Cheesy Taco Sloppy Joes is a one-pan, budget-friendly dinner ready in just 30 minutes, hearty, very cheesy, and featuring Mexican flavors.
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon butter unsalted
- 1 medium red onion diced
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- 2-3 jalapeños diced - or less
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 1 cup Mexican blend shredded cheese
- 6 brioche hamburger buns
- 2 diced tomatoes
- sour cream
- chopped cilantro or parsley
- fresh lime
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Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the butter.
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Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced jalapeño peppers. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring a few times, until the veggies start to soften.
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Add the beef to the pan and break it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula. Distribute evenly and mix in with the veggies. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring a few times. Drain excess fat.
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Add the taco seasoning, tomato sauce, salt, and black pepper to the pan and stir to combine.
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In a small cup, mix the beef broth and cornstarch, then add the slurry to the pan. Stir to combine, then cook for another 5 minutes, or until the mixture is only slightly liquid.
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Turn off the heat, mix in the Mexican blend cheese.
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Serve on toasted brioche buns topped with diced tomatoes, sour cream, cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
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Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
Using the right ground beef
Anyone who reads my recipes knows that I only like to use organic, grass-fed ground beef. This is because it is healthier and has fewer additives, such as chemicals from pesticides and hormones. It is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, which are good for you, and it has less fat than regular ground beef. Speaking of fat, I also like to use 85/15 or 80/20 ground beef, so I don’t end up with more grease than meat after browning.
More tips to consider:
- Leave out the jalapeños if someone in your family isn't into spicy food. Or substitute it with a green bell pepper.
- Make the sloppy joes ahead of time and keep the meat mixture in the fridge until you’re ready to serve it. Then, just reheat it and put it on the buns with the toppings.
- Taco seasoning can be made easily with chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano.
- Toasting the buns is optional, but it does help keep them from getting soggy.
- I highly recommend wearing kitchen gloves when handling jalapeños to prevent oil from getting on your skin.