Tex-Mex Sloppy Joes
Classic with a little Tex-Mex twist. This version has all the saucy goodness, but with bold Southwestern flavors, melty cheese, and just the right kick of spice.
Servings 6 Burgers
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef 85-90% lean
- 1 small yellow onion diced or ½ of a large onion
- 1 large green bell pepper diced
- 1 jalapeño deseeded for mild, half seeds for lil spice
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 15 oz can tomato sauce
- 1 cup canned corn drained
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt plus more to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 6 slices pepper jack cheese or 1 cup cheddar cheese
- 6 hamburger buns
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the ground beef, onion, bell pepper, jalapeño, and garlic. Cook, breaking up the beef as it browns, until the meat is cooked through and the vegetables are softened, about 8–10 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, corn, Worcestershire, vinegar, chili powder, cumin, salt, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your liking. If it gets too thick, add a little more water to loosen it up. If it's too thin, let it simmer a little longer. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Stir in the cheese until melted and combined.
- If desired, toast the hamburger buns. Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto the buns, dividing evenly.
Notes
Adjust the spice level: Remove all jalapeño seeds for a very mild sloppy joe, leave some in for a little kick. You can also add hot sauce or chipotle chili powder at the end if it's not hot enough for you. The pepper jack cheese will also add a little kick.
Make it ahead: The meat mixture tastes even better the next day. Make and store in the fridge for 3–4 days, then reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Freezer-friendly: Let the mixture cool, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.
Nutrition
Serving: 1Burger | Calories: 408kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 7g
