Flavorful Fusion: The Best Enchilada Sloppy Joe Recipe

Tired of the same old weeknight dinners? This Enchilada Sloppy Joe Recipe offers a vibrant Tex-Mex twist on a beloved classic, promising a burst of flavor that will excite your taste buds. Forget typical sloppy joes; these are truly the best!

Looking for more easy, enchilada-inspired meals that come together quickly? You might also love this One Pan Enchilada Pasta for another fantastic family-friendly dinner.

Unlocking the Ultimate Sloppy Joe Experience: The Enchilada Twist

My passion for sloppy joes runs deep. It’s a comfort food staple that’s endlessly versatile, and I’m always on the hunt for ways to reinvent it. Over the years, I’ve explored a variety of exciting sloppy joe creations. From the sweet and savory notes of Hawaiian Sloppy Joes to the zesty kick of Buffalo Sloppy Joes, and even the bold flavors of Cuban Sloppy Joes, I’ve found joy in transforming this simple sandwich. I’ve even taken them off the bun and served them as Sloppy Dogs. Each iteration brings a new dimension to this beloved dish, proving that sloppy joes are far from boring.

This time, I’m taking our favorite ground beef sandwich on a flavorful journey south of the border with a vibrant Tex-Mex twist. And let me tell you, this Enchilada Sloppy Joe recipe is not just delicious; it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. The secret to its incredible flavor? A simple can of rich enchilada sauce that forms the backbone of this savory, slightly spicy filling. Combined with seasoned ground beef, a touch of diced jalapeño for a hint of heat, and fresh cilantro, this recipe comes together in a flash.

To elevate this Tex-Mex masterpiece, a generous sprinkle of melty Pepper Jack cheese is added on top. The moment it hits the heat, you get that irresistible gooey factor that makes sloppy joes so satisfying. The combination of savory meat, spicy sauce, and creamy cheese creates a flavor profile that’s truly unforgettable. You won’t hear any complaints about a dull dinner when this Enchilada Sloppy Joe recipe is on the menu. It truly sets a new standard for what a sloppy joe can be, earning its title as one of the best sloppy joe recipes you’ll ever make.

Make sure to add this innovative Enchilada Sloppy Joe Recipe to your collection of go-to weeknight dinner ideas. It’s a crowd-pleaser that the entire family will eagerly devour, bringing excitement and incredible flavor to your dinner table without the fuss.

Essential Ingredients for Your Enchilada Sloppy Joes

The beauty of this Enchilada Sloppy Joe recipe lies in its simplicity and the use of readily available ingredients. You don’t need an extensive shopping list to create this flavor-packed meal. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

• Ground Beef: The foundation of our sloppy joes. Lean ground beef works well, but a slightly higher fat content can add more flavor.
• Jalapeños: For a delightful kick. Remember to remove the seeds and ribs for a milder heat, or leave some in if you prefer more spice.
• Onion: Adds aromatic depth and a subtle sweetness to the savory mixture.
• Enchilada Sauce: The star ingredient that infuses the Tex-Mex flavor. A 10 oz can is perfect for this recipe. Choose mild, medium, or hot based on your preference.
• Cilantro: Fresh herbs brighten the dish and provide an authentic Tex-Mex aroma.
• Pepper Jack Cheese: Offers a creamy texture and a complementary spicy note when melted over the sloppy joes.
• Hamburger Buns: The perfect vessel for holding our delicious filling. Toasting them adds an extra layer of texture.

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the robust flavor profile of these enchilada sloppy joes. The combination creates a harmonious blend of savory, spicy, and cheesy goodness that’s hard to resist.

Crafting Your Enchilada Sloppy Joe: A Step-by-Step Guide

Preparing these Enchilada Sloppy Joes is straightforward, making it an excellent recipe for cooks of all skill levels. Follow these simple steps to bring this sensational dinner to life:

1. Sauté Aromatics: Begin by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and jalapeño (with seeds and ribs removed if you prefer less heat) and cook, stirring frequently, until they soften and become translucent. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Softening the vegetables builds the base flavor for the sloppy joe mixture.
2. Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the softened onions and jalapeños. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon as it browns, until it’s fully cooked through and no pink remains. This typically takes around 8 minutes. Once cooked, drain any excess grease from the skillet to ensure a less oily, more flavorful filling.
3. Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the entire can of enchilada sauce. Reduce the heat to medium-low and allow the mixture to simmer gently for 10-15 minutes. This simmering time is crucial as it allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the sauce to thicken slightly, creating that perfect sloppy joe consistency. Stir in the freshly chopped cilantro during the last few minutes of simmering to preserve its fresh flavor and vibrant color.
4. Assemble and Broil: While the sloppy joe mixture simmers, preheat your oven to broil. Arrange the bottom halves of your hamburger buns on a baking sheet. Lightly toast them under the broiler for a minute or two until they are slightly golden. Spoon a generous amount of the enchilada sloppy joe mixture onto each toasted bun bottom. Sprinkle each with a good helping of shredded Pepper Jack cheese. Place the top halves of the buns, cut side up, on the same baking sheet to toast them lightly.
5. Melt and Serve: Return the baking sheet to the oven under the broiler. Watch carefully, broiling just until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly, and the top halves of the buns are perfectly toasted. This usually takes only 1-2 minutes. Remove from the oven, place the toasted bun tops onto the cheesy meat mixture, and serve immediately.

Following these steps will result in a perfectly cooked, incredibly flavorful, and wonderfully messy Enchilada Sloppy Joe that will be a highlight of your dinner rotation.

Perfect Pairings for Your Enchilada Sloppy Joes

These Tex-Mex sloppy joes are a meal in themselves, but they pair wonderfully with a variety of sides to complete your dinner. Here are some suggestions to enhance your culinary experience:

• Crisp Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can cut through the richness of the sloppy joes, offering a refreshing contrast.
• Tortilla Chips and Guacamole/Salsa: Embrace the Tex-Mex theme with crunchy tortilla chips, fresh guacamole, or your favorite salsa for dipping.
• Rice and Beans: Classic Mexican rice or a side of seasoned black beans makes for a hearty and traditional accompaniment.
• Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn on the cob or a fresh corn salad adds a touch of sweetness and texture.
• Coleslaw: A creamy, tangy coleslaw can provide a cool and crunchy counterpoint to the warm, spicy filling.

Exciting Variations & Customizations

This Enchilada Sloppy Joe recipe is incredibly flexible, allowing for numerous variations to suit your taste or what you have on hand:

• Heat Level: Adjust the spice by varying the type of enchilada sauce (mild, medium, or hot) or by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce. You can also experiment with different peppers like poblano or serrano.
• Protein Swap: While ground beef is traditional, feel free to substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. For a vegetarian option, consider using a plant-based ground meat substitute or a hearty mix of black beans and corn.
• Add Veggies: Boost the nutritional content and flavor by incorporating finely diced bell peppers (any color), zucchini, or even corn into the mixture during the sautéing phase.
• Cheese Alternatives: If Pepper Jack isn’t your favorite, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend would also melt beautifully and complement the flavors.
• Smoky Flavor: For an extra layer of depth, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke to the meat mixture.
• Sauce Enhancement: Stir in a spoonful of green chilies, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for creaminess, or a squeeze of lime juice for brightness right before serving.

More Sloppy Joe Recipes to Explore

If you’ve fallen in love with the versatility of sloppy joes, here are a few more creative recipes to add to your repertoire:

• Smoky Tex-Mex Sloppy Joses
• Chicken Sloppy Joes
• Sloppy Joe Dip
• Easy Sloppy Joes (Classic)
• Sloppy Joe Pasta

Recommended Tools for This Enchilada Sloppy Joe Recipe

Having the right kitchen tools can make all the difference in preparing delicious meals efficiently. For this Enchilada Sloppy Joe recipe, a sturdy skillet is essential. I am a big advocate for a high-quality cast iron skillet, which not only cooks evenly but also adds a wonderful depth of flavor to your dishes. A good quality skillet ensures proper browning of the ground beef and allows the sauce to simmer perfectly.

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Enchilada Sloppy Joe Recipe

Author:
Deborah Harroun

Prep Time:
10 minutes

Cook Time:
30 minutes

Total Time:
40 minutes

Servings:
4 servings

Course:
Main Dish

Cuisine:
Tex-Mex

Print Recipe
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Not your typical sloppy joe recipe, this Enchilada Sloppy Joe Recipe has an enchilada twist with delicious Tex-Mex flavors. They are the best sloppy joes!

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup diced onion
• 1 small jalapeño, seeds and ribs removed, diced
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 (10 oz) can enchilada sauce (e.g., Old El Paso)
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
• 4 hamburger buns
• 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and jalapeño and cook, stirring often, until softened, 5-7 minutes.
2. Add in the ground beef and cook, breaking it up as it cooks, until browned and cooked through, about 8 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.
3. Pour in the enchilada sauce, reduce the heat to medium-low, and simmer for 10-15 minutes. Stir in the cilantro.
4. Turn the oven on to broil. Place the bun bottoms on a baking sheet and lightly toast. Top the buns with the meat mixture, then the cheese. Place the bun tops on the baking sheet, cut side up (to toast) and place the baking sheet in the oven. Broil just until the cheese is melted and the top of the buns are toasted.
5. Place the top of the buns on the mixture and serve.

Recipe Notes:

I used mild enchilada sauce, but feel free to choose medium or hot for more flavor and heat!

Nutrition information provided as an estimate only. Various brands and products can change the counts.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1 sloppy joe, Calories: 497 kcal (25%), Carbohydrates: 31g (10%), Protein: 35g (70%), Fat: 24g (37%), Saturated Fat: 10g (63%), Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g, Trans Fat: 0g, Cholesterol: 96mg (32%), Sodium: 568mg (25%), Fiber: 2g (8%), Sugar: 6g (7%)

Keywords:
sloppy joe, enchilada sloppy joe, Tex-Mex sloppy joe, easy weeknight dinner, ground beef recipe