Sloppy Joes & Mashed Potato Cups

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There’s a certain kind of magic that happens in the kitchen, especially when a wave of inspiration takes over. You look at your muffin tin, not just as a baking tool, but as a vessel of creativity, ready to transform ordinary ingredients into extraordinary meals.

Ever found yourself marveling at the sheer versatility of this humble kitchen companion?

Well, I certainly have.

Let me share with you an innovative recipe that has emerged from my love for my muffin tin – a delightful twist on classic comfort food, Sloppy Joes & Mashed Potato Cups.

Origins

Originally, this dish started as a humble Shepherd’s Pie, a comforting blend of meat and potatoes that has warmed homes for generations. But, one fateful evening, with leftover Sloppy Joe meat and a glaring lack of buns, a new idea was born. We merged the hearty flavors of the Sloppy Joe with the comforting creaminess of Shepherd’s Pie, and the Sloppy Joe Shepherd’s Pie was born. From there, it was a short leap to these bite-sized, muffin tin miracles.

Why you will love this recipe

You’re going to adore this recipe for its comfort, convenience, and undeniable deliciousness. It’s a fun, creative twist on traditional dishes that brings a dash of excitement to your regular meal rotation.

The individual portions are perfect for freezing, making this recipe a fantastic meal-prep solution for those busy weeknights.

Plus, who doesn’t love a good Sloppy Joe, especially when it’s nestled inside a cozy mashed potato cup?

Tips

The trick to perfecting these savory cups lies in the consistency of your mashed potatoes.

Aim for a denser texture that will hold up well in the muffin tin and provide a sturdy base for your Sloppy Joe filling.

Additionally, while scooping out these delicious cups, remember, they’re not meant to be perfect. Embrace the rustic, homemade look – it’s part of their charm!

Serving Suggestions

Serve these delightful cups as an appetizer for a casual get-together or as a main course with a side of crisp green salad. They’re also a hit at children’s parties, with their fun, easy-to-eat format and familiar, comforting flavors.

Substitutions

The recipe is quite flexible. You can substitute the sloppy joe meat with leftover roast or ground turkey. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, consider using a plant-based meat substitute. Also, feel free to swap out sour cream with Greek yogurt for a healthier twist.

Equipment

All you need for this recipe is a muffin tin, a pot for boiling potatoes, and a masher.

Simplicity at its best!

FAQs

What type of cheese should I use?

A mild cheddar or Colby jack works well with the flavors of this dish, but feel free to use your favorite melty cheese.

Can I freeze these?

Absolutely! Just let them cool, then freeze them on a lined cookie sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to freezer bags for easy, individual servings.

Sloppy Joes & Mashed Potato Cups

Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Snack
Keyword: Sloppy Joes

Ingredients

  • 3 – 3 1/2  cup sloppy joe meat (leftovers, homemade, made with sauce from a can – whatever you prefer)
  • 2 lb potatoes
  • 6 tbsp butter
  • 1/3 cup sour cream
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • Shredded or sliced cheese

Instructions

  • Cube potatoes and boil until tender; drain. Return potatoes to pot. Mash with butter. Stir in sour cream, salt & pepper. The potatoes will be much heavier than regular mashed potatoes, but that helps them stick together better in the cups.
  • Grease muffin tins (this will probably make about 12 – 18 cups). Press about 2 -3 tablespoons of mashed potatoes into each muffin cup, leave a hollow spot in the center. Add about 1/4 c. sloppy joe mixture into each potato cup. Cover each cup with cheese and bake at 350 degrees about 15 minutes, or until cheese is completely melted and everything is heated through.

Notes

Note: It is easiest to scoop these out with a spoon. They will not come out like perfect little cups, but rather like mounds. If you want to freeze these, just scoop them out onto foil lined cookie sheets and freeze until frozen. Then transfer to freezer bags.