Serve Cheesy Sloppy Joe Potato Skillet
Garnishes
Add a personal touch to your Cheesy Sloppy Joe Potato Skillet with a few simple but impactful finishing touches. Try scattering some chopped fresh parsley or green onions for a burst of color and freshness, or measure a little extra black pepper or a dash of hot sauce if you want a mild kick. A dollop of sour cream can also bring a cool creaminess that pairs perfectly with the cheesy, hearty flavors.
Side Dishes
This skillet is a meal unto itself, but it’s also fun to build out a spread! Serve it alongside a crisp green salad tossed with a zesty vinaigrette to lighten things up, or pair it with steamed green beans or garlicky broccoli. Homemade biscuits or cornbread are also amazing partners, perfect for scooping up extra sauce at the bottom of your bowl.
Creative Ways to Present
The Cheesy Sloppy Joe Potato Skillet is all about fun family style. Serve it straight from the hot skillet at the table for a cozy, rustic vibe, or spoon generous portions into individual ramekins and add a little extra cheese on top for special occasions. Another playful idea: scoop the filling into warm baked potato halves, then melt more cheese on top for a cute, individual serving twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of the Cheesy Sloppy Joe Potato Skillet store beautifully! Let the dish cool to room temperature, then scoop any extras into an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You’ll love how the flavors deepen overnight, making lunch or a quick dinner the next day a real treat.
Freezing
If you want to plan ahead, you can absolutely freeze this recipe! After it’s cooled, portion the skillet into freezer-safe containers. Just be sure to let it thaw completely in the fridge before reheating. The potatoes will be a bit softer after freezing, but the overall flavor and cheesy goodness remain deliciously intact.
Reheating
When you’re ready for round two, simply reheat a portion in the microwave (covered, to keep it moist) or scoop everything back into a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or broth if needed, and stir gently until hot. That cheesy topping will get stretchy again—just like fresh!
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of potato?
Absolutely! While russet potatoes turn out soft and fluffy, you can substitute Yukon Golds or even red potatoes for a creamier or slightly firmer texture. Just be sure to cube them evenly for best results.
Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian?
You sure can! Simply replace the ground beef or turkey with a meat-free alternative like lentils, canned beans, or your favorite plant-based crumble. The Cheesy Sloppy Joe Potato Skillet is incredibly flexible for different diets.
What’s the best cheese to use if I want it extra gooey?
Cheddar melts beautifully and has a sharp, classic flavor, but feel free to experiment. Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a cheese blend will get melty and even more stringy—choose what makes you happiest!
Can I make this recipe in advance for a party?
Definitely. Prepare the skillet up to the point before adding the cheese, then refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stove, sprinkle the cheese on top, cover, and melt it just before serving. Your guests will never know it wasn’t made fresh that minute.
How spicy is the Cheesy Sloppy Joe Potato Skillet?
The classic recipe is mild and family-friendly, but you can always add chili flakes, diced jalapeños, or a spicy Sloppy Joe sauce if you love heat. Adjust to your taste and enjoy!
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a new weeknight staple that’s just as fun as it is delicious, the Cheesy Sloppy Joe Potato Skillet promises to be a meal you’ll crave again and again. Gather your family, pile up your plates, and get ready for some serious comfort—good food is even better when it’s shared. Dive in and enjoy every cheesy, savory bite!
PrintCheesy Sloppy Joe Potato Skillet Recipe
Enjoy this all in one Cheesy Sloppy Joe Potato Skillet for something a little different. Just seven ingredients and a dinner the whole family will love.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped about 1 cup
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped about 1 cup
- 2 russet potatoes cubed
- 1 tomato, chopped about 1 cup
- 1 lb. ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 15 oz. can Sloppy Joe Sauce plus a little water
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or more
Instructions
- Prep the Vegetables: Heat up your skillet over medium and add in some olive oil. Add in the onions, green peppers, and potatoes. Cook for about 5 minutes until the veggies are soft and fragrant.
- Cook the Meat: Add in the ground beef and continue to cook about another 5 minutes until no longer pink.
- Add Sauce and Tomatoes: Once the meat is browned, add in the chopped tomatoes and the can of Sloppy Joe sauce. Add a little water to the can, swirl, and add to the mixture.
- Simmer: Give everything a stir to make sure it’s well combined. Lower the heat to a simmer, cover and let cook about 10 minutes longer.
- Finish and Serve: After 10 minutes, check the potatoes with a fork to see if they are tender. If not, cook a few minutes longer. Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the top and cover for a few minutes until melted. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
