This fun and tasty twist on traditional Sloppy Joes blends the best of tacos and classic Sloppy Joes. Meaty, fabulous, and hearty, and with unexpected flavors, Taco Sloppy Joes are sure to become a family favorite. Loved by kids and adults alike, this easy ground beef meal is ready in minutes. The next time you’re wondering what’s for dinner, give this a try!

holding a Taco Sloppy Joe burger

I love Sloppy Joes, but when you add taco flavors to the mix, suddenly you’ve got a very different meal. This dish eats like the classic handheld and I serve the meaty mixture on brioche buns, but after one bite you’ll be tasting all the big, bold Southwestern flavors that make these Taco Sloppy Joes!

Taco Sloppy Joes

This is such an affordable dish. Ground beef, especially when on sale, is inexpensive. There are no fancy ingredients in this dish, and it comes together quickly. 

delicious taco burger

The toppings on these sandwiches is what really sets them apart. A burst of freshness from the tomato, creamy guacamole, tangy red onion, and herbaceous cilantro are added at the end so you can dress up your Sloppy Joe however you like.

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Fun, easy, and delicious, these easy Sloppy Joe’s with taco meat are truly tasty! 

taco burgers on a board

Why I love this recipe

  • It’s ready in about 15-20 minutes. Who doesn’t love that?
  • This is an affordable dish and it pairs fabulously with a simple salad or a handful of chips.
  • You can top them however you like them – just like tacos!

ingredients for Taco Sloppy Joes

Gather these ingredients

  • Ground beef – Use 90/10 ground beef or remove the fat after cooking 80/20 ground beef.
  • Onion – Yellow or white onion; diced.
  • Taco seasoning – Use your favorite brand or make your own.
  • Canned diced tomatoes – Drained.
  • Soy sauce 
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Hamburger buns – Toasted.
  • Jack cheese – Shredded.
  • Tomatoes – Diced. Roma or plum tomatoes work well in this dish.
  • Red onion – Finely diced.
  • Guacamole – Buy prepared guacamole to make dinner even easier.
  • Cilantro – Chopped.

how to make Taco Sloppy Joes

How to make Taco Sloppy Joes  

  1. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet, then drain off any fat. 
  2. Add the onions and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes or until the onion is translucent. Break up the ground beef as it cooks. 
  3. Add the taco seasoning and stir it into the meat. Cook for an additional minute.
  4. Add the drained diced tomatoes, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Bring to a boil then turn the heat down and simmer for 5 minutes.
  5. Toast your burger buns; optional.
  6. Adjust the seasoning of the Taco Sloppy Joe mixture then divide it evenly on top of the 4 hamburger bun bottoms. Sprinkle each with the shredded cheese, chopped tomatoes, and a few sprinkles of cilantro.
  7. Spread the guacamole evenly on the underside of the remaining burger bun halves, then close up the sandwiches and serve!

taco meat on bun

Tips & substitutions

  • You can use coconut aminos in place of the soy sauce.
  • A pinch of red pepper flakes will add some heat if you like it spicy.
  • Really go out with your toppings. Try shredded lettuce, olives, and a dollop of sour cream.
  • You can make the meat mixture in advance and store it in the fridge for 3-4 days before serving. If you’re meal prepping, this meat mixture will also freeze well. Just thaw and reheat and dinner is ready in a snap!
  • Make your own guacamole or buy it to save time. You can even just slice some ripe avocados and pop them on top of the meat mixture.

a taco burger with guac

Serving suggestions

These Sloppy Joe are amazing as they are, but to make it a complete meal, serve them with a garden fresh salad with a great dressing, cut up veggies with a creamy dip, or some fries. This meal is so casual that really anything will pair with it! 

4 Taco Sloppy Joes

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can freeze the meat for up to a month in a freezer-safe container.

taco burger sloppy joe with guac and cheese

Check out these awesome sandwich recipes while you’re here

holding a Taco Sloppy Joe burger
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Taco Sloppy Joes

Loaded with taco flavor and topped however you like, these Taco Sloppy Joes are a meaty hand-held that everyone will want seconds of!  
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 17 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes
Yield: 4
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Ingredients
 

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and onion over medium-high heat. Break into pieces and cook for 8-10- minutes. Drain off the grease.
  • Add taco seasoning and cook for another minute, stirring it into the meat.
  • Add diced tomatoes, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and apple cider vinegar, and bring to a boil. Turn the heat down and simmer for another 5 minutes.
  • Toast the burger buns.

To assemble:

  • Divide the taco sloppy joe mixture on four bottom burger bun halves, then sprinkle with grated cheese, chopped Roma tomatoes, and a few sprinkles of cilantro. On the top buns, spread the guac. Add the top buns with guac on top of the Taco Sloppy Joes and serve!
  • Serve and enjoy!
Cuisine: American
Course: Main Course
Calories: 629kcal, Carbohydrates: 44g, Protein: 32g, Fat: 36g, Saturated Fat: 13g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 15g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 99mg, Sodium: 899mg, Potassium: 757mg, Fiber: 5g, Sugar: 9g, Vitamin A: 725IU, Vitamin C: 17mg, Calcium: 224mg, Iron: 14mg
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a taco burger with grated cheese