Sloppy Joe Grilled Burritos combine the savory flavors of classic sloppy joes with the convenience and crispiness of a grilled burrito. This delicious fusion is perfect for quick lunches, family dinners, or even meal prep. Packed with hearty ground beef, tangy tomato-based sauce, and gooey melted cheese, these burritos are sure to become a household favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in no time, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Family-Friendly: Loved by both kids and adults.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings or fillings to suit your taste.
- Portable: Great for on-the-go meals or packed lunches.
- Crispy and Flavorful: A golden-brown grilled tortilla elevates this dish to the next level.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef
- Onion, finely chopped
- Sloppy Joe sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- Flour tortillas
- Shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- Butter or oil for grilling
Directions
- Cook the Filling: In a skillet, brown the ground beef with chopped onions until fully cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add Sauce: Stir in the sloppy joe sauce and simmer for a few minutes until heated through and slightly thickened.
- Assemble Burritos: Lay a tortilla flat, add a portion of the sloppy joe mixture, sprinkle with shredded cheese, and roll it tightly into a burrito.
- Grill the Burritos: Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Add butter or oil, then grill the burritos seam-side down until golden and crispy. Flip and grill the other side.
- Serve: Serve hot, optionally with dipping sauces like sour cream, guacamole, or salsa.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6 burritos
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Protein Swap: Use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles instead of ground beef.
- Extra Veggies: Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or shredded carrots to the filling.
- Cheese Choices: Try Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or mozzarella for different flavors.
- Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the sloppy joe mixture.
- Topping Ideas: Include lettuce, tomatoes, or pickles inside the burrito for added texture.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Wrap leftover burritos individually in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze wrapped burritos in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat until warmed through and crispy. Alternatively, microwave for 1-2 minutes (unwrap first).
FAQs
What kind of tortillas should I use?
Flour tortillas work best as they’re sturdy and grill well, but you can also use whole wheat or gluten-free tortillas.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or finely chopped mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
How do I prevent the burritos from unrolling?
Ensure the filling isn’t overstuffed and place the seam side down when grilling to secure the burrito.
Can I use homemade sloppy joe sauce?
Absolutely! A homemade sloppy joe sauce with tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings will enhance the flavor.
What’s the best way to freeze these burritos?
Wrap them individually in foil or plastic wrap, then place in an airtight container or freezer bag before freezing.
Can I make these in advance?
Yes, assemble the burritos and refrigerate them (uncooked) for up to a day. Grill them fresh when ready to eat.
Can I use a sandwich press or panini maker?
Yes, a sandwich press or panini maker will grill the burritos evenly and give them a perfect crispy texture.
Are there gluten-free options?
Use gluten-free tortillas and ensure the sloppy joe sauce is gluten-free.
What cheeses melt the best for this recipe?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, and mozzarella melt beautifully and pair well with the sloppy joe flavors.
Can I add toppings after grilling?
Yes, serve the burritos with sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or even a drizzle of ranch dressing.
Conclusion
Sloppy Joe Grilled Burritos are a delicious and satisfying meal that combines the best of two comfort foods. Whether you’re serving them for a quick weeknight dinner or preparing them ahead for busy days, these burritos are sure to please. Experiment with variations and enjoy this versatile recipe!
PrintSloppy Joe Grilled Burritos
Sloppy Joe Grilled Burritos combine the classic flavors of Sloppy Joes with the convenience of a burrito, making them a delightful meal for any occasion. Here’s how you can make them:
Ingredients
For the Sloppy Joe Filling:
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/3 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
For Assembly:
- Large flour tortillas
- Additional shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Sour cream (optional)
- Salsa (optional)
- Chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sloppy Joe Filling:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
- In a separate saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Add the milk and gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Assemble the Burritos:
- Lay a flour tortilla flat on a clean surface.
- Spoon a generous portion of the Sloppy Joe filling onto the center of the tortilla.
- Drizzle some cheese sauce over the filling.
- If desired, add additional toppings such as shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, salsa, or chopped cilantro.
- Fold in the sides of the tortilla and then roll it up from the bottom to form a burrito.
- Grill the Burritos:
- Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium heat and lightly grease it with a small amount of oil or butter.
- Place the burritos seam-side down onto the skillet.
- Grill each burrito for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until the tortilla is golden brown and crispy.
- Serve:
- Remove the burritos from the skillet and let them rest for a minute before serving.
- Serve hot, with additional sour cream, salsa, or your preferred toppings on the side.
Notes
- For a spicier version, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the Sloppy Joe filling.
- These burritos can be customized with additional fillings such as cooked white rice, black beans, or avocado slices.
- Leftover burritos can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.