Tex-Mex BBQ Sloppy Joes

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 20 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Tex-Mex BBQ Sloppy Joes bring a zesty twist to a classic comfort food. The smoky, spicy flavors combined with the tangy sweetness of BBQ make this dish a must-try for any weeknight dinner. Get ready to enjoy a flavorful, messy delight!

Ingredients for Tex-Mex BBQ Sloppy Joes

The star of our dish is ground beef, providing a hearty and satisfying base. BBQ sauce adds a tangy sweetness, while diced tomatoes bring some juicy freshness. Onions and garlic are essential for building depth of flavor, and jalapeños add a spicy kick. Olive oil helps sauté the aromatics to perfection. The cumin and smoked paprika introduce earthy, smoky notes, and a touch of salt and black pepper balances everything out. Finally, shredded cheddar cheese and cilantro top it off for a creamy, herby finish.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use freshly grated cheddar for the best melt and flavor.
  • If you prefer less heat, remove the seeds from the jalapeños before dicing.
  • For an extra smoky flavor, try adding a dash of liquid smoke.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these sloppy joes with a simple side salad or some crispy sweet potato fries for a well-rounded meal. A cold, refreshing drink like iced tea or a light beer complements the bold flavors beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works well, though you might want to add a splash of oil to keep it moist.
How do I store leftovers?
Store the meat mixture separately from the buns in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove before serving.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, substitute the meat with a plant-based ground meat alternative or use lentils for a hearty vegetarian version.

Tex-Mex BBQ Sloppy Joes Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating your skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, toss in the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté them until they’re soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula as it cooks until it’s browned and cooked through. This should take around 5-7 minutes.

Once your beef is ready, stir in the BBQ sauce, diced tomatoes, and jalapeños. Sprinkle in the cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Let it all simmer together for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

While your filling simmers, toast the hamburger buns in a separate pan or pop them in a toaster. A little toasting adds texture and helps hold up against the juicy filling.

Once everything is ready, spoon the beef mixture generously onto the bottom halves of your buns. Sprinkle a good handful of shredded cheddar cheese and some chopped cilantro over the top.

Cap it off with the top half of the bun. Serve your Tex-Mex BBQ Sloppy Joes hot, ready to savor!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Bold flavors with a Tex-Mex twist.
  • Customizable heat level with jalapeños.
  • Great for feeding a crowd or family gatherings.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 cup BBQ sauce
1/2 cup diced tomatoes
1/2 cup chopped onions
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup diced jalapeños
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
4 hamburger buns
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup chopped cilantro

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, sauté until soft.
2. Add ground beef to the skillet, cooking until browned.
3. Stir in BBQ sauce, tomatoes, jalapeños, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Toast hamburger buns in a separate pan or toaster.
5. Spoon the mixture onto the bottom half of each bun.
6. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and cilantro.
7. Place the top bun over the filling and serve hot.

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