Sloppy Joe Grilled Burritos Recipe
Description:
Sloppy Joe Grilled Burritos combine the best of two beloved dishes—sloppy joes and burritos. Ground beef (or turkey) cooked with a flavorful mix of tomatoes, spices, and sweetness is wrapped in a soft flour tortilla, melted cheese added for richness, and then grilled to golden perfection. The result is a fun, hearty, and indulgent meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. Easy to make and packed with flavor, these grilled burritos are sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 large flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Directions:
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Cook the Filling: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef (or turkey), diced onion, and bell pepper. Stir occasionally until the meat is fully cooked and no longer pink, and the vegetables are tender. Drain off any excess fat.
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Add Flavor: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Then add the tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well and bring to a simmer. Let the mixture cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and the flavors meld together.
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Prepare the Burritos: Preheat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Meanwhile, lay out your flour tortillas and spoon an even amount of the sloppy joe mixture into the center of each tortilla. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
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Roll Up the Burritos: Fold in the sides of each tortilla over the filling, then tightly roll it up into a burrito shape. Brush the outside of each burrito with melted butter.
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Grill the Burritos: Place the burritos seam-side down on the preheated skillet or griddle. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the tortillas are golden brown and crispy, pressing gently with a spatula to ensure they cook evenly.
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Serve & Enjoy: Slice each burrito in half, serve with your favorite side dishes, and enjoy the crispy, cheesy, and flavorful Sloppy Joe Grilled Burritos!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Variations:
- Vegetarian: Swap the ground beef with crumbled tempeh, lentils, or a plant-based meat alternative.
- Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the sloppy joe mixture for an extra kick.
- Cheese Choices: Swap cheddar cheese for mozzarella, pepper jack, or a blend of cheeses for a different twist.
- Add More Veggies: Try adding mushrooms, corn, or zucchini to the filling for more texture and flavor.
Serving Tips:
- Serve with a side of salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping.
- Pair with a fresh green salad or crispy fries to complete the meal.
- For a lighter option, use whole-wheat tortillas or lettuce wraps instead of flour tortillas.
- A drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing on top of the burritos adds a creamy element that complements the flavors beautifully.
20 FAQ:
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Can I make these burritos ahead of time? Yes! You can assemble the burritos, wrap them tightly, and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days before grilling. Just heat them in a skillet when ready to serve.
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Can I use ground chicken instead of beef? Absolutely! Ground chicken or turkey can be used as a leaner alternative to beef.
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What else can I add to the filling? Feel free to experiment with diced tomatoes, olives, or green chilies for added flavor and texture.
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Can I freeze these burritos? Yes, these burritos freeze well. Wrap them in foil and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or on a griddle.
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How do I store leftovers? Store leftover burritos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat on a skillet to maintain the crispy texture.
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Can I use taco seasoning instead of chili powder? Yes, taco seasoning would work great as a substitute for chili powder, giving a slightly different flavor profile.
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Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe? Yes! You can omit the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative for a vegan version.
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Can I add beans to the sloppy joe mixture? Definitely! Adding black beans or kidney beans is a great way to stretch the meal and add more fiber.
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Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas? Yes, corn tortillas can be used, but they are smaller and more fragile, so be careful when grilling.
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What’s the best cheese for this recipe? Cheddar cheese is the most classic option, but Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend works great too.
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How do I make the filling spicier? Add more chili powder, cayenne pepper, or chopped fresh jalapeños to the mixture for more heat.
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Can I use BBQ sauce instead of ketchup? Yes, swapping ketchup for BBQ sauce gives the filling a smoky, tangy flavor.
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How can I make this recipe gluten-free? Use gluten-free tortillas and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
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Can I make this recipe in the oven? Yes, after assembling the burritos, place them on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes until crispy.
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Can I use a different protein? Ground pork, sausage, or even shredded chicken can be used as a substitute for beef or turkey.
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What’s the best way to reheat these burritos? Reheat them on a skillet or griddle for the best crispy texture.
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Can I use low-fat cheese? Yes, you can use low-fat cheese, but it might not melt as well as full-fat cheese.
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What should I serve with these burritos? Serve with a side of Mexican rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad for a complete meal.
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How do I make the filling thicker? If you prefer a thicker filling, simmer it for longer or stir in a little cornstarch mixed with water to thicken the sauce.
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Can I make this recipe spicy-sweet? Yes, you can add a little honey or sriracha to balance the heat with sweetness.
20 Best Tips to Make Sloppy Joe Grilled Burritos:
- Use lean ground beef or turkey to make the dish lighter while still maintaining flavor.
- Brown the meat well to get deeper, richer flavors before adding the other ingredients.
- Let the sloppy joe mixture simmer for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Don’t overstuff the burritos—you want to be able to roll them tightly without spilling out the filling.
- Brush the outside of the burritos with butter for an extra crispy and golden crust.
- Preheat the griddle or skillet properly before adding the burritos to ensure even cooking.
- Keep the burritos seam-side down while grilling to prevent them from unrolling.
- Wrap burritos in foil before freezing to keep them fresh.
- Use a non-stick skillet or griddle to avoid sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Try different cheese combinations—cheddar, mozzarella, and even pepper jack work wonderfully.
- Experiment with different proteins, such as ground chicken, turkey, or pork.
- Season generously with salt and pepper to balance the sweetness of the sauce.
- Use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder for a more authentic flavor.
- Add a pinch of sugar to balance out the acidity of the tomato sauce.
- Grill the burritos in batches if you’re making a large batch to prevent overcrowding the pan.
- Use a spatula to press the burritos down slightly while grilling to get a crispier crust.
- Wrap the tortillas in a damp cloth and microwave them for a few seconds before filling to prevent them from tearing.
- Make your own sloppy joe seasoning by mixing chili powder, cumin, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Add fresh herbs like cilantro to the filling for an extra burst of flavor.
- Serve with fresh toppings such as diced avocado, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for added freshness.
With these tips, variations, and FAQ sections, you’ll be well on your way to making the best Sloppy Joe Grilled Burritos that will satisfy everyone at the table!
