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Sloppy Joe Potato Skillet

A quick and satisfying one-pan meal that transforms classic sloppy joes into a hearty dish using crispy air-fried potatoes topped with melted cheese.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 620
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Crispy Seasoned Potatoes
  • 5 pieces small to medium potatoes about 700g total, peeled and diced into 2cm cubes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
For the Sloppy Joe Mixture
  • 1 pound ground beef 80/20 or 85/15 fat ratio
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 can tomato sauce 8oz / 227g
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1–2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce start with 1, add more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper for the beef
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
Now For the Cheesy Topping
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese sharp cheddar for more flavour; mild cheddar for a more neutral topping

Method
 

Preparation of Potatoes
  1. Peel the potatoes and cut them into roughly 2cm cubes.
  2. In a medium bowl, toss the diced potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
  3. Transfer the seasoned cubes to the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, shaking the basket at the 10-minute mark.
Cooking the Beef and Sauce
  1. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat over medium-high heat and add the ground beef and chopped onion.
  2. Break the beef into small, fine crumbles as it cooks.
  3. Cook for 7–8 minutes, stirring frequently, until the beef is browned and onion is softened.
  4. Add the minced garlic and stir for 60 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and paprika.
  6. Add Worcestershire sauce, followed by tomato sauce, ketchup, BBQ sauce, and mustard, stirring after each addition.
  7. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 8–10 minutes until sauce thickens.
Combining and Broiling
  1. Once both potatoes and sauce are ready, fold the crispy potatoes into the skillet with the sauce gently.
  2. Spread mixture evenly and top with shredded cheddar cheese.
  3. Switch the oven to broil and place the skillet under the broiler for 2–4 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  4. Let it rest for 2 minutes before serving.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The sauce can be frozen for up to 3 months.