Cheesy BBQ Beef & Tater Tot Skillet

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A hearty, one-pan dinner with seasoned ground beef, tangy BBQ sauce, crispy tater tots, and melty cheddar cheese — perfect for a quick family-friendly meal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: ~35 minutes
Servings: 6
Dietary: Kid-friendly, One-pan meal

Ingredients

  • Ground beef – 1 lb

  • Frozen tater tots – 1 bag (32 oz)

  • Cheddar cheese – shredded (1 cup)

  • Onion – chopped (1 medium)

  • Olive oil – 2 tbsp

  • Tomato sauce – 1 can (8 oz)

  • Ketchup – ¼ cup

  • BBQ sauce – 2 tbsp

  • Mustard – 1 tbsp

  • Worcestershire sauce – 1–2 tbsp

  • Garlic – minced (1 tbsp)

  • Salt – ½ tsp

  • Black pepper – ½ tsp

  • Onion powder – 1 tsp

  • Paprika – 1 tsp

Instructions

  1. Cook the tater tots: Bake according to package directions until golden and crispy.

  2. Cook the beef: Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and chopped onion. Cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking up the beef, until browned.

  3. Season: Stir in garlic, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and paprika. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

  4. Make the sauce: Mix in tomato sauce, ketchup, BBQ sauce, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.

  5. Assemble: Arrange crispy tater tots in a single layer over the beef mixture.

  6. Add cheese & broil: Sprinkle cheddar cheese evenly on top. Broil for 1–2 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles.

  7. Serve: Remove from the oven and serve hot straight from the skillet.

Quick Notes & Pro Tips

  • Crispier tots: Bake them until fully golden before adding to the skillet.

  • Customize the flavor: Use smoky BBQ sauce for depth or add a pinch of cayenne for heat.

  • Make it a meal: Serve with a side salad or steamed veggies.

Why You’ll Love It

This dish combines everything you want in comfort food — flavorful beef, tangy-sweet BBQ sauce, crispy tots, and melty cheese — all made in one skillet for easy prep and cleanup.

Ingredient Details & Substitutions

  • Beef: Swap with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

  • Cheese: Try pepper jack or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.

  • BBQ sauce: Go with a spicy or honey BBQ to change up the taste.

Variations & Serving Suggestions

  • Tex-Mex twist: Add diced green chilies, taco seasoning, and top with sour cream.

  • Loaded version: Garnish with green onions, bacon bits, or jalapeño slices.

  • Serve it with: Cornbread or garlic bread for a fuller meal.

Storage & Make-Ahead

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

  • Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes or in a skillet until heated through.

  • Make-ahead: Cook beef mixture ahead of time and assemble with tots and cheese before baking.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this without broiling?
A: Yes — bake at 375°F for 5–7 minutes to melt the cheese if you prefer not to broil.

Q: Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots?
A: Yes — par-cook or roast diced potatoes first for similar crispiness.

Q: Can I make it spicier?
A: Add hot sauce, cayenne, or use a spicy BBQ sauce for a kick.

Personal Note

This recipe came together on a busy weeknight when I wanted something hearty but fuss-free. The BBQ and ketchup combo gives the beef a sloppy-joe vibe, and the cheesy tots on top make it irresistible!

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