Sloppy Joe Tater Skins are a fun twist on a classic dish! Crispy potato skins are loaded with savory sloppy joe meat, cheese, and topped with your favorite fixings.
These bites are perfect for parties or movie nights. Who doesn’t love crispy potatoes packed with flavor? I can’t help but go back for seconds! 🍟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal as they bake up fluffy inside and crispy outside. If you need a quicker option, you can use pre-cooked frozen potato skins or even small red or yellow potatoes.
Ground Beef: While I love using ground beef, you can swap it for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you want a vegetarian dish, lentils or crumbled tempeh can work beautifully!
Sloppy Joe Sauce: Homemade is best, but a good store-bought sauce can save time. You can also use barbecue sauce for a different flavor twist, or spicy salsa for a kick!
Cheese: Cheddar is classic, but feel free to mix it up with Monterey Jack or pepper jack for some extra zing!
Garnishes: While diced tomatoes and green onions are great, try adding jalapeños for heat or avocado for creaminess. Sour cream can easily be replaced with Greek yogurt for a healthier choice.
How Do You Make Crispy Potato Skins?
Getting that perfect crispy texture on your potato skins can be tricky, but it’s simple! Start by baking your whole potatoes until soft; this will ensure they cook through. Once they’re cooled, cutting and scooping them out properly is essential. Leave about a quarter inch of potato along the edges to maintain sturdiness while ensuring a crispy surface.
- Pre-bake potatoes at 400°F until tender, around 45-60 minutes.
- After scooping, brush the insides with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper before the second bake.
- Bake them again at 425°F for about 10 minutes to achieve that crunchy skin everyone loves!
By following these steps, you’ll end up with delicious, crispy tater skins perfect for loading with your sloppy joe mix! Enjoy your cooking!
Sloppy Joe Tater Skins
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 large baking potatoes (russet or similar)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup sloppy joe sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup sour cream (optional)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and roughly 1 hour to cook, including baking time for the potatoes. Add in a few minutes of assembly and baking for the toppings.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Potatoes:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Take the whole potatoes and scrub them clean. Dry them off and then pierce each one several times with a fork to prevent bursting while baking. Rub each potato with a little olive oil and sprinkle salt all over.
2. Bake the Potatoes:
Place the prepared potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet and let them bake for about 45-60 minutes. You want the skin to be crispy and the inside to be tender.
3. Scoop and Prep the Skins:
Once the potatoes are cooled enough to handle, cut them in half lengthwise. Scoop out the insides carefully, leaving about 1/4 inch of potato around the edges to support the skin. You can save the scooped potato for another recipe!
4. Make Them Crispy:
Turn the oven up to 425°F (220°C). Brush the insides of the potato skins with olive oil, seasoning them with a bit of salt and pepper. Arrange them on a baking sheet and pop them back into the oven for about 10 minutes to get them nice and crispy.
5. Cook the Meat Filling:
While those skins are baking, grab a skillet and heat it over medium heat. Add in the ground beef and chopped onions. Break the meat apart with a spatula and cook until browned and the onions are softened, which should take around 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat when finished.
6. Combine with Sloppy Joe Sauce:
Stir in the sloppy joe sauce into the beef mixture and let it simmer for about 3-5 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through. Remove it from the heat when done.
7. Assembly Time:
Take the potato skins out of the oven and generously spoon the sloppy joe filling into each one. Sprinkle a hearty amount of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the meat.
8. Final Bake:
Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an extra 8-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Add Your Toppings:
Once they’re out of the oven, top each tater skin with diced tomatoes and chopped green onions. If you like, add a dollop of sour cream and some fresh parsley or cilantro for a nice touch.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve these delicious Sloppy Joe Tater Skins immediately while they’re hot — perfect for snacking, parties, or a fun meal! Enjoy every bite!
These hearty Sloppy Joe Tater Skins are a fantastic way to combine crispy potato skins with savory ground beef and gooey cheese, creating a crowd-pleasing snack that everyone will love!
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Can I Use Sweet Potatoes Instead of Regular Potatoes?
Absolutely! Sweet potatoes can be a delicious alternative. Just keep in mind that they will have a slightly different flavor and texture, but they will still turn out equally delicious when stuffed with sloppy joe filling.
Can I Make the Sloppy Joe Filling Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the sloppy joe filling a day in advance. Simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat it in a skillet before filling the potato skins. This saves time on a busy day!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover tater skins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to ensure they stay crispy.
What Other Toppings Can I Use?
The options are endless! You can add jalapeños for heat, avocado for creaminess, or even some crumbled bacon for added crunch. Get creative with your favorite toppings!
