Get ready to experience a mouthwatering fusion of two classic comfort foods. Sloppy joe quesadillas are the perfect blend of sweet and savory, combining the iconic flavors of the traditional sloppy joe in a crunchy and cheesy quesadilla. It's an easy and delicious weeknight dinner that is sure to please everyone at the table.
This recipe involves some ingredients that may not be commonly found in your pantry. Monterey Jack and cheddar, the types of cheese used for the quesadillas, can sometimes be tricky to find but most supermarkets will stock them in the cheese section. Also, the recipe uses flour tortillas, which you can find in the international aisle of your local grocery store. Remember to grab kosher salt, if it's not already in your kitchen.
Sloppy Joe Quesadillas Ingredients
Olive oil: This is used for sautéing the onions and garlic, forming the flavorful base for the sloppy joe mixture.
Onion: Adds a sweet and mellow flavor to the mixture.
Garlic: Gives a pleasant and savory taste to the sloppy joe mixture.
Ground beef: This is the heart of the sloppy joe mixture, providing a rich meaty flavor.
Ketchup: Adds a sweet and tangy taste to the sloppy joe mixture.
Brown sugar: Balances the tanginess of the ketchup and mustard.
Mustard: Gives a tangy kick to the sloppy joe mixture.
Chili powder: Adds a bit of heat to the mixture.
Salt and pepper: Seasonings which enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
Flour tortillas: They form the outer layer of the quesadillas, providing a crispy texture.
Cheddar: A widely-used cheese known for its mildly sharp and creamy flavor.
Monterey Jack: It's a creamy cheese that melts well, making it perfect for quesadillas.
One reader, Jim Sharma says:
This sloppy joe quesadilla recipe is a game-changer! The fusion of flavors is mind-blowing, and the cheesy, meaty goodness is irresistible. It's a quick and easy meal that's perfect for busy weeknights. My family absolutely loved it, and it's now a regular on our dinner menu. Highly recommended!
Techniques Required for Making Sloppy Joe Quesadillas
How to cook ground beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until no longer pink, for about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
How to make the sloppy joe mixture: In the same skillet, stir in the ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and chili powder. Season generously with salt and pepper. Simmer the mixture until thick, for about 5 minutes.
How to assemble the quesadillas: Place a flour tortilla in a skillet over medium-high heat. Top it with the sloppy joe mixture, then sprinkle with cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Place a second tortilla on top. Cook until the bottom tortilla is golden, about 2 minutes, then flip and cook until the second tortilla is golden and the cheese has melted, about 2 more minutes.
How to serve: Slice the quesadillas into wedges and serve warm.
How To Make Sloppy Joe Quesadillas
Time to switch from buns to flour tortillas with this delicious sloppy joe quesadillas made with ground beef mixture and sprinkled with cheese in between.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1tbspextra virgin olive oil
- ½onion,chopped
- 2garlic cloves
- 1lbground beef
- ½cupketchup
- ⅓cupbrown sugar
- 2tbspmustard
- 1tbspchili powder
- kosher salt
- freshly ground black pepper
- 4medium flour tortillas
- 1cupcheddar,shredded
- 1cupmonterey jack,shredded
Instructions
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In a large skillet over medium heat, heat oil, and cook onions until tender for about 5 minutes.
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Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant for about 30 seconds. Add ground beef and cook until no longer pink for 6 to 8 minutes.
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Drain fat. Stir in ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and chili powder, and season generously with salt and pepper.
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Simmer until thick for 5 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a plate and a clean skillet.
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Over medium-high heat, add a flour tortilla to the skillet. Top with the ground beef mixture then sprinkle with cheddar and Monterey Jack.
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.Place a second tortilla on top. Cook until the bottom tortilla is golden for about 2 minutes, then flip and cook until the second tortilla is golden and the cheese has melted for about 2 more minutes
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Repeat with remaining ingredients.
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Slice into wedges and serve warm.
Nutrition
- Calories: 817.74kcal
- Fat: 51.55g
- Saturated Fat: 22.44g
- Trans Fat: 1.73g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 20.27g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.02g
- Carbohydrates: 48.86g
- Fiber: 2.80g
- Sugar: 20.56g
- Protein: 40.65g
- Cholesterol: 143.54mg
- Sodium: 1268.80mg
- Calcium: 605.58mg
- Potassium: 615.21mg
- Iron: 4.94mg
- Vitamin A: 194.76µg
- Vitamin C: 2.89mg
Helpful Technique for Perfecting Sloppy Joe Quesadillas
When preparing your sloppy joe quesadillas, it's important to balance the heat properly. Too high, and your tortillas may burn before the cheese has a chance to melt. Too low, and your quesadillas may turn out soggy rather than crispy. A medium-high heat is usually ideal for achieving a golden, crispy tortilla and perfectly melted cheese. Also, don't forget to flip the quesadilla carefully to ensure even cooking on both sides. Using a wide spatula can make this process easier and help prevent any filling from spilling out.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Recipe
Prep ahead: Prepare the sloppy joe filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This will save time on the day of making the quesadillas.
Use pre-shredded cheese: Opt for pre-shredded cheese to save time on grating and preparation.
Double batch: Consider making a double batch of the sloppy joe filling and freezing half for future use. This will save time on a busy day.
One-pan cooking: Use the same skillet for both cooking the sloppy joe filling and assembling the quesadillas to minimize cleanup.
Batch assembly: Assemble multiple quesadillas at once to expedite the cooking process and save time.
Substitute Ingredients For Sloppy Joe Quesadillas Recipe
extra virgin olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar high smoke point and mild flavor, making it a suitable replacement for olive oil in this recipe.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder and sweeter flavor compared to onions, adding a subtle and delicate taste to the dish.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a substitute for fresh garlic, providing a convenient option without compromising the flavor.
ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner alternative to ground beef and offers a lighter flavor while still providing a satisfying texture.
ketchup - Substitute with tomato sauce: Tomato sauce can be used as a substitute for ketchup, providing a smoother texture and a less sweet flavor.
brown sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup offers a natural sweetness and depth of flavor, complementing the dish with a rich and caramelized taste.
mustard - Substitute with dijon mustard: Dijon mustard provides a tangy and slightly spicy flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
chili powder - Substitute with paprika: Paprika can be used as a milder substitute for chili powder, adding a subtle smokiness and vibrant color to the dish.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for kosher salt, providing a similar level of salinity and enhancing the overall seasoning of the dish.
freshly ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a milder and less pungent flavor compared to black pepper, providing a subtle heat and aroma to the dish.
flour tortillas - Substitute with corn tortillas: Corn tortillas can be used as an alternative, offering a slightly different texture and a distinct corn flavor to the dish.
cheddar - Substitute with colby jack: Colby jack cheese provides a similar meltability and a slightly milder flavor, making it a suitable replacement for cheddar in this recipe.
monterey jack - Substitute with pepper jack: Pepper jack cheese adds a spicy kick and creamy texture, offering a flavorful alternative to monterey jack in the dish.
How to Beautifully Present Sloppy Joe Quesadillas
Elevate the plating: When presenting the sloppy joe quesadillas, focus on creating a visually appealing arrangement on the plate. Ensure that the quesadillas are neatly placed and any excess sauce is artistically drizzled around the plate.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley to add a pop of color and a hint of freshness to the overall presentation.
Incorporate contrasting textures: Consider adding a side salad with a light vinaigrette to provide a refreshing contrast to the rich and savory flavors of the quesadillas.
Utilize elegant serving ware: Opt for sleek, modern plates or platters to showcase the quesadillas in a sophisticated manner, enhancing the overall dining experience for the judges.
Emphasize precision in slicing: Ensure that the quesadillas are sliced with precision and presented in a manner that highlights the layers of cheese, meat, and tortilla, showcasing the attention to detail in the preparation.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Sloppy Joe Quesadillas
- Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and browning ingredients.
- Plate: A flat, usually round dish used for serving food.
- Spatula: A kitchen tool with a broad, flat, blunt blade, used for mixing, spreading, and turning food.
- Knife: A sharp-edged utensil used for cutting or slicing ingredients.
- Cutting board: A durable board on which to place material for cutting.
- Food processor: A kitchen appliance used for chopping, slicing, and pureeing ingredients.
- Mixing bowl: A bowl used for mixing ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Utensils used to measure exact amounts of ingredients.
- Grater: A kitchen tool with sharp-edged holes used to shred or grate ingredients.
- Cheese grater: A specific type of grater used for grating cheese.
- Olive oil: A liquid fat obtained from olives, used in cooking and dressings.
- Tortilla press: A tool used to flatten balls of dough into tortillas.
- Cooking spray: A sprayable oil used to prevent food from sticking to cookware.
- Oven: A kitchen appliance used for baking, roasting, and heating food.
- Stove: A cooking appliance used for applying heat to cookware.
Storing and Freezing Sloppy Joe Quesadillas
- Let the sloppy joe quesadillas cool completely before storing or freezing.
- To store in the refrigerator, wrap each quesadilla tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place the wrapped quesadillas in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. They will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- To freeze, wrap each quesadilla tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place the wrapped quesadillas in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Label the container or bag with the date and contents. Frozen quesadillas will keep for up to 2-3 months.
- To reheat refrigerated quesadillas, unwrap them and place them on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a skillet over medium heat until crispy and warm.
- To reheat frozen quesadillas, there's no need to thaw them first. Unwrap the frozen quesadillas and place them on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. For a crispier texture, you can also reheat them in a skillet over medium heat, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side, or until crispy and warm.
- If you have leftover sloppy joe filling, you can store it separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw frozen filling in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and using it to make fresh quesadillas.
How To Reheat Leftover Sloppy Joe Quesadillas
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover quesadillas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the tortillas are crispy and the cheese is melted. This method helps restore the crispiness of the tortillas while evenly heating the filling.
If you prefer a quicker method, you can use a skillet or griddle. Heat the skillet over medium heat and place the leftover quesadillas on the hot surface. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the tortillas are crispy and the filling is heated through. This method is ideal if you want to maintain the original texture of the quesadillas.
For a convenient option, you can use a microwave. Place the leftover quesadillas on a microwave-safe plate and heat them on high power for 30-60 seconds, or until the filling is heated through. However, keep in mind that microwaving may result in slightly softer tortillas compared to the oven or skillet methods.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat your leftover sloppy joe quesadillas. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the quesadillas in the basket. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the tortillas are crispy and the filling is heated through. This method provides a quick and crispy result without the need for additional oil.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, make sure to keep an eye on the quesadillas to avoid overcooking or burning them. You can also experiment with adding a sprinkle of water or a damp paper towel to the plate or baking sheet to help maintain moisture in the filling during the reheating process.
Interesting Trivia About Sloppy Joe Quesadillas
The Sloppy Joe Quesadillas recipe is a delicious fusion of two classic dishes, combining the flavors of a Sloppy Joe with the convenience of a quesadilla. This unique dish offers a fun twist on traditional Mexican and American cuisine, making it a versatile and satisfying meal for any occasion.
Is Making Sloppy Joe Quesadillas at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this sloppy joe quesadilla recipe largely depends on the availability and cost of ingredients in your area. Ground beef, cheese, and tortillas are generally affordable, making this a budget-friendly option. The versatility of the ingredients also allows for easy customization based on your budget and preferences. Considering the overall affordability and the potential for leftovers, this recipe could be rated a solid 8/10 for cost-effectiveness. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $15-$20, making it a reasonable choice for a satisfying meal.
Is This Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
The sloppy joe quesadillas recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The main concerns are:
- High in saturated fat due to the ground beef and cheese
- Significant amount of added sugar from the brown sugar and ketchup
- Refined carbohydrates from the flour tortillas
- Lack of vegetables or fiber-rich ingredients
However, with a few tweaks, this recipe can be made more nutritious without sacrificing flavor.
Here are some suggestions to make the sloppy joe quesadillas healthier:
- Swap ground beef for lean ground turkey or a plant-based alternative like lentils or crumbled tofu
- Reduce the amount of brown sugar and ketchup, or use a low-sugar ketchup alternative
- Use whole wheat or multigrain tortillas instead of refined flour tortillas
- Add diced bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini to the sloppy joe mixture for added nutrients and fiber
- Reduce the amount of cheese used, or opt for a lower-fat cheese like part-skim mozzarella
- Serve with a side salad or vegetable-based slaw to balance out the meal
By incorporating these changes, you can enjoy a more balanced and nutritious version of this classic comfort food mashup.
Editor's Opinion on Sloppy Joe Quesadillas
This Sloppy Joe Quesadillas recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. The savory and slightly sweet sloppy joe filling pairs perfectly with the gooey melted cheddar and Monterey jack cheese, all encased in a crispy tortilla. The combination of the tender ground beef, tangy ketchup, and aromatic spices creates a rich and satisfying filling. The process of layering the filling between two tortillas and grilling them to golden perfection adds a delightful crunch to every bite. This dish is a fun and delicious twist on classic sloppy joes and quesadillas, sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
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Why trust this Sloppy Joe Quesadillas Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful fusion of sloppy joe and quesadillas, creating a unique and flavorful dish. The combination of savory ground beef, tangy ketchup, and aromatic spices ensures a satisfying and comforting meal. With the addition of cheddar and monterey jack cheeses, this recipe promises a gooey, indulgent texture that will surely please the palate. Trust in the harmonious blend of ingredients and the simple yet effective cooking method to deliver a delicious and enjoyable dining experience.
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