Sloppy Joes & Tater Tots😋

Hey foodies! There's nothing quite like a classic, comforting meal, and for me, Manwich Sloppy Joes paired with crispy tater tots hits all the right notes every single time. It's an absolute go-to for busy weeknights or when I just want something satisfying and nostalgic. I’m so excited to share my simple process and a few tips I've picked up along the way to make this meal even better. First off, let’s talk about everyone’s favorite part of cooking ground beef: draining the fat! I know, it’s not glamorous, but it’s super important for both taste and texture, especially when you're making sloppy joes. Nobody wants a greasy sandwich! When I cook my raw ground beef in the pan, I make sure to brown it thoroughly, breaking it up into crumbles. Once it's all cooked through and there's some rendered fat visible, I usually tilt the pan carefully to one side and use a large spoon to scoop out the excess grease into a heat-safe container. Another trick I love is using paper towels! Just blot the cooked ground beef in the pan with a few sheets to absorb the remaining fat. This simple step makes a huge difference, resulting in a much cleaner, less oily sloppy joe mix that truly lets the savory Manwich sauce shine. Now for the star of the show: Manwich! I often use Manwich Bold for an extra kick, but any Manwich sauce works wonders. While the classic sloppy joe on a white bread bun is unbeatable, have you ever thought about some Manwich ideas that go beyond the sandwich? You can easily turn your sloppy joe mix into loaded tater tots – just arrange your crispy tater tots on a plate and generously top them with the prepared sloppy joe mix, maybe even a sprinkle of cheese! It's an instant crowd-pleaser. Other fun ideas include serving it over rice, baked potatoes, or even as a quesadilla filling. Don't be afraid to experiment! Sometimes I add finely diced onions or bell peppers to the ground beef as it cooks for extra flavor and veggies. And what's a sloppy joe without its perfect sidekick, tater tots? For me, Grown in Idaho Tater Tots are usually my top choice because they consistently deliver that perfect potato flavor and crispiness. My secret to achieving perfectly crispy tater tots? The air fryer! After emptying a bag of frozen potato tots, I toss them into the air fryer basket. I usually set it to around 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. This method ensures they come out golden brown and delightfully crunchy, every single time. Once they’re done, I transfer them to a clear container and grab my salt shaker. A good sprinkle of salt and maybe some garlic powder makes them irresistible. Finally, a common question I get is, “Are these gluten-free?” It's a great question, especially with more people being mindful of dietary needs. Generally, Manwich sloppy joe sauce is gluten-free, but always double-check the label as formulations can change. As for tater tots, most plain potato tots, like many Grown in Idaho varieties, are naturally gluten-free since they're made from potatoes. However, it's crucial to check the ingredient list for any added coatings or binders that might contain gluten. If you're serving on a bun, make sure to grab gluten-free buns to keep the entire meal compliant. Enjoy your delicious, homemade sloppy joes and tater tots!