Taco Sloppy Joes are a super simple meal that I started feeding my kids many years ago. Originally I used ground beef, now I am more likely to use ground turkey. Mix the meat with a few simple ingredients and in just a few minutes you have a delicious, fun sloppy joe kids love.
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Recipe Ingredients
- Ground Turkey or Ground Beef - If using ground turkey, add a drizzle of olive oil to the pan before cooking. If using ground beef, remember to drain the excess fat from the pan before adding the rest of the ingredients.
- Garlic Powder, Cumin, and Salt - For an extra burst of flavor, you can use a package of taco seasoning. You will need to add about ¼ - ½ cup of water with taco seasoning.
- Salsa - To me this is the most important ingredient in this recipe. I like to use a chunky salsa, but use your favorite brand and type. Thin, thick, mild, or hot.
- Burger Buns - Use your favorite.
- Shredded Cheese - I like to shred some cheddar cheese for this recipe. Pepper Jack or a Mexican Blend also works well.
- Sour Cream - Completely optional, but a must for my family.
- Optional - For a bit more kick, add in a small can of diced green chiles.
- Optional Toppings - Shredded lettuce, tomato, avocado, whatever you like on a taco.
Mom Tip
Remember, the salsa is a key player in this recipe. Use your favorite brand and type of flavorful salsa, or switch up types of salsa to keep these Taco Sloppy Joes fresh and new to your family.
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How to Make Taco Sloppy Joes
Heat a large frying pan over medium heat. Drizzle with olive oil if using ground turkey. Start to cook and crumble the meat. When using ground turkey, I like to add the seasoning while the meat is still a little bit pink.
If using ground beef, drain the excess fat from the pan when the meat has cooked. Add the seasonings and stir.
Next, add the salsa.
Stir until well mixed and the the sloppy joe meat is heated through. This may take an extra few minutes if you are using a package of taco seasoning.
If you like, you can lightly toast the bunds before assembling the Taco Sloppy Joes. Put some of the meat mixture on a bun, add your favorite toppings, and enjoy!
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Complete Recipe
Taco Sloppy Joes
Ingredients
For the taco flavored meat
- 1 pound Ground Turkey ground beef can also be used
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil only if using ground turkey
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- ½ teaspoon Cumin
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- 1 cup Salsa
For the toppings
- Grated Cheese
- Sour Cream
- 4 Hamburger Buns
Instructions
How to make Taco Sloppy Joes
- Heat a large frying pan over medium heat. Drizzle with olive oil if using ground turkey.1 tablespoon Olive Oil, 1 pound Ground Turkey
- Start to cook and crumble the meat. When using ground turkey, I like to add the seasoning while the meat is still a little bit pink.1 teaspoon Garlic Powder, 1 teaspoon Onion Powder, ½ teaspoon Salt, ½ teaspoon Cumin
- If using ground beef, drain the excess fat from the pan when the meat has cooked. Add the seasonings and stir.
- Next, stir in the salsa.1 cup Salsa
- Stir until well mixed and the the sloppy joe meat is heated through. This may take an extra few minutes if you are using a package of taco seasoning.
- Toast hamburger buns if you wish.4 Hamburger Buns
- Put some of the meat mixture on a bun, add your favorite toppings, and enjoy!Grated Cheese, Sour Cream
Jon says
I remember a long time ago Taco Bell - had Bell Burgers which were not quite as fancy as this recipe - but as a seven year old - I loved them...(note: That was when there was only one Taco Bell in Houston)
Cook This Again says
I don't remember seeing Bell Burgers here in California. It's possible we had them here and I just don't remember. LOL! (My favorite Taco Bell item was the Enchirito when I was a kid) 🙂