Tater Tot Sloppy Joe Skillet

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large ovenproof skillet, cook the ground beef, onion, and green bell pepper over medium heat until the beef is browned. Drain any excess fat.
3. Stir in the garlic, tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to let flavors meld.
4. Arrange frozen tater tots evenly over the beef mixture in the skillet.
5. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the tots are golden brown and crispy.
6. Remove from the oven, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top, and return for 5 minutes until the cheese melts.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Variations:

• Spicy Kick: Add pickled jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper before topping with cheese.
• BBQ Twist: Swap ketchup for BBQ sauce for a smoky flavor.
• Veggie Boost: Add corn or black beans to the beef mixture.
• Cheese Lovers: Use a blend of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and mozzarella.

Tips:

• Use an ovenproof cast-iron skillet for best results—less cleanup and great heat retention.
• Don’t overcrowd the tots; a single, even layer ensures maximum crispiness.
• For extra crunch, broil the skillet for 2–3 minutes after baking.
• Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to keep the tots crispy.

Tater Tot Sloppy Joe Skillet is comfort food with a twist—crispy, cheesy, and saucy, making it a guaranteed hit for both kids and adults.