Get ready for Taco Joes, a Mexican twist on the classic sloppy joe sandwich! With just a pound of ground beef, taco seasoning, salsa, and a handful of simple ingredients, whip up this unique and satisfying dinner any night of the week!
These sandwiches are tasty and super easy to switch up. Wanna mix it up? Go for Turkey Sloppy Joe's and pair them with Loaded Fries or a Creamy Cucumber Salad. Then, finish up with a slice of Strawberry Jello Poke Cake.
Taco Joes Recipe
It's Taco Tuesday, and you don't have any tortillas. What should you do? Make Taco Joes! This fun sandwich is a unique take on a traditional sloppy joe and is perfect for enjoying those classic Mexican flavors in a brand-new way.
The classic sloppy joe is a sandwich filling that is made with ground beef bell peppers and coated in a savory-based tomato sauce. The filling is loose, scooped onto a bun, and enjoyed as a sandwich. It's a popular dinner choice in America because it's easy to make and easy to eat!
Mexican Sloppy Joes
Instead of making a savory tomato-based sauce for the ground beef, you'll use a packet of taco seasoning, cheddar cheese, and a jar of salsa. This adds rich, smoky Mexican flavors along with a fresh salsa taste that keeps the meat moist and ready for a sandwich roll.
Brown a pound of ground beef, add diced onions, and drain excess grease. Stir in taco seasoning, salsa, and shredded cheddar until melty and saucy. Serve in hamburger buns with your favorite toppings and side dishes; dinner is ready!
Quick and Easy Dinner
- Make this dinner recipe using simple ingredients you likely already have on hand.
- Enjoy it in 20 minutes or less; it's perfect for those busy evenings when you need something tasty in a pinch.
- Serve Taco Joes with a variety of sides, from crispy fries to a refreshing salad, making it adaptable to everyone's taste.
- Get creative with your choice of bread - whether it's hamburger buns, tortillas, or even crusty rolls, they can be customized to whatever bread you have on hand.
- Change it up and use ground beef or turkey, depending on your dietary preferences.
Ingredients For Taco Joes
- Ground Beef - Serves as the protein base, adding meaty texture and flavor to the dish.
- Yellow Onion - Brings a sweet and savory element, enhancing the overall taste.
- Taco Seasoning - Infuses the recipe with a bold, Mexican-inspired taste, including a blend of spices like chili powder, cumin, and paprika.
- Salsa - Not only adds a tangy kick but also contributes to the saucy consistency, complementing the taco seasoning and lending a vibrant tomato flavor.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese - Melts into the mixture, creating a creamy, cheesy element that binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
- Hamburger Buns - Act as the vessel for your Taco Joes, holding the flavorful filling, making them easy to enjoy as sandwiches.
How To Make Taco Joes
Cook the ground beef: Add the ground beef to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking up into pieces with a spatula until it's broken up into small pieces and fully browned.
Add onions: Pour the diced onions in with the ground beef and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes or until the onions become soft. Drain off the excess oil.
Add seasonings: To the ground beef and onion mixture, add the taco seasoning, salsa, and shredded cheese. Cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens.
Serve and enjoy: Spoon into hamburger buns and serve with your favorite toppings. Enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- Use lean ground beef to minimize excess grease in the skillet during cooking.
- Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the ground beef to achieve a nice sear and to get the best flavor out of the beef.
- Dice the yellow onion finely to blend seamlessly into the mixture and avoid large chunks.
- Drain the excess grease from the skillet after cooking the ground beef and onions to reduce excess oil in the dish.
- Choose a salsa with your preferred level of spiciness to tailor the heat to your taste.
- Use high-quality shredded cheddar cheese for a smoother melting texture. Cheddar cheese shredded right from the block has the best quality.
- Toast the hamburger buns lightly before serving to add a crunch and to keep the bun from getting too soggy.
Flavor Variations and Substitutions
- For a spicier kick, use hot restaurant style salsa or add diced jalapeños when cooking the ground beef.
- Experiment with different types of cheese, like pepper jack or Monterey Jack.
- Add a can of drained black beans or corn to the mixture for extra texture and flavor.
- Use lettuce leaves or whole wheat tortillas instead of hamburger buns for a low-carb option.
- Enhance the smokiness by mixing in a teaspoon of smoked paprika with the taco seasoning.
- Opt for ground pork and green salsa for a variation with a different flavor profile.
- Create a vegetarian version by substituting the ground beef with crumbled tofu or plant-based protein, using vegan cheese and toppings like diced tomatoes and red onions.
Taco Joes Toppings
- Lettuce
- Tomatoes
- Sour cream
- Avocado slices or guacamole
- Sliced black olives
- Pickled jalapeños
- Chopped cilantro
- Diced red onions
- Sliced green onions
- Authentic Pico de Gallo
- Squeeze of fresh lime juice
Storing & Freezing Taco Joes
Storing: Keep any leftover Taco Joes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
Freezing: Place the cooled meat mixture in a freezer-safe container or a resealable bag, removing as much air as possible, and store it for up to three months.
Reheating: Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
FAQ
Ground chicken can be a great substitute for ground beef in this recipe, offering a lighter and milder flavor. Just follow the same cooking instructions and adjust the seasoning to your taste
Drain excess grease after cooking the ground beef and onions to avoid sogginess. Using fresh and well-drained salsa and toasting the hamburger buns lightly can also help maintain a desirable texture.
Yes, you can prepare the filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the mixture and assemble the sandwiches with fresh toppings and buns for a convenient party dish.
Make a delicious vegetarian version by substituting ground beef with crumbled tofu or plant-based protein, using vegan cheese, and incorporating your favorite plant-based toppings like diced tomatoes, red onions, and avocado.
More Easy Mexican Dinner Recipes
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Taco Joes
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ cup yellow onion diced
- 1 package taco seasoning
- 1¼ cup salsa
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 6 hamburger buns
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook for 6-8 minutes or until browned, breaking up the ground beef with a spatula.
- Add onions and cook for 4-5 minutes or until they become soft. Then, drain the excess grease.
- Then, add taco seasoning, salsa, and shredded cheese. Cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens.
- Serve in hamburger buns topped with your favorite toppings.
Nutrition
*All nutrition information provided is automatically calculated and is an estimate and will vary based on ingredients, brands, and changes in cooking methods listed in the recipe. If you need exact numbers on your ingredients, I would recommend calculating them with your prefered nutrition calculator.
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