Leftover sloppy joe mix gets a second life with this easy, flavor-packed Sloppy Joe Baked Potato. Pile it high on a crispy baked russet potato and top it with melted cheddar cheese for the ultimate leftover makeover. It’s quick, filling, and honestly a bit of a game-changer when you don’t feel like making something new. Just heat, load, and dig in. You can do it in the air fryer or the oven, whatever’s easier.

Sloppy Joe Baked Potato by Tessie's Table. — Photo Credit: Tessie’s Table.

This is one of those dinners that saves you when you’ve got leftover sloppy joe mix in the fridge and no energy to cook. Scoop it over a baked potato, melt some cheese on top, and you’ve got lunch or dinner sorted. If you’ve made my Sloppy Joe Casserole or Taco Sloppy Joes, just use whatever’s left. No air fryer? No problem. Just toss the potatoes on a tray and bake at 425°F until the skin is crisp and a fork slides in easily.

Why you’ll love this Sloppy Joe Baked Potato

Uses up leftovers:
Got a bit of sloppy joe mix hanging out in the fridge? This is the easiest way to turn it into a brand-new meal without cooking from scratch.
Hearty and satisfying:
Baked potatoes are always filling, and when you load them up with saucy beef and cheddar, it hits all the right notes.
No fancy steps:
You can air fry or bake the potatoes, reheat the meat, and that’s about it. It’s dinner without the drama.

Sloppy Joe baked potato with cheddar cheese and sour cream, overflowing with saucy beef and peppers

Easy Baked Potatoes with Sloppy Joe Filling

I didn’t grow up eating sloppy joes in Ireland, so the whole idea of saucy beef on a bun was totally new to me when I moved to the States. But once I tried it, I got the hype. Now I always make extra just so I can use the leftovers for something like this. These baked potatoes with sloppy joe filling have become a go-to in our house for easy leftover dinners, and if there’s cheese involved, I’m always in.

Ingredients Needed for Sloppy Joe Baked Potato

Russet potatoes: These are the best kind of potato for baking because they get fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside.
Olive oil: Brushing the skin with a bit of oil helps it crisp up nicely, whether you’re using the air fryer or oven. You can use any neutral oil if you’re out of olive.
Salt and black pepper: Just a little seasoning goes a long way. Salt helps pull moisture from the skin so it crisps, and the pepper adds a little warmth.
Leftover sloppy joe mix: This is the star of the show. I like using leftovers from my Sloppy Joe Casserole or Taco Sloppy Joes. The flavors are already cooked in, so all you need to do is reheat.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts over the hot meat and turns everything into gooey, cheesy comfort food. Sharp cheddar gives a good bite, but mild or a cheddar blend works too.
Parsley or green onions (optional): These are totally optional but add a nice pop of color and a fresh finish. Green onions give a bit of crunch and extra flavor.

Ingredients for Sloppy Joe Baked Potatoes.

How to make Sloppy Joe Baked Potato

**For more detailed instructions, please refer to the printable recipe card below.**

Four raw russet potatoes on a white cutting board with a fork on the side.

Scrub and dry the potatoes. Prick each one a few times with a fork and microwave them 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.

Potato being brushed with olive oil before cooking.

Brush each with oil.

Seasoned potato with salt and pepper, ready for the air fryer or oven.

Season with salt and pepper.

Four seasoned russet potatoes cooking in an air fryer basket.

Air Fry at 400°F for 15-20 minutes.

Homemade sloppy joe mixture in a silver saucepan.

Reheat the sloppy joe mix in a saucepan on the stove or in the microwave until piping hot.

Crispy baked potato being fluffed with a fork

Slice open the potatoes and use a fork to gently fluff the inside.

Two baked potatoes topped with sloppy joe mix on a white platter.

Spoon the hot sloppy joe mix over the potatoes.

Two sloppy joe baked potatoes topped with melted cheddar cheese.

Sprinkle with shredded cheese and let it melt.

Variations

Chili Baked Potato: A great way to use up leftover chili from the night before. Spoon it over the hot potato, sprinkle on some shredded cheddar or pepper jack, and top with sour cream or a few jalapeño slices if you like it spicy.
BBQ Pulled Pork Potato: Leftover pulled pork works perfectly here, especially if it’s already saucy. Just reheat and pile it on, then finish with shredded cheese, Creamy Coleslaw, or a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce. You could try my Instant Pot Pulled Pork recipe if you’re looking for a quick and easy option.
Tuna Baked Potato: Mix canned tuna with mayo and sweetcorn, then load it into the hot baked potato. It’s creamy, protein-packed, and feels a bit lighter than the meat-based options. Great for lunch and light dinners.
Baked Potato with Beans and Cheese: A super simple combo that never fails. Warm up some baked beans (canned is totally fine), spoon them over your potato, and top with cheddar. It’s budget-friendly and surprisingly filling.
Veggie Loaded Potato: Skip the meat and sauté some onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, or even zucchini. Add a pinch of seasoning and pile it all onto your potato with cheese or a dollop of sour cream. It’s a great clean-out-the-fridge dinner and always hits the spot.

Serving Suggestions

Add a side salad: Something light and fresh balances the richness of the potato. My Orzo Pasta Salad is a great option, or try it with my Grilled Peach Salad for a bit of sweetness on the side.
Serve with roasted veggies: Make it a full plate with a side of Honey Glazed Carrots or Balsamic Bacon Brussels Sprouts. You can roast them while the potatoes cook, and they’re perfect for adding color and flavor to the meal.
Pair with soup: A bowl of soup is always a good call with baked potatoes. Try my Ham and Corn Chowder or Kale and White Bean Soup for something hearty and filling.
Top with hot sauce or pickled jalapeños: If your sloppy joe mix is a little sweet, add some heat with a few dashes of hot sauce or a spoonful of pickled jalapeños. It gives the whole thing a nice little punch.
Use it as a meal prep lunch: Make a couple of these Air Fryer Baked Potatoes ahead of time and store them in containers. They reheat well and make a filling grab-and-go lunch that doesn’t feel boring.

Storage and Freezing

How should I store Sloppy Joe Baked Potato?

Store leftover potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results, keep the meat and potatoes separate and reheat just before serving. You can microwave or warm in the oven or air fryer until hot all the way through.

Can I freeze Sloppy Joe Baked Potato?

It’s best to freeze the sloppy joe mix and baked potatoes separately. Once cooled, wrap the plain potatoes in foil and freeze in a bag. The sloppy joe mix can be frozen in a container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw both in the fridge overnight before reheating and assembling.

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Sloppy Joe baked potato topped with melted cheddar, sour cream, and chopped green onions on a white plate.

Tips & Tricks

Microwave first for faster cooking: Starting the potatoes in the microwave cuts the total cooking time way down. You still get that crispy skin in the air fryer or oven without having to wait an hour for them to cook through.
Pick similar-sized potatoes: Try to choose potatoes that are roughly the same size so they cook evenly. If one is smaller, it’ll finish quicker and might dry out before the other is ready.
Fluff the inside before adding toppings: Once the potato is cooked, slice it open and fluff the inside with a fork. It gives you more surface area for the meat and cheese to melt into and makes each bite better.
Wrap leftovers in foil before air frying: If you’re reheating a fully loaded leftover potato, wrap it in foil so the meat doesn’t dry out. Pop it into the air fryer until hot, then unwrap it and give it a minute or two uncovered if you want the skin to crisp back up. ***Just make sure the foil doesn’t touch any heating elements in your air fryer.***
Use any meat mix you like: Sloppy joe mix is great, but you can use leftover taco meat, BBQ beef, or even shredded chicken. It’s a good base recipe for whatever cooked meat you’ve got kicking around.

More Lunch Ideas

FAQ

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of russet potatoes?
Yes! Sweet potatoes bake up beautifully and pair well with the sweet-savory flavor of sloppy joe mix. Just keep an eye on them in the oven or air fryer since they can cook a little faster.
What’s the best way to reheat a loaded baked potato?
Wrap it in foil and warm it in the air fryer or oven until the center is hot. You can also microwave it, but the skin won’t stay as crispy.
Can I use canned sloppy joe mix?
Absolutely. Homemade has more flavor, but if you’re short on time, canned works just fine. Just heat it up before spooning it over the potato.
Do I need to microwave the potato first?
It’s optional, but it speeds up the cooking a lot. A few minutes in the microwave gives you a head start, then you can crisp the skin in the air fryer or oven.
How do I make it vegetarian?
Swap the sloppy joe mix for a veggie version using lentils, mushrooms, or even a plant-based meat alternative. Add extra seasoning to boost the flavor.
What cheese works best?
Shredded cheddar is a classic, but Monterey Jack, Colby, or a cheddar blend all melt nicely. Use what you’ve got!
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can bake the potatoes and cook the sloppy joe mix ahead. Store them separately and reheat just before serving so everything tastes fresh.
What toppings go well with this?
Try green onions, hot sauce, jalapeños, or even a dollop of sour cream. Anything you’d add to nachos or a chili bowl works here.
Do I need to wrap the potato in foil to bake it?
Nope. For crispy skin, skip the foil and place the potato directly on the rack or a tray. Foil traps steam, which softens the skin.
Can I double this recipe?
Definitely, just make sure the potatoes fit in your air fryer or baking tray without crowding so they cook evenly. If not, just do them in batches.