Taco Sloppy Joe Ground Beef Skillet Recipe
A fusion comfort food that combines classic sloppy joe comfort with bold Mexican flavors. Ground beef is seasoned with taco spices and simmered with salsa, black beans, corn, and green chiles for a hearty filling that's perfect for casual dinners or game day gatherings. The addition of cilantro brightens the rich, savory mixture while maintaining that signature sloppy joe sauciness everyone loves.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
- 1 small sweet onion, small diced
- 1 small green bell pepper, small diced
- 1 ounce packet taco seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
- ½ cup salsa
- 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup canned whole kernel corn, drained
- 4 ounces diced green chiles, drained
- ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
- buns and toppings, of your choice(optional)
Instructions
- 1
Add ground beef, onion, and bell peppers to large skillet over medium-high heat
- 2
Break up beef into crumbles and cook, stirring occasionally, until no pink remains
- 3
Drain excess fat and add taco seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and cumin, stirring to combine
- 4
Cook for 1 minute until fragrant
- 5
Add tomato sauce, salsa, black beans, corn, and green chiles, stirring to combine
- 6
Simmer for 5 minutes until mixture thickens slightly but remains saucy
- 7
Stir in fresh cilantro and serve on burger buns with taco toppings
Tips
Use 80/20 ground beef for the best balance of flavor and moisture in your taco sloppy joes.
Let the mixture simmer until it reaches your preferred consistency - slightly saucy works best for easy serving.
Warm your buns before serving to prevent them from getting soggy from the filling.
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days in covered container
Can be made 1 day ahead and reheated gently on stovetop
Serve hot on toasted buns with cheese, sour cream, lettuce, or avocado
Common Mistakes
Don't skip draining the beef fat to avoid greasy filling
Don't overcook the vegetables in the first step to maintain some texture
Substitutions
Mix chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder
FAQ
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the filling up to 1 day ahead and store covered in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving on fresh buns.
What toppings work best with taco sloppy joes?
Traditional taco toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, lettuce, and hot sauce all complement the flavors perfectly.
How long will leftovers keep?
Store leftover filling in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The mixture actually tastes even better the next day as flavors meld together.