Sloppy Joe Grilled Burritos Recipe

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Sloppy Joe Grilled Burritos are a delicious fusion of the classic American Sloppy Joe and the beloved Mexican burrito. This hearty, flavorful dish combines seasoned ground beef, bell peppers, and a tangy sauce, all wrapped in a crispy, grilled tortilla with melted cheese. Perfect for a family dinner or a casual gathering, these burritos are sure to become a favorite.

Overview of the Recipe

These Sloppy Joe Grilled Burritos feature a rich and savory filling made from seasoned ground beef, bell peppers, and a homemade Sloppy Joe sauce. The burritos are topped with a creamy cheese sauce and additional shredded cheese, then folded and grilled to crispy perfection.

Key Components:

  • Seasoned Ground Beef: Provides the hearty base for the filling.
  • Bell Peppers and Onions: Add flavor, color, and nutrition.
  • Sloppy Joe Sauce: A tangy and slightly sweet sauce that brings everything together.
  • Cheese Sauce and Shredded Cheese: Adds creamy, cheesy goodness to the burritos.
  • Grilled Tortillas: Ensures a crispy, golden exterior.

History and Origin

Sloppy Joes are an American classic, dating back to the early 20th century. Combining them with the concept of a burrito, which has its origins in Mexican cuisine, creates a delightful fusion that brings together the best of both worlds. This recipe is a modern twist on two beloved dishes.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs seasoned ground beef
  • 2 tbsp chopped onion
  • Red & green bell peppers (added in the last 5 minutes of cooking)
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 3 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tsp brown sugar
  • Salt, to taste
  • Onion powder, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • Large flour tortillas
  • 2 cups shredded cheese
  • 1/3 cup milk
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp oil (for frying)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Beef

  1. Brown the Beef: Over medium-high heat, brown the seasoned ground beef in a skillet.
  2. Add Vegetables: In the last 5 minutes of cooking, add the chopped onion and red & green bell peppers. Cook until the vegetables are tender.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

  1. Mix Sauce Ingredients: In a bowl, mix together the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, salt, onion powder, and pepper. Blend well until smooth.

Step 3: Combine Sauce and Beef

  1. Add Sauce to Beef: Pour the sauce over the cooked beef and vegetables.
  2. Simmer: Keep the mixture warm on low heat, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce

  1. Melt Cheese: In a separate saucepan, heat the shredded cheese with milk and butter over medium heat.
  2. Stir Until Smooth: Cook, stirring continuously, until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 5: Assemble the Burritos

  1. Lay Tortilla Flat: Lay a large flour tortilla flat on a clean surface.
  2. Add Filling: Spoon the beef mixture onto the center of the tortilla.
  3. Add Cheese Sauce: Pour the cheese sauce over the beef mixture, and sprinkle additional shredded cheese on top.

Step 6: Fold and Fry

  1. Fold the Burrito: Fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling, then roll it up to form a burrito.
  2. Heat Oil: In a skillet, heat 1 tbsp of oil over medium-high heat.
  3. Fry the Burrito: Place the burrito seam-side down in the skillet and fry for about 1 minute on each side, or until golden and crispy.

Step 7: Serve

  1. Serve Hot: Serve the Sloppy Joe Grilled Burritos hot, with any additional toppings or sides of your choice. Enjoy!

Serving Size:

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 burritos

Pairing and Serving Suggestions

Sloppy Joe Grilled Burritos pair well with:

  • Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance the rich flavors of the burritos.
  • Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob makes a perfect side dish.
  • Salsa and Guacamole: Serve with salsa and guacamole for extra flavor.

Variations of the Recipe

  1. Spicy Sloppy Joe Burritos: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture for a spicy kick.
  2. Vegetarian Sloppy Joe Burritos: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or a mixture of beans and vegetables.
  3. Cheesy Sloppy Joe Quesadillas: Instead of burritos, use the filling and cheese sauce to make quesadillas.

Health Benefits and Notes

These burritos are a hearty and satisfying meal. To make them a bit healthier, consider using lean ground beef or turkey, and opt for whole wheat tortillas.

Health Tips:

  • Reduce Sodium: Use low-sodium ketchup and Worcestershire sauce to reduce sodium content.
  • Increase Fiber: Use whole grain tortillas to increase fiber intake.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture and cheese sauce ahead of time. Store them in separate containers in the refrigerator and assemble the burritos when ready to serve.

Can I freeze Sloppy Joe Grilled Burritos?

Yes, you can freeze assembled but unfried burritos. Wrap them tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before frying.

What can I use instead of Worcestershire sauce?

Soy sauce or a mixture of soy sauce and a bit of vinegar can be used as a substitute for Worcestershire sauce.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover burritos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.

Conclusion

Sloppy Joe Grilled Burritos are a fun and flavorful twist on two classic dishes. With their savory filling, creamy cheese sauce, and crispy tortilla exterior, these burritos are sure to become a new family favorite. Easy to prepare and versatile, they make a great meal for any occasion. Enjoy the rich, tangy flavors and the satisfying crunch of these delicious burritos. Happy cooking!

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