Print

Easy Cheesy Sloppy Joe Potato Skillet: Best One-Pan Dinner

cheesy sloppy joe potato skillet - featured image

This cheesy sloppy joe potato skillet is a fast, filling, and forgiving one-pan dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes. Tender potatoes, saucy beef, and melty cheese make it the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 lb baby potatoes, diced into ยฝ-inch cubes
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • ยผ cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
  • ยฝ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ยฝ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 ยฝ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prep the potatoes: Wash the baby potatoes thoroughly and dice them into ยฝ-inch cubes. No need to peel them. Set them aside in a bowl of cold water to prevent browning while you work on the other ingredients.
  2. Brown the beef: Heat your large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until itโ€™s browned and no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes. Donโ€™t drain all the fatโ€”leave about a tablespoon in the pan for flavor.
  3. Cook the aromatics: Add the diced onion to the skillet with the beef and cook for 2-3 minutes until it starts to soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Pour this mixture into the skillet and stir to combine with the beef and onions.
  5. Add the potatoes: Drain the potatoes and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. Add them to the skillet and stir everything together so the potatoes are evenly coated in the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Simmer until tender: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and let it cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring once halfway through. The potatoes should be fork-tender when done.
  7. Add the cheese: Once the potatoes are tender, remove the lid and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet again and let it cook for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and gooey.
  8. Finish and serve: Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if using. Let it rest for 2 minutes before serving.

Notes

For even cooking, cut potatoes into uniform ยฝ-inch cubes. Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded. If sauce gets too thick before potatoes are done, add a splash of beef broth or water. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and freeze well for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: sloppy joe, potato skillet, one-pan dinner, ground beef, cheesy, weeknight dinner, comfort food, easy dinner