The sloppy joe tacos recipe combines two beloved dishes to create a meal that’s fun, delicious and easy to eat. The traditional flavors of a sloppy joe blend seamlessly with crunchy taco shells for a unique twist on dinner. This recipe is ideal for anyone looking to shake up their taco night or add some innovation to their usual sloppy joe meal.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are likely already in your kitchen. The ground beef, onion, bell pepper, and garlic are kitchen staples. However, you might need to pick up Old El Paso Stand ‘N’ Stuff Taco Shells from the supermarket. These particular shells are designed to stand upright, which makes them easier to fill and eat. They are usually found in the international food aisle.
Ingredients for Sloppy Joe Tacos
Olive oil: Used as a base for cooking the beef and vegetables, it adds a layer of flavor.
Lean ground beef: A protein-rich ingredient that forms the bulk of the filling.
Yellow onion: Adds a touch of sweetness and depth to the filling.
Red bell pepper: Adds a refreshing crunch and sweetness to the mix.
Garlic cloves: Gives a robust flavor to the filling.
Tomato sauce: Acts as a base for the 'sloppy' part of the sloppy joe.
Brown sugar: Balances out the tanginess of the tomato sauce.
Worcestershire sauce: Gives a unique, tangy flavor to the meat.
Chili powder: Adds a bit of heat to the mixture.
Old El Paso Stand ‘N’ Stuff Taco Shells: Provides a handheld casing for the sloppy joe filling.
Mexican cheese: Melts into the hot beef for added creaminess and flavor.
One reader, Keriann Bunn says:
This sloppy joe tacos recipe is a game-changer! The combination of the savory beef filling and the crispy taco shells is simply irresistible. The flavors are so rich and satisfying, and it's a hit with the whole family. It's definitely a new favorite in our household!
Cooking Techniques for Sloppy Joe Tacos Recipe
How to brown ground beef: In a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking up the beef with a spoon and stirring occasionally. Drain off any excess fat and discard it.
How to sauté vegetables: Add the onion, red bell pepper, and garlic to the ground beef and continue sautéing for about 5 minutes, or until the onion is soft and translucent, stirring occasionally.
How to make the sloppy joe filling: Whisk together the tomato sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and chili powder until combined. Add the tomato sauce mixture to the ground beef and vegetables, then stir until combined. Continue cooking until the mixture reaches a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from heat.
How to assemble the tacos: Place the sloppy joe filling in the taco shells, then top with Mexican cheese and any other desired toppings. Serve immediately and enjoy!
How To Make Sloppy Joe Tacos
Turn your traditional sloppy joe into a flavorful taco meal! It’s loaded with tasteful beef, veggies and more for a filling lunch dish.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1tbspolive oil
- 1lblean ground beef
- 1small yellow onion,peeled and diced
- 1small red bell pepper,cored and diced
- 2garlic cloves,minced
- 2cupstomato sauce
- 2tbspbrown sugar,packed
- 1tbspWorcestershire sauce
- 1tspchili powder
- salt and pepper,pinch, to taste
- Old El Paso Stand ‘n’ Stuff Taco Shells,Traditional Corn or Nacho Cheese
- Mexican cheese,shredded, chopped fresh cilantro, sour cream, diced avocado, optional toppings
Instructions
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Heat the oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat.
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Add the ground beef, then cook until browned, breaking up the beef with a spoon and stirring occasionally.
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Drain off any excess fat and discard it.
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Return the pan to the heat, then add the onion, red bell pepper and garlic to the ground beef.
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Continue sautéing for about 5 minutes, or until the onion is soft and translucent, stirring occasionally.
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Whisk together the tomato sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire, and chili powder until combined.
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Once the vegetables are cooked, add the tomato sauce mixture to the ground beef, then stir until combined.
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Continue cooking until the mixture reaches a simmer.
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Reduce the heat to medium-low, then simmer for 5 minutes.
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Season with salt and pepper, then remove from heat.
To Assemble:
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Place the ground beef filling in the taco shells.
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Top with Mexican cheese, chopped parsley, or other desired toppings.
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Serve immediately, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 257.89kcal
- Fat: 17.75g
- Saturated Fat: 6.10g
- Trans Fat: 0.89g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 8.39g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.78g
- Carbohydrates: 10.60g
- Fiber: 2.00g
- Sugar: 7.18g
- Protein: 14.40g
- Cholesterol: 53.68mg
- Sodium: 479.80mg
- Calcium: 39.98mg
- Potassium: 536.82mg
- Iron: 2.66mg
- Vitamin A: 47.32µg
- Vitamin C: 23.01mg
Expert Tip for Perfecting Sloppy Joe Tacos
When browning the ground beef, make sure to break it up into small, even pieces. This not only ensures that the beef cooks evenly, but also makes it easier to distribute the beef within the taco shells. Additionally, when adding the tomato sauce mixture, stir it thoroughly to ensure that the flavors are well distributed throughout the beef. This will give your sloppy joe tacos a consistent and delicious flavor in every bite.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Sloppy Joe Tacos
Prep ahead: Chop and prepare all the vegetables and ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
One-pot wonder: Use a single large skillet or pot to cook the entire sloppy joe taco filling, minimizing cleanup and saving time.
Double batch: Consider making a larger quantity of the sloppy joe filling and storing the extra portion for future quick and easy meals.
Efficient assembly: Set up a taco assembly station with all the toppings and shells ready to go for quick and convenient serving.
Time-saving tools: Utilize kitchen tools like a food processor for chopping, a garlic press for mincing, and a can opener for efficiency.
Substitute Ingredients For Sloppy Joe Tacos Recipe
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.
lean ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a lean and healthy alternative to ground beef, offering a similar texture and flavor when seasoned well.
yellow onion - Substitute with white onion: White onions can be used as a substitute for yellow onions, providing a slightly sharper flavor that complements the dish.
red bell pepper - Substitute with green bell pepper: Green bell peppers can be used as a substitute for red bell peppers, offering a slightly different flavor profile while still adding color and crunch to the dish.
garlic cloves - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a substitute for fresh garlic cloves, providing a convenient alternative with a similar flavor.
tomato sauce - Substitute with tomato paste diluted with water: Tomato paste diluted with water can be used as a substitute for tomato sauce, offering a thicker consistency and a more concentrated tomato flavor.
brown sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can be used as a natural sweetener in place of brown sugar, adding a touch of sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish.
worcestershire sauce - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can be used as a substitute for Worcestershire sauce, providing a similar umami-rich flavor to enhance the dish.
chili powder - Substitute with paprika: Paprika can be used as a substitute for chili powder, offering a milder heat and a rich, smoky flavor to the dish.
taco shells - Substitute with lettuce wraps: Lettuce wraps can be used as a low-carb alternative to taco shells, providing a fresh and crunchy base for the sloppy joe filling.
mexican cheese - Substitute with cheddar cheese: Cheddar cheese can be used as a substitute for Mexican cheese, offering a rich and sharp flavor that pairs well with the savory sloppy joe filling.
Presentation Tips for Serving Sloppy Joe Tacos
Elevate the taco shells: Gently warm the taco shells to enhance their flavor and aroma. This will also help to make them more pliable for filling and create a delightful texture contrast.
Garnish with finesse: Sprinkle a pinch of freshly chopped parsley over the top of the filled tacos. This adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness to the dish, elevating its visual appeal.
Arrange with precision: Place the filled tacos on the plate in a symmetrical and visually appealing manner. Pay attention to the placement of each taco to create an attractive presentation.
Incorporate a touch of elegance: Consider adding a small dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of chipotle aioli on top of the tacos to add a touch of sophistication and creaminess to the dish.
Balance the flavors: Ensure that the seasoning is perfectly balanced and the flavors are harmonious. A well-balanced dish is essential for impressing the discerning palates of Michelin-starred chefs.
Attention to detail: Wipe any smudges or spills from the plate to ensure a clean and polished presentation. Details matter when aiming for the highest culinary standards.
Create height and dimension: Consider stacking the tacos in a vertical arrangement to create an eye-catching presentation. This adds a sense of drama and elegance to the dish.
Use high-quality ingredients: Opt for the finest Mexican cheese available to add a luxurious touch to the dish. The quality of the ingredients will shine through in the final presentation.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Sloppy Joe Tacos
- Olive oil: A staple in cooking, olive oil is used for sautéing and adding flavor to dishes.
- Sauté pan: A wide, flat-bottomed pan with straight sides, used for sautéing, searing, and frying foods.
- Spoon: A utensil with a handle and a small bowl-shaped head, used for stirring and serving.
- Whisk: A kitchen tool used for blending and mixing ingredients together, often used for sauces and dressings.
- Taco shells: Pre-formed taco shells are used to hold the filling and provide a crunchy texture.
- Cheese grater: A tool used to grate cheese into fine pieces for topping the tacos.
- Chopping board: A flat board used for cutting and chopping ingredients.
- Knife: A sharp tool used for slicing and chopping ingredients.
- Measuring spoons: Utensils used to measure small amounts of ingredients accurately.
- Measuring cups: Utensils used to measure liquid or dry ingredients accurately.
- Spatula: A flat, flexible tool used for lifting and flipping foods.
- Can opener: A tool used to open cans of tomato sauce and other ingredients.
- Strainer: A tool used to drain excess fat from the cooked ground beef.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Sloppy Joe Tacos
- If you have any leftover sloppy joe filling, allow it to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- To reheat the filling, simply microwave it or warm it up in a saucepan over medium heat until heated through.
- You can also freeze the leftover sloppy joe filling for up to 2-3 months. To do this, transfer the cooled filling to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing.
- When ready to use the frozen filling, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
- If you have any leftover taco shells, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. To help maintain their crispness, you can place a piece of paper towel in the container to absorb any excess moisture.
- Alternatively, you can freeze the taco shells for up to 1 month. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.
- To reheat frozen taco shells, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), then place the shells on a baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
How To Reheat Leftover Sloppy Joe Tacos
- The best way to reheat leftover sloppy joe tacos is to first remove the filling from the taco shells and place it in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover the bowl with a damp paper towel and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
- If you prefer a crispier taco shell, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the empty taco shells on a baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until crispy and warm. Then, fill the shells with the reheated sloppy joe mixture and serve immediately.
- Another option is to reheat the sloppy joe filling in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the mixture is heated through, then spoon it into the taco shells. This method allows you to adjust the consistency of the filling by adding a little water or tomato sauce if it has thickened too much during storage.
- For a quick and easy reheating method, you can also assemble the leftover sloppy joe tacos and wrap them in foil. Place the wrapped tacos in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This method will help keep the taco shells crispy while reheating the filling at the same time.
- If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat your sloppy joe tacos. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C), then place the assembled tacos in the basket and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the filling is heated through and the taco shells are crispy.
Interesting Trivia About Sloppy Joe Tacos
The Sloppy Joe Tacos recipe is a unique fusion of two classic dishes, combining the flavors of Sloppy Joes with the convenience of tacos. This dish offers a fun and creative way to enjoy a beloved comfort food in a new and exciting form. The combination of seasoned ground beef, savory tomato sauce, and vibrant vegetables creates a delicious and satisfying filling for the taco shells. This recipe is a great option for a quick and flavorful meal that the whole family will love.
Budget-Friendly: Making Sloppy Joe Tacos at Home
The cost-effectiveness of this sloppy joe tacos recipe largely depends on the availability and cost of ingredients in your area. Ground beef, vegetables, and pantry staples are generally affordable. The versatility of the ingredients allows for cost-effective variations. As a culinary chef, I rate this recipe an 8 for its balance of flavor and simplicity. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20, making it a budget-friendly option for a satisfying meal.
Are Sloppy Joe Tacos Healthy or Unhealthy?
The sloppy joe tacos recipe, while tasty, may not be the healthiest option due to a few factors:
- Ground beef, especially if not lean, can be high in saturated fat and calories.
- The recipe calls for brown sugar and tomato sauce, which can add extra sugar and sodium to the dish.
- Taco shells are often made from refined grains and may be fried, adding unhealthy fats and calories.
- The recipe doesn't include many vegetables, which are essential for a balanced meal.
However, the recipe does have some positive aspects, such as the inclusion of onion, bell pepper, and garlic, which provide some nutrients and flavor.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Opt for lean ground beef (90% or higher) or substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lower-fat option.
- Reduce the amount of brown sugar or replace it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
- Choose a low-sodium tomato sauce or make your own using fresh tomatoes to control the sodium content.
- Swap the taco shells for whole-grain tortillas or lettuce wraps for a more nutrient-dense and lower-calorie option.
- Increase the amount of vegetables in the recipe by adding diced carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms to the meat mixture.
- Top the tacos with fresh salsa, diced tomatoes, or sliced avocado for added nutrients and healthy fats.
Editor's Opinion on the Sloppy Joe Tacos Recipe
This Sloppy Joe Tacos recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. The combination of savory ground beef, sweet tomato sauce, and aromatic spices creates a mouthwatering filling for the taco shells. The addition of red bell pepper and onion adds a pleasant crunch and depth of flavor. The use of Mexican cheese as a topping enhances the richness of the dish. Overall, this recipe offers a fun twist on traditional tacos and is sure to be a hit at any gathering.
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Why trust this Sloppy Joe Tacos Recipe:
This recipe offers a unique twist on the classic sloppy joe, combining the flavors of a traditional sloppy joe with the convenience and fun of tacos. The use of fresh ingredients such as onion, red bell pepper, and garlic adds depth of flavor, while the combination of tomato sauce, brown sugar, and worcestershire sauce creates a rich and savory sauce. The incorporation of chili powder adds a hint of warmth, and the choice of Mexican cheese and taco shells provides a delightful and satisfying crunch. Trust this recipe for a delicious and innovative meal experience.
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