Sloppy Joe Loaded Sweet Potato Fries. Totally Addictive.

Cajun spiced sweet potato, fiery and meaty Sloppy Joe topping, a quick melt on top with cheddar and mozzarella makes this dish dangerously shareable.

This all started because I had a bag of sweet potatoes threatening to sprout, and a deep, unshakable craving for some dirty food! You know those nights? When you’re too tired to cook a ‘proper’ meal but the thought of takeaway is just too tempting and totally sinful for a Monday night? If you resonate, this is your answer to that problem! These loaded sloppy joe sweet potato fries are my go-to for a reason. It’s a little bit of effort, a lot of reward, and a serious itch, scratched.

Let’s talk about the ingredients for these loaded Sloppy Joe Sweet Potato Fries.

The key here is the sweet potatoes: don’t cut them too thin. You want them to be sturdy enough to hold up under the weight of that glorious sloppy joe topping. I’ve tried making these with frozen fries, and it’s just not the same. They get soggy. So, take the extra fifteen minutes to chop your own. It’s worth it, I promise.

As for the beef, I use lean mince, but I’ve also made a vegetarian version with lentils that’s just as good. And the cheese? Go for a good melting cheese like cheddar or mozzarella.

Making the sloppy joe topping perfect

The sloppy joe mixture is where the magic happens. I make mine with a good hit of smoked paprika, cumin, a pulse of some form and a touch of brown sugar to balance the acidity from the tomatoes. The sugar also helps the sauce get glossy and thick, which is exactly what you want when you’re spooning it over fries. And the smell when the onions and garlic hit the pan? That’s when you know dinner’s going to be good.

I’ve also made this vegetarian by swapping the beef for lentils, and honestly, it’s just as satisfying. The lentils soak up all those spices and create a hearty, textured topping that doesn’t feel like a compromise. If you’re going the veggie route, use soy sauce instead of Worcestershire, and you’re sorted.

One thing I always do, taste the sauce multiple times while it’s simmering. Sometimes it needs more salt, sometimes another pinch of sugar, sometimes just a bit more time to thicken up.

Trust your instincts.

Assembly tips for loaded Sloppy Joe Sweet Potato fries

Here’s where it gets fun. Once your fries are roasted and your sloppy joe topping is ready, you’ve got options. I usually pile everything onto a big serving platter because it looks impressive and makes it easy to share (or not share, depending on how hungry you are). Scatter the cheese over the hot topping so it melts from the residual heat, or stick the whole thing under the grill for a minute.

Want to make it more substantial?

Slide the loaded fries back into a low oven for 3–4 minutes to get proper melt and a tiny bit of crusty edge where cheese meets tray. Feeling extra? Drizzle with chipotle mayo or a streak of soured cream.

Keeping it vegetarian? Use lentils or mushroom mince and swap Worcestershire for soy. Need it spicier? Add hot sauce across the top right before serving. Cooking for kids? Drop the chilli and use mozzarella for gentler vibes.

Leftovers reheat beautifully in a hot pan, though honestly, you might not see leftovers. If you want a side, think simple: a crisp green salad with a sharp dressing or just extra lime and jalapeños to keep things bright.

Feeling extra naughty? Throw in some nachos for scooping.. why the hell not!

Craving something equally naughty? Try my Sweetcorn and Butter Bean Enchiladas next, it’s a Mexican Fiesta that will fix any urges for a takeaway! And come hang out on TikTok where you can see me make these recipes in real time, sauce splatters and all!