These taco salsa sloppy joes mix the ideal of tacos and sloppy joes in one easy skillet dinner. Ground beef cooks with onion and garlic, then simmers with taco seasoning and chunky salsa until thick and zesty. Piled onto a bun and topped with cheese and crisp toppings, it comes together in about 25 minutes.
The sauce needs only a few ingredients, and the toppings let everyone build their own sandwich. It is a good option for busy weeknights and a fun way to use up leftover taco toppings.
Table of Contents
Why This Taco Salsa Sloppy Joes Recipe Works
Taco seasoning provides all the spice in one step, and chunky salsa adds moisture, acidity, and texture. Together they make a sauce that is thick, savory, and just a bit tangy without needing a long simmer.
The water is adjustable, so you can control how loose or thick the filling ends up. Serving it with cool toppings like lettuce, tomato, avocado, and sour cream balances the warm, seasoned beef.
Ingredients for Taco Salsa Sloppy Joes
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning
- 1 cup chunky salsa
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup water
- 4 hamburger buns
- 1/2 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 tomato, diced
- 1 avocado, diced, or guacamole
- 1/4 cup sour cream
Lean ground beef: It keeps the filling from being greasy and cooks quickly.
Taco seasoning: Use mild, medium, or hot depending on your family. Salt is already included, so do not add more.
Chunky salsa: Choose a thick salsa. A thin one makes the filling runny. Mild or spicy both work.
Toppings: Cheese, lettuce, tomato, avocado, and sour cream turn the sandwich into a taco inspired meal.
How to Make Taco Salsa Sloppy Joes
1. Brown the beef. In a large skillet over medium high heat, cook the beef, onion, and garlic until the beef is no longer pink and the onion softens. The beef should reach 160 degrees F.
2. Drain. Spoon off any grease from the skillet.
3. Add the flavor. Stir in the taco seasoning and salsa.
4. Simmer. Lower the heat to medium low and cook about 5 minutes until thick and heated through.
5. Adjust. If the mixture seems too thick, stir in up to 1/2 cup of water, a spoonful at a time.
6. Fill the buns. Spoon the filling onto the buns.
7. Top and serve. Add cheese, lettuce, tomato, avocado, and sour cream as you like.
How to Serve Taco Salsa Sloppy Joes
Serve with a scoop of cilantro lime rice to soak up extra sauce, or set up a toppings bar like the one in this ground beef taco bar.
If you have leftovers of homemade taco meat, use it in a pinch for the filling. For a bigger Tex Mex night, add a pan of baked beef tacos.
How to Store and Reheat Taco Salsa Sloppy Joes
Store the filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days, or freeze it for up to 2 months. Keep the toppings separate.
Reheat in a skillet over medium low heat, stirring and adding a splash of water, until it reaches 165 degrees F. Do not leave leftovers out for more than two hours.
Tips and Variations for Taco Salsa Sloppy Joes
Choose a thick salsa. Thin salsa makes a runny filling. If it is loose, simmer a little longer.
Add water slowly. You can always loosen the mixture, but you cannot easily thicken it.
Turn it into a casserole. Bake the filling with cheese on top for a different dinner.
Make it spicier. Use hot salsa or add chopped jalapenos.
Toast the buns. It keeps them from going soft under the filling.
Use turkey. Ground turkey is a lighter alternative, but cook it to 165 degrees F.
Cook it safely. See the FDA food safety guide for general temperature guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Taco Salsa Sloppy Joes
What toppings go ideal on taco salsa sloppy joes?
Shredded cheese, lettuce, tomato, avocado or guacamole, and sour cream are the classic choices.
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes. It keeps in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken?
Yes. Cook poultry to 165 degrees F.
How spicy are taco salsa sloppy joes?
The heat depends on the taco seasoning and salsa you choose. Mild versions are family friendly.
Can I freeze the filling?
Yes. Freeze for up to 2 months in an airtight container.
Taco Salsa Sloppy Joes
Equipment
- Large skillet
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
- 1 cup chunky salsa
- ¼ cup water up to 1/2 cup as needed
- 4 hamburger buns
- ½ cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 tomato diced
- 1 avocado diced, or use guacamole
- ¼ cup sour cream
Instructions
Cooking
- Brown. Cook the beef, onion, and garlic in a large skillet over medium high heat until no pink remains. The beef should reach 160 degrees F.
- Drain. Spoon off any grease.
- Season. Stir in the taco seasoning and salsa.
- Simmer. Lower the heat to medium low and cook about 5 minutes until thick and hot.
- Adjust. Stir in up to 1/2 cup water if the mixture is too thick.
- Top and serve. Spoon onto the buns and add cheese, lettuce, tomato, avocado, and sour cream.
