Imagine biting into a perfectly grilled burrito, its crispy golden exterior giving way to a savory, cheesy filling bursting with the tangy sweetness of sloppy joe goodness. Sloppy Joe Grilled Burritos bring the best of both worlds—comforting sloppy joes and the portability of a burrito. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for a unique weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to be a hit.
Why You’ll Love Sloppy Joe Grilled Burritos
This recipe is a creative spin on two beloved classics, combining the bold flavors of sloppy joes with the satisfying structure of burritos. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with these handheld delights:
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this meal is beginner-friendly.
- Family-Approved: The combination of ground beef, cheese, and tortillas is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
- Versatile: Add rice, beans, or extra veggies to customize each burrito to your taste.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual dinner or a game-day snack, these burritos shine.
Ingredients for Sloppy Joe Grilled Burritos
Below is everything you need to whip up these delicious burritos:
For the Filling
Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
Ground beef | 1 lb | The savory protein base of the filling. |
Onion | 1 small, diced | Adds sweetness and depth to the filling. |
Green bell pepper | ½, diced | Adds a mild crunch and flavor. |
Sloppy joe sauce | 1 cup | Provides the signature tangy, sweet flavor. |
Shredded cheddar cheese | 1 cup | Adds creamy, melty goodness to the burrito. |
Cooked rice (optional) | 1 cup | Adds texture and makes the burrito more filling. |
For the Burritos
Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
Flour tortillas | 4 large | Wraps the filling into a portable package. |
Butter or oil | 1 tbsp | Creates a golden, crispy exterior when grilling. |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Filling
- Cook the Ground Beef:
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles with a spatula. Drain any excess grease. - Sauté the Vegetables:
Add the diced onion and green bell pepper to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened. - Add the Sauce:
Stir in the sloppy joe sauce and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, or until slightly thickened. Remove the skillet from heat.
2. Assemble the Burritos
- Layer the Ingredients:
Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spoon a portion of the sloppy joe mixture into the center of the tortilla. Add a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese and, if desired, a scoop of cooked rice. - Roll the Burrito:
Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then roll it up tightly from the bottom to form a burrito. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
3. Grill the Burritos
- Heat a Skillet:
Melt butter or heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. - Grill Each Burrito:
Place the burritos seam-side down in the skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes on each side, or until the tortillas are golden brown and crispy.
4. Serve and Enjoy
- Slice each burrito in half and serve hot.
- Pair with your favorite dips like sour cream, salsa, or guacamole for extra flavor.
Tips for Making the Best Sloppy Joe Grilled Burritos
- Choose Quality Tortillas: Large, pliable tortillas are easier to roll and hold their shape better when grilling.
- Don’t Overfill: Overloading the tortilla can make it difficult to roll and may cause it to tear.
- Add Heat: Sprinkle some red pepper flakes or drizzle hot sauce into the filling for an extra kick.
- Use Fresh Cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts more evenly than pre-shredded options.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble and grill.
Nutritional Information
Nutrient | Per Burrito (Approx.) |
Calories | 400 |
Protein | 25g |
Fat | 16g |
Carbohydrates | 38g |
Fiber | 3g |
Sodium | 700mg |
Serving Suggestions
These burritos are a meal on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a variety of sides:
- Coleslaw: The tangy crunch of coleslaw balances the richness of the burritos.
- Tortilla Chips: Serve with chips and your favorite dips like guacamole or salsa.
- Roasted Vegetables: Add a healthy side of roasted zucchini, peppers, or sweet potatoes.
- Simple Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the bold flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different protein?
Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles are great alternatives to ground beef.
2. How do I keep the burritos from falling apart?
Fold the sides of the tortilla inward, then roll it tightly from the bottom. Grilling seam-side down first helps seal the burrito.
3. Can I make these burritos ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the burritos and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Grill them just before serving.
4. What can I use instead of sloppy joe sauce?
If you don’t have store-bought sauce, make your own by combining ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and a splash of vinegar.
5. Are these burritos freezer-friendly?
Yes! Wrap each assembled burrito tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or skillet when ready to eat.
6. How can I make them spicier?
Add diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sloppy joe mixture.
Conclusion: A Fun and Flavorful Twist on Two Classics
Sloppy Joe Grilled Burritos are a delicious way to combine the comforting flavors of sloppy joes with the convenience of a handheld burrito. With their crispy exterior, cheesy filling, and customizable options, they’re perfect for feeding a hungry family or entertaining a crowd. Whether it’s for dinner, lunch, or a weekend treat, these burritos are guaranteed to become a favorite.
Ready to try this delicious recipe? Gather your ingredients and start cooking! Don’t forget to share this fun and flavorful meal with your family and friends—they’ll love it as much as you do.
Print
Sloppy Joe Grilled Burritos: A Fun Twist on a Classic Favorite
- Total Time: 30–35 minutes
- Yield: 4 burritos
Description
Sloppy Joe Grilled Burritos are a delicious fusion of comfort food and handheld convenience! Crispy tortillas filled with savory ground beef, tangy sloppy joe sauce, melty cheese, and optional rice. Perfect for busy nights or casual gatherings, these burritos are sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- ½ green bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup sloppy joe sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked rice (optional)
For the Burritos:
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 tbsp butter or oil for grilling
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling:
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it into crumbles as it browns. Drain excess grease.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add diced onion and green bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Add the Sauce: Stir in the sloppy joe sauce, let it simmer for 5 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat.
- Assemble the Burritos:
- Layer the Ingredients: Lay each tortilla flat. Spoon a portion of the sloppy joe mixture into the center, top with shredded cheddar cheese, and, if desired, add a scoop of cooked rice.
- Roll the Burrito: Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then roll it tightly from the bottom.
- Grill the Burritos:
- Heat the Skillet: Melt butter or heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Grill Each Burrito: Place burritos seam-side down in the skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden and crispy.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Slice each burrito in half and serve hot. Pair with sour cream, salsa, guacamole, or your favorite dip.
Notes
- Choose Quality Tortillas: Large, pliable tortillas are best for wrapping the filling without tearing.
- Don’t Overfill: Too much filling can make rolling difficult and may cause the burrito to tear.
- Customize with Heat: Add red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or hot sauce for a spicier kick.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the burritos and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before grilling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex