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Looking for an easy dinner idea? These Easy Taco Sloppy Joes are such a fun twist on classic sloppy joes! Seasoned ground beef, salsa, melty cheese, and fresh shredded lettuce are piled onto soft buns for a quick dinner the whole family will enjoy.

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This is one of those simple weeknight meals that doesn’t require much prep or a long list of ingredients. The taco-seasoned meat comes together in about 20 minutes, making this a great option when you want something easy, flavorful, and filling.

Why I Love These Taco Sloppy Joes

  • Quick and easy to make
  • Great for busy weeknights
  • Full of taco flavor
  • A fun twist on a classic sandwich

This past Summer we had some extra hamburger buns and we always have ground beef on hand so these taco sloppy joes came together on one of those nights where you are trying to use up what ya have. So win win….My girls love sloppy joes and tacos so the perfect mash up.

Ingredients Needed for Taco Sloppy Joes

Ingredients needed for Taco sloppy joes
🌮 Ground Beef or Ground Turkey – I usually use ground beef for this, but ground turkey works just as well if that’s what you have on hand.

🌮 Low-Sodium Taco Seasoning – This is an easy way to get that classic taco flavor into the meat without having to pull out a bunch of different spices.

🌮Onion– Optional but I like to add a little for some health benefits.

🌮 Salsa – I like adding salsa right to the meat because it gives it even more flavor and keeps the mixture nice and saucy.

🌮 Shredded Lettuce – A little shredded lettuce on top adds some freshness and crunch to each sandwich.

🌮 Shredded Cheese – Use whatever shredded cheese you have on hand. Cheddar or a Mexican blend would both be delicious here.

🌮 Buns – Grab your favorite hamburger buns and pile the warm taco meat right on top. Soft buns work especially well for these.
Two taco sloppy joes on platter.

How to Make Taco Sloppy Joes

Step 1: Cook the Meat. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or ground turkey and diced onions over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Break the meat apart as it cooks, then drain any excess grease.

Step 2: Add the Seasoning. Add the taco seasoning and the amount of water called for on the packet. Stir in the salsa and mix everything together.

Step 3: Simmer. Let the mixture simmer until hot throughout and thickened. Give it a stir occasionally as it cooks.

Step 4: Assemble. Spoon the warm taco meat onto the bottom half of each bun. Top with shredded cheese and lettuce, then place the other half of the bun on top.

Serve them up while they’re warm and enjoy! You can add some hot sauce, pickled jalapeños, or even sour cream if you want.

how to make sloppy Joe sliders

Additions & Substitutions

  • Swap the ground beef for ground turkey if you prefer.
  • Could swap the salsa with a can of diced tomatoes with green chiles.
  • Like a little heat? Try spicy salsa or pickled jalapeños.
  • Top with some avocado or even sour cream.
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Taco sloppy joe collage

Easy Taco Sloppy Joes

These easy Taco Sloppy Joes are a fun twist on classic sloppy joes. Seasoned ground meat and salsa are piled onto soft buns and topped with shredded cheese and lettuce for a quick and easy dinner.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb. ground beef or ground turkey
  • 1/2 cup diced onion optional
  • 1 packet low-sodium taco seasoning
  • Water according to taco seasoning packet directions -optional
  • 1 cup salsa or more to your liking
  • Buns
  • Shredded lettuce for topping
  • Shredded cheese for topping

Equipment

  • 1 skillet or pan

Method
 

  1. Cook the ground beef or ground turkey in a large skillet over medium heat with the diced onions until browned.
  2. Drain any excess grease.
  3. Add the taco seasoning and the amount of water called for on the packet. Stir in the salsa and mix well.
  4. Let the mixture simmer until hot throughout and thickened.
  5. Spoon the meat mixture onto the bottom half of each bun. Top with shredded cheese and lettuce. Top with the other bun and enjoy.

Notes

I love mine with some pickled jalapeños!