Sloppy Joe Grilled Burritos Recipe

Zesty Sloppy Joe Grilled Burritos Recipe: Tasty Family Fusion

Crazy delicious sloppy joe grilled burritos combine two classic comfort foods in one epic meal.

Meat lovers will absolutely devour this unexpected twist on traditional recipes.

Hearty ground beef mingles with tangy sauce inside warm tortillas.

Crispy grilled exteriors promise a satisfying crunch with every single bite.

Melted cheese adds rich, gooey goodness that makes this dish impossible to resist.

Weekend cooking becomes an adventure when you bring these flavor-packed burritos to the table.

Pack some serious flavor into your next dinner and watch everyone ask for seconds.

What Makes Sloppy Joe Grilled Burritos So Satisfying

  • Savor Hearty Fusion: Blend classic sloppy joe flavors with the crispy, handheld convenience of a burrito for a mouthwatering meal that breaks traditional recipe boundaries.
  • Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for busy families and casual gatherings, this recipe transforms familiar ingredients into an exciting dinner that appeals to both kids and adults.
  • Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by adding extra vegetables, adjusting spice levels, or swapping proteins to match personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
  • Simple Cooking Technique: Master a straightforward cooking method that creates a crispy exterior while maintaining a deliciously melty, flavor-packed interior of the burrito.

Ingredients Needed for Sloppy Joe Grilled Burritos

Protein Base:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty meat that provides the main flavor and substance for the Sloppy Joe mixture.
Vegetables:
  • Green Peppers, Red Peppers, Onions: Fresh vegetables that add crunch, color, and additional flavor to the meat mixture.
Seasoning and Sauce Components:
  • Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the ground beef.
  • Ketchup: A sweet and tangy base for the Sloppy Joe sauce.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: A rich, umami condiment that adds depth to the sauce.
  • Onion Powder: A concentrated seasoning that provides a consistent onion flavor.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness and helps caramelize the sauce.
Cheese and Dairy:
  • Shredded Cheese, Milk, Butter: A creamy combination that creates a smooth, rich cheese sauce.
Wrap and Cooking Components:
  • Large Tortillas: Soft flour tortillas used to wrap the Sloppy Joe mixture.
  • Vegetable Oil: Used for frying the burritos to create a crispy exterior.
Garnish:
  • Additional Shredded Cheddar Cheese: A final sprinkle of cheese for extra flavor and visual appeal.

Instructions to Assemble Sloppy Joe Grilled Burritos

Step 1: Sear and Season the Beef

Brown the ground beef in a skillet. Add chopped ingredients:
  • Green peppers
  • Red peppers
  • Onions
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Drain excess fat from the pan to keep the mixture lean and flavorful.

Step 2: Create Signature Sloppy Joe Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together:
  • Ketchup
  • Worcestershire Sauce
  • Onion powder
  • Brown sugar

Stir until the ingredients are well combined and smooth.

Step 3: Merge Meat and Sauce

Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet with ground beef. Stir thoroughly to coat the meat evenly with the tangy, sweet sauce.

Step 4: Prepare Creamy Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan, melt together:
  • Shredded cheese
  • Milk
  • Butter

Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally until the mixture becomes smooth and velvety.

Step 5: Warm the Cooking Surface

Add oil to a clean skillet and heat on medium temperature, preparing for the burrito assembly.

Step 6: Assemble the Burritos

Lay out large tortillas. Spoon sloppy joe mixture into the center of each tortilla. Top with a generous helping of cheese sauce. Roll the tortillas into compact burritos, tucking in the sides.

Step 7: Grill to Golden Perfection

Carefully place burritos in the heated skillet. Fry each side for 1 to 2 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.

Step 8: Final Cheese Flourish

Sprinkle additional shredded Cheddar cheese over the hot burritos for an extra layer of cheesy goodness.

Helpful Tips for Sloppy Joe Grilled Burritos Success

  • Select lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of the dish.
  • Drain meat thoroughly after browning to prevent greasy burritos and ensure a crispy exterior.
  • Experiment with different peppers like jalapeños for added heat or bell peppers for more sweetness.
  • Use whole wheat tortillas for a nutritious twist and extra fiber in the meal.
  • Keep cheese sauce temperature low to prevent burning and achieve smooth, creamy consistency.

Flavorful Alternatives to Try with Sloppy Joe Grilled Burritos

  • Spicy Southwest Sloppy Joe Burritos: Add diced jalapeños and a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture for a fiery kick.
  • Vegetarian Bean Burritos: Replace ground beef with black beans and add corn kernels for a protein-packed meat-free version.
  • Breakfast Sloppy Joe Burrito: Incorporate scrambled eggs and serve with salsa for a morning meal option.
  • Mediterranean-Style Burritos: Mix in crumbled feta cheese and add chopped olives to create a Mediterranean-inspired variation.

Best Sides to Pair with Sloppy Joe Grilled Burritos

  • Pair with Bold Red Wine: Choose a robust Zinfandel or Cabernet Sauvignon that can stand up to the rich, meaty flavors of the sloppy joe burrito.
  • Complement with Crisp Coleslaw: Create a tangy side dish with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a light vinegar-based dressing to cut through the heaviness of the fried burrito.
  • Cool Down with Creamy Dip: Whip up a quick ranch or sour cream-based dip with fresh herbs like chives or parsley to provide a cool, refreshing contrast to the spicy and savory burrito.
  • Refresh with Mexican Lager: Grab a cold beer like Corona or Modelo to cleanse the palate and enhance the southwestern-style flavors of the dish.

Proper Storage Methods for Sloppy Joe Grilled Burritos

  • Store leftover burritos in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Wrap each burrito individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain freshness.
  • Place cooled burritos in freezer-safe bags or containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
  • Unwrap frozen burrito and place on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for 2-3 minutes, turning halfway through. Add extra cheese on top for extra flavor.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Wrap burrito in aluminum foil and warm for 10-15 minutes. Remove foil for the last 2 minutes to crisp the tortilla exterior.

FAQs About Sloppy Joe Grilled Burritos

  • What makes the sloppy joe sauce unique?

The homemade sauce combines ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and brown sugar, creating a tangy and slightly sweet flavor that elevates the traditional sloppy joe taste.

  • Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is an excellent lean protein alternative that works perfectly in this recipe and provides a similar texture and taste.

  • How can I prevent the burrito from falling apart while frying?

Make sure to roll the burrito tightly and seal the edges by folding them inward, which helps keep the filling secure during the frying process.

  • Is there a way to make this recipe spicier?

Add some diced jalapeños to the beef mixture or include a dash of hot sauce in the sloppy joe sauce to increase the heat level according to your preference.

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Sloppy Joe Grilled Burritos Recipe

Sloppy Joe Grilled Burritos Recipe


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4.5 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Sloppy joe grilled burritos bring messy comfort food to a crispy handheld delight. Melted cheese, seasoned beef, and zesty sauce create a mouthwatering fusion that promises pure satisfaction for hungry diners.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat:

  • 2 pounds lean ground beef

Vegetables:

  • 2 tablespoons chopped onion
  • 2 tablespoons red bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons green bell peppers

Seasonings and Sauces:

  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 teaspoons light brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

Cheese and Dairy:

  • 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/3 cup milk
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, additional for sprinkling

Instructions

  1. Sauté ground beef in a skillet until browned, incorporating diced green and red peppers, onions, salt, and pepper. Eliminate excess grease.
  2. Whisk together ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and brown sugar in a separate bowl.
  3. Pour sauce mixture into the beef skillet, thoroughly blending ingredients.
  4. Create cheese sauce by gently melting shredded cheese, milk, and butter over low heat, stirring until smooth.
  5. Warm 3 tablespoons of oil in a clean skillet over medium temperature.
  6. Position large tortillas and center each with a generous portion of sloppy joe mixture, topping with melted cheese sauce.
  7. Carefully roll tortillas into compact burritos, ensuring secure edges.
  8. Fry burritos for 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy, achieving a beautiful exterior.
  9. Transfer burritos to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
  10. Garnish with additional shredded Cheddar cheese for extra flavor and visual appeal.

Notes

  • Trim excess fat from ground beef before browning to reduce greasiness and create a cleaner, healthier dish.
  • Experiment with bell pepper colors like yellow or orange for added visual appeal and subtle flavor variations.
  • Consider using lean ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter, more diet-friendly version of the recipe.
  • Enhance cheese sauce by mixing different cheese types like sharp cheddar and pepper jack for a more complex flavor profile.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 478
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 520 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 19 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Creating single-serving recipes tailored for individuals, small households, or meal preppers
  • Culinary arts with a focus on clean plating and natural styling for food photography
  • Working with fermented ingredients and dairy-based cooking techniques
  • Designing seasonal menus that use fresh, locally sourced produce

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Bend, OR

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Gained hands-on experience in professional kitchens, learning advanced recipe development, seasonal ingredient sourcing, and simple, beautiful food presentation.

ServSafe Food Handler Certification – Portland, OR

  • Program: Food Safety Certification
    Focus: Certified in core food safety and hygiene principles for both home and professional kitchens, with emphasis on ingredient handling, kitchen cleanliness, and safe preparation methods.

Mike’s kitchen journey began with a single goal: to make everyday meals feel like something worth celebrating.
After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Cascade Culinary Institute, he spent years working with local farmers and small kitchens across Oregon, learning the beauty of seasonal, small-batch cooking.
Mike’s approach is simple, cook with what’s fresh, keep it approachable, and always leave room for a little creativity. When he’s not testing yogurt marinades or designing single-serving meals, you’ll find him hiking trails or hunting down the best berries at local markets.

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