Taco Sloppy Joes: Your Ultimate Guide to Easy, Flavorful Weeknight Dinners

In the whirlwind of busy weeknights, finding dinner recipes that are both quick to prepare and universally loved by the family can feel like a quest. We’re all searching for that magical meal that can be on the table in about 20 minutes, satisfying hungry eaters without a single complaint. High expectations, perhaps, but entirely achievable! This quest has led us to transform a beloved American classic into a vibrant, Mexican-inspired dish: Taco Sloppy Joes. Get ready to ditch the dinner dilemma and embrace a new family favorite.

A close up of a taco flavored sloppy joe on a plate

For many of us, sloppy Joes evoke a sense of nostalgia, a comforting taste of childhood. I grew up on homemade sloppy Joes, a recipe passed down that I still cherish today. But sometimes, a classic is ripe for a delicious twist. And what better twist than a Mexican one? Anything with a touch of taco seasoning, a hint of chili, and a generous sprinkle of cheese instantly becomes a hit in my household. These Taco Sloppy Joes take all the messy, savory goodness of the original and infuse it with the irresistible flavors of your favorite tacos, making them an exciting and easy addition to your weekly meal rotation.

Quick weeknight dinners are a necessity, not a luxury. They are the cornerstone of making it through demanding schedules while still enjoying quality family time around the dinner table. Recipes like Crunchy Southwestern Chicken Wraps, which can be whipped up in 15 minutes or even prepped ahead, are lifesavers. These Taco Sloppy Joes fit perfectly into that category – they are not only incredibly delicious and satisfying but also incredibly fast, ensuring you spend less time cooking and more time enjoying your meal.

Essential Ingredients for Taco Sloppy Joes

You’ll find the complete, printable recipe card at the bottom of this post!

Ground Beef: The hearty base of our sloppy Joes. Lean ground beef works best to avoid excess grease, but feel free to substitute with ground turkey for a lighter, equally delicious option. Ground Turkey Sloppy Joes are another fantastic quick dinner idea.
Onion: Adds a foundational aromatic flavor. Finely chopped, it blends seamlessly into the mixture.
Garlic: A crucial flavor booster that pairs perfectly with both beef and Mexican spices. Minced garlic quickly releases its pungent aroma.
Corn: Provides a touch of sweetness and textural contrast. Canned or frozen corn kernels work wonderfully. For an extra boost of protein and fiber, you can also add or substitute with black beans (drained and rinsed).
Taco Seasoning: The star of the show, delivering that unmistakable Mexican flavor. A store-bought packet offers convenience, or you can elevate your dish with Homemade Taco Seasoning, which allows you to control the spice level and salt content. It’s excellent to have on hand!
Rotel Tomatoes (Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies): These provide both diced tomatoes for a rich base and green chilies for a mild, zesty kick, contributing to the “taco” element.
Tomato Sauce: Helps create the classic sloppy Joe saucy consistency, bringing all the flavors together.
Hamburger Buns: The traditional way to serve sloppy Joes, perfectly cradling the flavorful filling.
Cheddar Cheese: A generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese on top adds a melty, creamy finish that complements the taco flavors beautifully.

This recipe truly simplifies dinner prep. Essentially, you’re making a seasoned taco meat mixture, blending it with a few key ingredients, and then serving it up in classic sloppy Joe fashion. The beauty lies in its versatility and ease. Once your delicious filling is ready, the fun begins with your favorite taco toppings!

If you find yourself with extra ground beef, consider making this amazing Taco Rice for another incredibly quick and satisfying meal that’s sure to be a hit with everyone.

How to Make Flavorful Taco Sloppy Joes

Brown the Beef and Onions: Begin by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and finely chopped onion, breaking up the meat with a spoon as it cooks. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the beef is fully browned and the onions have softened and become translucent. It’s important to drain any excess grease from the pan at this stage to prevent a greasy final product.
Add Garlic and Season: Once the beef is browned and drained, stir in the minced garlic. Cook for just about 1 minute more, until you can smell its fragrant aroma – be careful not to burn it! Next, add the corn kernels (and black beans, if using) and the taco seasoning. Stir thoroughly to ensure every bit of meat and vegetable is coated in the delicious spice blend.
Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies and the tomato sauce. Stir everything together well. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 5 minutes. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the sauce to thicken slightly. Taste and season with a little salt and pepper as needed, adjusting to your preference.
Serve and Enjoy: Once the sloppy Joe mixture is perfectly saucy and seasoned, scoop generous portions onto toasted hamburger buns. Crown your sloppy Joes with shredded cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt slightly from the heat of the filling. For an extra touch of fun and crunch, consider adding your favorite taco toppings.

My family often tops traditional sloppy Joes with potato chips for an added crunch. For these Taco Sloppy Joes, I like to serve them with Fritos corn chips right on the side or even crumbled on top, providing that satisfying textural element that everyone loves. This simple addition elevates the meal and makes it even more appealing, especially to kids.

While the recipe primarily calls for corn kernels, remember the flexibility to add a 15-ounce can of black beans (drained and rinsed) along with or in place of the corn. This not only bulks up the meal but also adds more protein and a different textural dimension, making it even heartier and more nutritious.

Customizing Your Taco Sloppy Joes

One of the best things about Taco Sloppy Joes is how easily they can be customized to suit your family’s tastes. Beyond the classic cheddar, consider other toppings like a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, fresh diced avocado or guacamole, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for those who like extra heat. Shredded lettuce or a fresh pico de gallo can add a wonderful fresh crunch. For an even more authentic taco experience, try serving the mixture in hard or soft taco shells instead of buns, or even as a filling for quesadillas or burrito bowls over rice.

Serving Suggestions for a Complete Meal

These Taco Sloppy Joes are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of sides, whether you prefer classic Mexican accompaniments or simple dishes for a quick weeknight spread.

Mexican Coleslaw: A refreshing and zesty coleslaw with a lime-cilantro dressing offers a crisp, tangy contrast to the rich, savory sloppy Joe.
Tossed Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is always a great choice for a fresh, healthy balance.
Sauteed Asparagus: For a more unexpected vegetable side, tender sautéed asparagus adds a touch of elegance and a lovely green crunch.
Air Fryer Tater Tots: Crispy tater tots, especially when made in an air fryer, are a fun and easy side that kids and adults alike will love, offering a satisfying potato crunch.
Mexican Rice or Cilantro Lime Rice: A classic pairing that makes the meal even more substantial and flavorful.
Tortilla Chips with Salsa and Guacamole: Keep the taco theme strong with crunchy chips and fresh dips.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips

Leftover Taco Sloppy Joe filling is a dream for future meals! Store any unused filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. It reheats beautifully in the microwave or on the stovetop, making it perfect for quick lunches or another easy dinner later in the week. For even longer storage, the cooked filling can be frozen in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and then reheat. This makes Taco Sloppy Joes an excellent candidate for meal prepping, allowing you to have a flavorful, ready-to-go meal whenever hunger strikes.

Taco Sloppy Joes

By
Erin Sellin

Taco Sloppy Joes – homemade sloppy Joes just got a Mexican makeover! Seasoned with taco seasoning, chilies and topped with cheese make them perfect for any night of the week!

Prep:
5 mins

Cook:
20 mins

Total:
25 mins

Servings:
5

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground beef
1 small Onion, finely chopped
2 cloves Garlic, minced
1 cup Corn
1 packet Taco Seasoning
10 ounce diced tomatoes with green chiles
8 ounce tomato Sauce
5 Hamburger Buns
1/2 cup Cheddar Cheese, shredded

Instructions

In a large skillet, brown ground beef and onion, breaking up the meat, for 5-7 minutes, or until the meat is cooked and the onions are soft. Drain any fat from the pan.
Mix in garlic and cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant.
Mix in corn kernels and taco seasoning, stir until well combined.
Add diced tomatoes with green chilies and tomato sauce. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper as desired.
Serve on hamburger buns, topped with shredded cheddar cheese.

Notes

Add a 15 oz can of black beans (drained and rinsed) with the corn (or in place of the corn) for a twist and added heartiness.

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Author:
Erin Sellin

Prep Time:
5 minutes

Cook Time:
20 minutes

Total Time:
25 minutes

Course:
Dinner Recipes

Cuisine:
American

Servings:
5

Calories:
488

More Great Easy Dinner Recipes to Try!

If you loved the simplicity and flavor of these Taco Sloppy Joes, you’re in for a treat! Discover more fantastic Easy Dinner Recipes designed to make your weeknights stress-free and delicious. Expand your culinary repertoire with these family-friendly options:

Chicken Pot Pie Noodles
Chicken Tostadas
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Pizza Grilled Cheese
Garlic Beef Noodle Bowls

We love hearing from you! If you tried and enjoyed this recipe, please consider leaving a comment below and sharing your thoughts. Your feedback helps us improve and encourages others to try these delicious meals!

I created a fun group on Facebook, and I would love for you to join us! It’s a place where you can share YOUR favorite recipes, ask questions, and stay updated on what’s new at Dinners, Dishes and Desserts (so that you never miss a new recipe)!

Be sure to follow me on Instagram and tag #dinnersdishes so I can see all the wonderful DINNERS, DISHES, AND DESSERTS recipes YOU make!

Be sure to follow me on my social media, so you never miss a post!

Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram