Name: Sloppy Joe Potato Skillet
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: For the Shrimp & Steak:; 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 steaks (such as ribeye or sirloin); 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning; 2 tbsp olive oil (for searing); 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp smoked paprika; Salt and pepper, to taste; For the Alfredo Sauce:; 2 tbsp butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional); For the Pasta:; 12 oz fettuccine or pasta of choice; 1 tbsp olive oil (for pasta water)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Sloppy Joe Potato Skillet is perfect for anyone craving a comfort food meal that’s easy to make but full of flavor. The skillet brings together savory ground beef, a rich and tangy Sloppy Joe sauce, and crispy potatoes for a dish that’s both filling and satisfying. Plus, it’s a one-pan meal, making clean-up a breeze. The combination of familiar ingredients and a bit of extra heartiness with the potatoes makes this a family favorite.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
4 medium potatoes, diced
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1/2 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon mustard
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup water
Shredded cheese (optional, for topping)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced potatoes and cook until golden and crispy, about 8–10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Remove the potatoes from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add the ground beef, onion, and green bell pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and the vegetables are softened, about 5–7 minutes.
Once the beef is browned, drain any excess grease. Stir in the ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Add the cooked potatoes back into the skillet and stir everything to combine. Add 1/4 cup of water to help create a bit of sauce and cover the skillet. Let it simmer for 5–7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Optional: Top with shredded cheese and let it melt before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a lighter version, swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.
Add Veggies: You can add other veggies like mushrooms or zucchini to add more flavor and nutrition.
Spicy Sloppy Joe: Add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to give the dish a spicy kick.
Vegetarian: Use plant-based crumbles instead of ground beef for a vegetarian-friendly option.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover Sloppy Joe Potato Skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Reheating: To reheat, warm the dish in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can also reheat it in the microwave, though the potatoes may lose some of their crispiness.

FAQs

1. Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?

Yes, sweet potatoes work wonderfully in this recipe and will add a slightly sweeter flavor to the dish.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the Sloppy Joe Potato Skillet ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it when you’re ready to serve.

3. Can I use ground pork instead of beef?

Ground pork can be used as a substitute for beef in this dish, giving it a slightly different but still delicious flavor.

4. How can I make this dish spicier?

To add spice, try adding chopped jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a few dashes of hot sauce to the mix.

5. Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook the ground beef, veggies, and Sloppy Joe sauce in a slow cooker. Just brown the beef and vegetables first, then transfer everything into the slow cooker and cook on low for 4–6 hours.

6. How do I prevent the potatoes from becoming soggy?

Make sure to cook the potatoes in a hot skillet with enough oil to get them crispy. Avoid adding too much liquid until the end, and let the potatoes cook before mixing in the sauce.

7. Can I use frozen hashbrowns instead of fresh potatoes?

Yes, frozen hashbrowns can be used to save time. Just cook them until crispy, then follow the rest of the recipe.

8. Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze the leftovers. Just allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 2–3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

9. Is this dish gluten-free?

This dish is naturally gluten-free, but be sure to check the labels of any condiments or sauces you use to ensure they don’t contain gluten.

10. What can I serve with this dish?

This dish is hearty on its own but pairs well with a simple side salad, steamed vegetables, or even some crusty bread.

Conclusion

Sloppy Joe Potato Skillet is a simple, one-pan meal that’s loaded with flavor and comfort. Whether you’re craving something hearty and filling or just need a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to satisfy. With the ability to easily adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences and variations, it’s a versatile dish that the whole family will love.

Sloppy Joe Potato Skillet

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Indulge in a rich and flavorful Cajun Shrimp and Steak Alfredo Pasta, combining succulent shrimp and juicy steak with creamy Alfredo sauce and bold Cajun spices. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish will satisfy your cravings for a hearty, flavorful meal. The fusion of Cajun spices with a creamy Alfredo base makes every bite a delicious experience!

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Pasta
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Cajun, Italian
Diet: Gluten Free

Instructions

Prepare the Steak and Shrimp:
Season the steak with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steak for about 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or to your desired doneness. Remove from heat, let rest for a few minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.
In the same skillet, add shrimp, seasoning with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
Prepare the Pasta:
Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water. Drizzle with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Make the Alfredo Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute.
Pour in the heavy cream, stirring occasionally. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Stir in Parmesan cheese and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning (optional). Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until thickened.
Combine and Serve:
Add the cooked pasta to the Alfredo sauce, tossing to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Add the cooked shrimp and steak slices on top of the pasta, mixing everything gently.
Serve:
Garnish with extra Parmesan, chopped parsley, or additional Cajun seasoning for a flavorful finish.

Notes

Adjust the Cajun seasoning to your spice preference. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning.
For a richer flavor, substitute half-and-half or full cream instead of heavy cream.
If you prefer a different type of pasta, you can use penne, rigatoni, or any pasta you prefer.