This Sloppy Joe Baked Potato is a fun twist on a classic! A fluffy baked potato is topped with a meaty, tangy Sloppy Joe mix, making it hearty and satisfying.
Who doesn’t love a potato that doubles as a bowl? I enjoy eating mine while watching a movie, because really, the more mess, the better! 🍽️
It’s super easy to whip up—just bake, mix, and pile on the flavors. Perfect for a quick dinner you can eat with a fork, napkin optional but recommended!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Russet Potatoes: These are perfect for baking due to their starchy, fluffy interior. If you can’t find russet potatoes, you can use other types like Yukon Gold, but the texture will differ slightly.
Ground Beef/Turkey: Ground beef is classic, but ground turkey is a leaner option. For a vegetarian twist, try using lentils or a mix of beans for a hearty filling.
Sloppy Joe Sauce: Store-bought sauce is convenient, but homemade offers more control over flavor. A mix of ketchup, mustard, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce works well in a pinch!
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar brings great flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, switch it up with pepper jack for some heat or mozzarella for a milder taste.
Fresh Tomatos: Canned tomatoes are a good stand-in when fresh ones are not available. Diced tomatoes with green chilies can add a fun kick to your dish!
How Do You Bake Potatoes Perfectly?
Baking potatoes may seem easy, but getting them just right is all about technique. Follow these steps for perfect results:
- Prepping the Potatoes: Scrub the potatoes well to remove dirt. Poke holes with a fork to allow steam to escape while baking.
- Oiling and Salting: Rubbing with olive oil gives a crispy skin. Don’t skip the salt; it adds flavor to the skin.
- Temperature and Timing: Baking at 400°F (200°C) for about 45-60 minutes ensures they cook through. Check doneness by piercing with a fork; it should go in easily.
- Cooling: Let the potatoes cool a bit after baking to make cutting and fluffing easier.
Try to resist the urge to open the oven door frequently, as it can lower the temperature and affect cooking time. Happy baking!
How to Make Sloppy Joe Baked Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Potatoes:
- 4 large russet potatoes
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 cup Sloppy Joe sauce (store-bought or homemade)
For Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 1 hour to cook, making a total of about 1 hour and 15 minutes. You’ll spend some time baking the potatoes and preparing the Sloppy Joe filling, but it’s all straightforward and comes together nicely!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Potatoes:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats up, scrub the russet potatoes under cold water to clean them. Dry them off with a paper towel. Use a fork to poke a few holes in each potato, which helps them cook evenly. Drizzle some olive oil over them and sprinkle with salt.
2. Bake the Potatoes:
Place the prepared potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet. Bake them for about 45-60 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. You can test doneness by inserting a fork; it should slide in easily.
3. Cook the Filling:
While the potatoes are baking, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook until it’s browned. Be sure to break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
4. Mix in the Sauce:
Stir in the Sloppy Joe sauce and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend together beautifully.
5. Finish the Potatoes:
Once the potatoes are done baking, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Carefully cut a slit down the center of each potato and gently fluff the insides with a fork to create a nice space for the filling.
6. Stuff and Bake Again:
Spoon the Sloppy Joe mixture generously into each potato. Top them with shredded cheddar cheese, and then put them back in the oven for another 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Add the Final Touches:
When the potatoes are out of the oven, top each one with diced tomatoes, a spoonful of sour cream, and a sprinkle of sliced green onions.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your delicious Sloppy Joe Baked Potatoes hot and enjoy this hearty meal!
Can I Use Sweet Potatoes Instead of Russet Potatoes?
Yes, sweet potatoes are a delicious alternative! They will add a unique flavor and sweetness to the dish. Just adjust the baking time slightly, as sweet potatoes may take around 40-50 minutes to become tender.
What If I Don’t Have Sloppy Joe Sauce?
No worries! You can make a quick homemade Sloppy Joe sauce by mixing 1 cup of ketchup, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, and a dash of vinegar together. Feel free to adjust the flavors to your liking!
How to Store Leftover Sloppy Joe Baked Potatoes?
Store any leftover baked potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or oven until warmed through. If reheating in the oven, cover with foil to prevent the tops from browning too much.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the ground beef or turkey with a plant-based meat alternative or use cooked lentils. Adjust the cooking time for the meat substitute as needed, following package instructions to ensure it’s heated through.
