If you’re craving a hearty, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal, look no further than these Sloppy Joe Grilled Burritos. Combining the classic taste of Sloppy Joes with the crispy, cheesy goodness of a grilled burrito, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or even meal prepping.
Packed with savory ground beef, melted cheese, and a rich tomato-based sauce, these burritos take comfort food to a whole new level. Plus, they’re quick to prepare and customizable to suit your preferences. In this guide, we’ll walk through the step-by-step recipe, offer useful cooking tips, variations, and answer common questions to ensure your Sloppy Joe Grilled Burritos turn out perfect every time.
Why You’ll Love This Sloppy Joe Grilled Burrito Recipe
These burritos are a delicious twist on two classic dishes, and here’s why you’ll love them:
✔ Easy and Quick: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it a great meal for any night.
✔ Hearty and Filling: Packed with protein, melted cheese, and rich sauce for a satisfying bite.
✔ Crispy and Cheesy: The grilled tortilla gives a golden, crispy exterior with gooey, melty cheese inside.
✔ Customizable: Swap the beef for chicken, turkey, or even a vegetarian alternative.
✔ Perfect for Meal Prep: Make ahead and reheat for a quick lunch or dinner.
Ingredients for Sloppy Joe Grilled Burritos
To create these irresistible burritos, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Sloppy Joe Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef – Lean ground beef works best for a flavorful yet non-greasy filling.
- ½ cup diced onion – Adds depth and sweetness to the filling.
- ½ cup diced green bell pepper – A classic addition to Sloppy Joes for extra crunch.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Enhances the savory taste.
- 1 cup tomato sauce – Forms the base of the sauce.
- ¼ cup ketchup – Adds tangy sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – Boosts umami flavor.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar – Balances acidity with a hint of sweetness.
- ½ teaspoon salt – Enhances overall flavor.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper – Adds a mild kick.
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional) – Gives a subtle smoky depth.
For the Burritos:
- 4 large flour tortillas (burrito-size) – Soft, pliable, and perfect for wrapping.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Adds sharp, melty goodness.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – Provides extra stretchiness and a creamy texture.
- ½ cup sour cream (optional) – Adds a cool, tangy contrast.
- 1 tablespoon butter or oil – For grilling the burritos to crispy perfection.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Sloppy Joe Grilled Burritos
Step 1: Cook the Sloppy Joe Filling
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Add diced onion, green bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together. Remove from heat.
Step 2: Assemble the Burritos
- Lay out the flour tortillas on a clean surface.
- Sprinkle each tortilla with cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
- Spoon the Sloppy Joe filling onto each tortilla and spread evenly.
- Add a dollop of sour cream (optional) for extra creaminess.
- Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then roll up tightly into a burrito.
Step 3: Grill the Burritos
- Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and add butter or oil.
- Place burritos seam-side down and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, pressing gently until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from heat, slice in half, and serve warm.
Pro Tips for the Best Sloppy Joe Grilled Burritos
✅ Drain the beef well before adding sauce to avoid a soggy burrito.
✅ Use freshly grated cheese for better melting compared to pre-packaged shredded cheese.
✅ For extra crispiness, press down on the burritos with a spatula while grilling.
✅ Make them spicy by adding chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the filling.
✅ Prevent overstuffing to ensure easy folding and even cooking.
Variations and Add-Ons
🔥 Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce.
🥓 Bacon Lover’s Twist: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits inside the burrito.
🥑 Creamy Avocado: Add avocado slices for extra richness.
🌽 Veggie Boost: Mix in corn, black beans, or spinach for added nutrition.
🧀 Extra Cheesy: Use a blend of Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or Colby cheese.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet over low heat or microwave for 1-2 minutes.
- Freeze: Wrap burritos individually in foil and store for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in a skillet.
FAQs About Sloppy Joe Grilled Burritos
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative that works just as well.
2. How do I prevent my burritos from falling apart?
Make sure not to overfill them and fold the sides in tightly before rolling.
3. What’s the best way to get a crispy burrito?
Use butter or oil in a skillet and press down gently while grilling.
4. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble and refrigerate them. When ready, grill and serve.
5. Are there any gluten-free options?
Use gluten-free tortillas and double-check that your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free.
Conclusion
These Sloppy Joe Grilled Burritos are the perfect fusion of classic comfort food and crispy, cheesy burrito goodness. With bold flavors, melty cheese, and a satisfying crunch, they’re guaranteed to be a hit at any meal.
Whether you enjoy them fresh off the skillet or save them for later, this recipe is easy, quick, and customizable. So, gather your ingredients and give these deliciously messy yet irresistibly tasty burritos a try! Enjoy! 🌯🔥