Introduction:
Sloppy Joe Grilled Burritos are a fun and flavorful fusion dish that takes the classic comfort of sloppy joes and wraps it all up in a grilled burrito. This recipe combines the savory, slightly sweet, and tangy sloppy joe filling with the satisfying portability of a burrito, and then elevates it even further with a smoky, grilled finish. It’s a perfect meal for a casual weeknight dinner, a weekend barbecue, game day, or any time you crave a hearty and delicious handheld meal that’s bursting with flavor and a touch of grilled goodness.
Imagine biting into a warm, grilled burrito that’s packed with a flavorful, saucy Sloppy Joe filling. The aroma of seasoned ground beef, onions, and grilled tortilla fills the air, promising a satisfying and slightly messy-in-the-best-way eating experience. The texture is a delightful mix of a slightly crispy, grilled tortilla, a savory and saucy meat filling, and melted cheese if you choose to add it. Every bite is a celebration of classic American flavors – the savory ground beef, the tangy tomato sauce, the melty cheese (optional), all wrapped in a warm, grilled tortilla.
Whether you’re a Sloppy Joe fan, a burrito enthusiast, or simply looking for a fun and unique meal that’s easy to make and guaranteed to please, this Sloppy Joe Grilled Burritos recipe is an excellent choice. It’s relatively simple to prepare, can be customized to your liking, and is guaranteed to become a new family favorite. Get ready to experience a delicious twist on two comfort food classics in one amazing handheld package!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
There are countless reasons why this Sloppy Joe Grilled Burritos recipe is destined to become a regular in your meal rotation. Firstly, the flavor combination is simply fantastic and universally appealing. The savory, slightly sweet, and tangy Sloppy Joe filling pairs perfectly with the warm, slightly charred tortilla and any added cheese, creating a flavor profile that’s both familiar and exciting.
Secondly, it’s incredibly versatile and adaptable. You can easily customize the Sloppy Joe filling to your liking – adjust the sweetness, spice level, or add different vegetables. You can also vary the cheese, toppings, and even the type of tortilla. This recipe is a great canvas for your culinary creativity.
Finally, it’s a perfect make-ahead and portable meal, making it ideal for busy weeknights, picnics, tailgating, or lunchboxes. You can prepare the Sloppy Joe filling ahead of time, assemble the burritos, and then grill them just before serving. They are easy to eat on the go and are a great alternative to traditional sandwiches. Plus, grilling the burritos adds a wonderful smoky flavor and textural contrast that elevates the entire dish.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:
To create these flavorful and satisfying Sloppy Joe Grilled Burritos, you will need a selection of pantry staples, fresh produce, ground beef, and burrito components to build its signature Sloppy Joe-Burrito fusion profile. The key components are, of course, ground beef, Sloppy Joe seasonings, and tortillas.
For the Sloppy Joe filling, you will need ground beef and classic Sloppy Joe flavor builders. Ground beef (1 pound, 80/20 blend recommended) is the base for the Sloppy Joe filling. 80/20 blend ground beef has enough fat for flavor and moisture. Onion (1 medium, diced) adds aromatic sweetness and savory depth to the Sloppy Joe base. Green bell pepper (1/2 cup, diced, optional) adds a mild pepper flavor, sweetness, and color to the filling. Garlic cloves (2-3 cloves, minced) are essential for savory depth and enhance the overall flavor profile.
The signature Sloppy Joe sauce comes from a combination of pantry staples. Tomato sauce (1 (15 ounce) can) is the base of the Sloppy Joe sauce, providing rich tomato flavor. Ketchup (1/2 cup) adds sweetness and tang to the sauce. Worcestershire sauce (2 tablespoons) adds umami depth and savory complexity. Brown sugar (2 tablespoons, packed, light or dark) adds sweetness and balances the acidity of the tomatoes and ketchup. Yellow mustard (1 tablespoon) adds tang and a subtle mustard flavor. Apple cider vinegar (1 tablespoon) adds brightness and acidity, balancing the sweetness and richness. Chili powder (1 teaspoon) adds a mild savory spice blend flavor and depth. Salt and freshly ground black pepper are essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors in the Sloppy Joe filling.
For the burrito component, you will need burrito-size tortillas. Burrito-size tortillas (6-8 tortillas, 10-12 inch diameter) are essential for wrapping the Sloppy Joe filling into burritos. Flour tortillas are most common for burritos, but you can use whole wheat or other types if preferred.
Cheese is optional but highly recommended for added flavor and meltiness. Shredded cheddar cheese (1-2 cups, or Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, Pepper Jack, or a blend) adds cheesy flavor and melt. Choose your favorite cheese or cheese blend.
Olive oil (or vegetable oil) is used for sautéing vegetables and browning ground beef. Olive oil or vegetable oil are both suitable for sautéing and browning.
Optional additions for enhancing the flavor and presentation of the dish and for serving include your favorite burrito toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, hot sauce, sliced green onions, pickled jalapenos, etc. Toppings allow for customization and enhance flavor and texture of burritos when serving.
HOW TO MAKE “Sloppy Joe Grilled Burritos”:
Making Sloppy Joe Grilled Burritos is a multi-step culinary process that primarily involves preparing the Sloppy Joe filling on the stovetop, assembling the burritos with filling and cheese, and then grilling the burritos for a warm and slightly crispy finish. Making Sloppy Joe filling is the most time-consuming step, but can be done ahead of time. Grilling adds a unique flavor and textural element to the burritos.
The recipe is structured into clear, easy-to-follow steps. It begins with browning the ground beef and sautéing vegetables (onion, bell pepper if using). Then, the classic Sloppy Joe sauce ingredients are added to the skillet and simmered with the ground beef and vegetables until thickened and flavorful. Burrito-size tortillas are warmed slightly to make them more pliable. Sloppy Joe filling and shredded cheese (if using) are added to each tortilla. Burritos are folded and rolled tightly. Finally, the burritos are grilled on a grill pan or outdoor grill until lightly browned and warmed through.
By carefully following the step-by-step instructions, even novice cooks can easily achieve delicious and impressive Sloppy Joe Grilled Burritos at home. The process is straightforward, and the result is a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a casual and fun dining experience. Get ready to enjoy a unique twist on Sloppy Joes and Burritos!
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
Step 1: Prepare Sloppy Joe Filling. Heat olive oil (or vegetable oil) in a large skillet over medium heat. Large skillet provides ample space for browning ground beef and making Sloppy Joe filling. Heat oil as base for cooking. Add the diced onion and diced green bell pepper (if using) to the skillet and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until softened. Sautéing onion and bell pepper softens them and brings out their sweetness, building a flavor base. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for another 1 minute, until fragrant. Adding garlic in the last minute prevents burning and preserves its aromatic flavor.
Add the ground beef to the skillet and break it up with a spoon. Adding ground beef to skillet to brown. Brown the ground beef over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Brown ground beef until fully cooked; drain any excess grease. Drain off any excess grease from the skillet. Draining excess grease is important for Sloppy Joe filling texture and flavor.
Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, chili powder, salt, and black pepper to the skillet with the browned ground beef and vegetables. Adding Sloppy Joe sauce ingredients to skillet to combine with browned beef and vegetables. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Ensure all sauce ingredients are well mixed into beef and vegetables. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for about 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly and the flavors have melded. Simmering thickens sauce and melds flavors together. Simmer uncovered to allow sauce to reduce and thicken. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even simmering. Taste the Sloppy Joe filling and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, brown sugar, or chili powder to your preference. Proper seasoning is crucial for flavorful Sloppy Joe filling. Taste and adjust seasonings to your liking. Remove the skillet from the heat. Set aside the prepared Sloppy Joe filling. Having Sloppy Joe filling ready streamlines burrito assembly.
Step 2: Warm Tortillas (Optional). Warm the burrito-size tortillas slightly to make them more pliable for rolling. Warming tortillas prevents cracking or tearing when folding and rolling burritos. You can warm tortillas by lightly heating them in a dry skillet, in the microwave (briefly, wrapped in a damp paper towel), or directly on a gas stovetop flame for a few seconds per side (be careful not to burn them). Warming tortillas is optional but recommended for easier rolling and better texture. Keep warmed tortillas wrapped in a clean kitchen towel to keep them warm and pliable while assembling burritos.
Step 3: Assemble Burritos. Lay out a warmed tortilla on a clean surface. Laying out tortilla prepares for filling and rolling. Spoon about ½ to ¾ cup of Sloppy Joe filling onto the center of the tortilla, leaving a border around the edges. Spooning Sloppy Joe filling onto tortilla for burrito filling. Do not overfill tortilla to prevent tearing during rolling. If using cheese, sprinkle about ¼ cup of shredded cheddar cheese (or your cheese of choice) over the Sloppy Joe filling. Adding cheese is optional but enhances flavor and melt in burrito.
Fold in the sides of the tortilla over the filling, then roll up tightly from the bottom, tucking in the filling as you roll, burrito style. Folding sides and rolling tightly creates burrito shape and encloses filling securely. Rolling tightly ensures a compact and easy-to-handle burrito. Repeat with remaining tortillas, Sloppy Joe filling, and cheese (if using). Assemble all burritos before grilling.
Step 4: Grill Burritos. Preheat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium heat. Preheating grill pan or outdoor grill ensures proper grilling temperature. Lightly brush the outside of each burrito with olive oil (or cooking spray). Brushing burritos with oil prevents sticking to grill and promotes browning and crisping.
Place the assembled burritos seam-down on the preheated grill pan or grill grates. Placing seam-down helps seal burrito during grilling. Grill the burritos for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are lightly browned, slightly crispy, and heated through. Grilling burritos adds smoky flavor, crispy texture, and warms filling through. Grilling time may vary depending on grill and desired level of browning and crispness. Press down gently on the burritos with a spatula while grilling to ensure even grilling and browning. Pressing helps burritos make good contact with grill surface for even browning and crisping.
Step 5: Serve Immediately. Remove the Sloppy Joe Grilled Burritos from the grill pan or grill and serve immediately. Serve immediately while hot and grilled for best texture and flavor. Sloppy Joe Grilled Burritos are best served warm right off the grill.
Step 6: Optional Toppings. Serve Sloppy Joe Grilled Burritos with your favorite burrito toppings, such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, hot sauce, sliced green onions, pickled jalapenos, etc., on the side for topping as desired. Offering toppings allows for customization and enhances flavor and texture of burritos. Toppings can be served on the side for guests to add themselves according to preference. Enjoy these flavorful and fun Sloppy Joe Grilled Burritos!
USEFUL TIPS:
For extra flavor in the Sloppy Joe filling, use a good quality ground beef and consider adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper for depth. Good quality ground beef and smoked paprika/cayenne pepper enhance Sloppy Joe filling flavor complexity.
For a sweeter Sloppy Joe filling, increase the amount of brown sugar or ketchup to your preference. Sweetness adjustment is easy to make to Sloppy Joe sauce. Adjust sweetness according to your taste preference.
To prevent the burritos from sticking to the grill, make sure the grill pan or grates are preheated and lightly oiled, and brush the outside of the burritos with oil before grilling. Preheating and oiling grill surfaces and oiling burritos prevents sticking and tearing during grilling.
For a spicier Sloppy Joe Grilled Burrito, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Sloppy Joe filling or serve with hot sauce on the side. Red pepper flakes or hot sauce add heat. Adjust spice level according to your preference.
To add more vegetables to the Sloppy Joe filling, consider adding diced carrots, celery, or corn to the skillet along with the onions and bell peppers. Vegetable additions increase nutritional value and flavor complexity. Diced carrots, celery, and corn are good vegetable additions. Sauté vegetables before adding to Sloppy Joe sauce.
For a make-ahead component, you can prepare the Sloppy Joe filling completely a day ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat the filling and assemble and grill the burritos just before serving. Preparing Sloppy Joe filling ahead saves time on day of serving, especially for gatherings or meal prep. Reheat filling thoroughly before assembling burritos.
For reheating leftover grilled burritos, reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions. Reheat gently to avoid drying out or burning. Skillet or oven reheating helps maintain texture better for larger portions. Microwave reheating is quicker for individual servings. Reheating may slightly soften tortillas but burritos will still be flavorful.
DETAILS:
Prep Time: 30 minutes. The preparation time includes chopping vegetables (onion, bell pepper, garlic), browning ground beef, making Sloppy Joe sauce, and warming tortillas. Efficient prep work streamlines burrito assembly and grilling process. Proper preparation ensures a smooth and enjoyable cooking experience.
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes (Sloppy Joe filling simmering and burrito grilling). The cooking time is primarily for simmering the Sloppy Joe filling and grilling the assembled burritos. Simmering thickens sauce and melds flavors. Grilling adds smoky flavor and crispy texture. Sloppy Joe filling simmering and burrito grilling components contribute to total cook time.
Total Time: 50-55 minutes. The total time from start to finish, including prep time and cook time, is approximately 50-55 minutes. Sloppy Joe Grilled Burritos are a relatively quick and easy meal to make. Total time is reasonable for a flavorful and satisfying fusion dish.
Yield: 6-8 burritos. This recipe yields approximately 6-8 burritos, depending on the size of tortillas and amount of filling used per burrito. Yield is suitable for a family dinner or small gathering. Serving size can be adjusted based on individual appetites and burrito size.
Category: Main Course, Burrito, Sloppy Joe Fusion, American, Tex-Mex Inspired, Casual. Sloppy Joe Grilled Burritos are versatile, categorized as a main course, burrito dish, fusion of Sloppy Joe and burrito, American cuisine, Tex-Mex inspired due to burrito format, and casual dining. It is primarily served for lunch or dinner, especially casual meals. Categorization highlights its versatility and culinary role.
Method: Grilling, Simmering (Sloppy Joe filling), Stovetop Cooking (filling). The primary methods are grilling the assembled burritos, simmering Sloppy Joe filling on stovetop, and general stovetop cooking for filling preparation. Grilling is the defining cooking method for burritos. Simmering and stovetop cooking are for preparing Sloppy Joe filling. These methods combine to create the final dish.
Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex Fusion, Comfort Food. Sloppy Joe Grilled Burritos are American in style (Sloppy Joe base), Tex-Mex inspired (burrito format), and a comfort food. Its comforting nature and flavor profile classify it as classic comfort food with a fun fusion twist. American cuisine often features Sloppy Joes and burritos are a popular Tex-Mex and American food. Cuisine reflects the recipe’s origin and culinary style – fusion of American Sloppy Joe with Tex-Mex burrito format.
Diet: Not Vegetarian (contains meat), Adaptable to Vegetarian (with significant substitution). The base recipe is not vegetarian due to the ground beef. Vegetarian adaptation would require significant substitutions for meat and flavor profile would be altered significantly and would no longer be Sloppy Joe in its traditional savory meat-centric form. Vegetarian ground beef substitutes can be used, but flavor and texture may differ. Diet category highlights its standard form (non-vegetarian) and limited potential for easy adaptation while maintaining intended flavor.
NOTES:
One note on tortilla size – use burrito-size tortillas (10-12 inch diameter) to ensure you have enough space to wrap the Sloppy Joe filling and cheese without tearing. Smaller tortillas may be too difficult to roll and seal properly. Burrito-size tortillas are essential for proper burrito construction. Smaller tortillas may be too small and tear easily.
Another note is regarding grilling – grilling the burritos is optional but highly recommended for adding smoky flavor and a slightly crispy texture to the tortillas. If you don’t have a grill pan or outdoor grill, you can also pan-fry the burritos in a skillet with a little butter or oil until lightly browned and warmed through. Grilling enhances flavor and texture, but pan-frying is a good alternative for indoor cooking.
For serving suggestions, Sloppy Joe Grilled Burritos are a complete meal on their own. However, they pair well with: coleslaw, potato salad, corn on the cob, tortilla chips and salsa or guacamole, or a side of fresh fruit. Serving suggestions enhance serving presentation and complement burrito flavors. Consider serving with classic barbecue or picnic sides for a complete meal.
If you want to make the Sloppy Joe filling ahead and freeze it, you can prepare the filling completely, let it cool, and then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Thaw the filling in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and assembling burritos. Freezing Sloppy Joe filling is a great way to meal prep and have filling ready for quick meals later. Thaw completely before reheating and assembling burritos.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Q: Can I use different types of meat for the Sloppy Joe filling?
A: Yes, you can experiment with different types of ground meat for the Sloppy Joe filling, such as ground turkey, ground chicken, or ground pork instead of ground beef. Using leaner ground meats like turkey or chicken will result in a slightly leaner Sloppy Joe filling. Ensure to adjust cooking time as needed for different meats and ensure meat is cooked through. Ground meat variations offer different flavor profiles and fat content.
Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: Making Sloppy Joe Grilled Burritos vegetarian requires substituting the ground beef with a vegetarian ground beef substitute. Vegetarian ground beef crumbles are widely available and can be used as a 1:1 substitution for ground beef in the recipe. Ensure to follow package directions for cooking vegetarian ground beef substitute. You may need to adjust seasonings slightly when using vegetarian substitutes as they may have different base flavors. Vegetarian adaptation is possible with vegetarian ground beef substitute. Flavor and texture will be slightly different from traditional beef Sloppy Joes.
Q: Can I bake these burritos instead of grilling them?
A: Yes, you can bake these Sloppy Joe Burritos in the oven instead of grilling them. To bake, preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Assemble the burritos as directed and place them seam-down in a baking dish. Brush the tops of burritos lightly with olive oil or melted butter. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and lightly browned. Oven baking provides a warm burrito but will not have the smoky grilled flavor or crispy texture of grilling. Baking is a good indoor alternative to grilling.
Q: What are good side dishes to serve with Sloppy Joe Grilled Burritos for a complete meal?
A: Sloppy Joe Grilled Burritos are a hearty and substantial main dish, so classic barbecue or picnic side dishes are ideal to round out the meal. Coleslaw (creamy or vinegar-based), potato salad (classic or loaded), macaroni salad, corn on the cob (grilled or boiled), baked beans, watermelon salad, or tortilla chips and guacamole or salsa would all be excellent side dish choices for a complete and satisfying meal with these burritos. Side dishes should complement the hearty nature of burritos and offer variety in flavors and textures. Classic barbecue and picnic sides are excellent pairings.
STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:
To ensure your leftover Sloppy Joe Grilled Burritos remain safe and enjoyable, proper storage is essential. Allow the grilled burritos to cool completely to room temperature before storing. Do not place hot food directly into the refrigerator, as this can raise the refrigerator temperature and potentially affect food safety and texture of the burritos. Cooling to room temperature before refrigerating is recommended for best storage practices.
Once cooled, wrap each burrito individually in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, or place leftover burritos in airtight containers. Wrapping individually or using airtight containers prevents air exposure and maintains moisture in the refrigerator.
Store the wrapped burritos or airtight containers of leftover Sloppy Joe Grilled Burritos in the refrigerator. Refrigerate leftovers promptly within 2 hours of grilling to ensure food safety, especially because of the meat content. Store in the refrigerator at a temperature of 40°F (4°C) or below. Proper refrigeration is crucial for preventing bacterial growth and maintaining food safety for meat-based dishes.
Consume refrigerated leftovers within 3-4 days for the best quality and food safety. While leftovers may remain safe to eat for slightly longer, the texture of the tortillas and filling may change slightly upon reheating, and the overall burrito quality may degrade over time. For optimal taste and to minimize health risks, it is recommended to consume leftovers within this timeframe. Always use your senses—sight, smell, and taste—to assess the quality of leftovers before consuming.
Reheating leftover Sloppy Joe Grilled Burritos is best done gently in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or microwave individual portions. Reheat gently to avoid drying out or burning. Skillet reheating helps regain some tortilla crispness. Microwave reheating is quicker for individual servings but tortillas may soften more. Adding a splash of water during reheating in skillet can help prevent drying out.
RELATED RECIPES
If you enjoyed these fun and flavorful Sloppy Joe Grilled Burritos, you will likely enjoy these other Sloppy Joe variations and burrito-inspired dishes. Consider trying Classic Sloppy Joes for the quintessential Sloppy Joe experience served on buns, featuring a traditional Sloppy Joe recipe, often with a simple bun, offering the classic Sloppy Joe flavor and format. Classic Sloppy Joes are the quintessential Sloppy Joe recipe, served on buns, offering the baseline Sloppy Joe flavor and format. It’s a delicious alternative for traditional Sloppy Joe lovers.
Another excellent option is Beef and Bean Burritos (Classic), for a more traditional beef burrito, featuring seasoned ground beef and refried beans wrapped in tortillas, often topped with cheese and sour cream, offering a classic burrito format and flavor profile. Classic beef and bean burritos are a traditional burrito recipe, featuring beef and beans filling and classic burrito toppings, offering the baseline burrito flavor and format. It’s a great choice for traditional burrito enthusiasts.
For a different style of Sloppy Joe, explore Sloppy Joe Casserole, for a baked casserole version of Sloppy Joes, featuring Sloppy Joe filling layered with biscuits or cornbread, often topped with cheese, offering a different format (casserole instead of sandwich) but still highlighting Sloppy Joe flavors. Sloppy Joe casserole offers a baked casserole format for Sloppy Joes, different format but still highlighting Sloppy Joe flavors and comforting casserole style. These related recipes offer diverse flavor combinations and formats within the Sloppy Joe and burrito categories, providing a range of delicious options to explore beyond Sloppy Joe Grilled Burritos.
CONCLUSION
Sloppy Joe Grilled Burritos are a truly fun and flavorful dish that beautifully combines the classic American comfort of Sloppy Joes with the portable convenience of burritos and the smoky goodness of grilling. This recipe offers a straightforward yet incredibly rewarding way to create a satisfying, delicious, and slightly unexpected meal that is perfect for any casual occasion. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing weeknight dinner, a fun twist on Sloppy Joes, or simply a taste of grilled comfort food in handheld form, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit.
The combination of savory Sloppy Joe filling, warm grilled tortillas, and optional melted cheese creates a symphony of textures and tastes that is simply irresistible. Homemade Sloppy Joe Grilled Burritos are far more flavorful and satisfying than any restaurant or fast-food version, and the relatively simple steps make it accessible for cooks of all skill levels. It’s a treat that is as enjoyable to make and share as it is to eat, perfectly capturing the spirit of relaxed, delicious, and abundant home cooking with a touch of creative fusion.
So, gather your ground beef, Sloppy Joe sauce ingredients, tortillas, and grill, and prepare to experience the simple joy of homemade Sloppy Joe Grilled Burritos. Don’t be afraid to customize the recipe to your liking, adding your favorite cheeses, vegetables, spices, herbs, toppings, or flavorings to create your own personalized version of this Sloppy Joe-Burrito sensation. Embrace the savory and tangy Sloppy Joe filling, savor the smoky grilled flavor, and enjoy the comforting deliciousness of every bite. Happy cooking, and may your Sloppy Joe Grilled Burritos be a delicious success!
