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Sloppy Joe Tacos

This quick and easy recipe transforms classic sloppy joes into a versatile taco filling. Featuring ground meat browned with spices, then simmered in a savory tomato-mustard sauce, it's highly customizable with your choice of meat, liquid, and optional brown sugar. Serve hot on tortillas or buns with a variety of fresh toppings for a delightful and adaptable meal ready in just 20 minutes.
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Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course lunch/dinner
Cuisine French
Servings 6 people
Calories 5014 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large Skillet or Dutch Oven For browning meat and simmering sauce.
  • 1 Wooden Spoon or Heat-Resistant Spatula For breaking up meat and stirring.
  • 1 Cutting Board For preparing aromatics and toppers.
  • 1 Chef's knife For chopping onions, garlic, and toppers.
  • 1 Measuring Spoons and Cups For accurate ingredient portions.

Ingredients
  

Main

  • 3 tablespoons oil or other fat
  • 2 pounds ground meat of your choice such as turkey, lamb, pork, beef, chicken, etc.
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne or smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion about 1 small
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup tomato product of your choice such as sauce, crushed, diced, etc.
  • 1 cup liquid of your choice such as water, stock, beer, etc.
  • 1/4 cup mustard
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar optional
  • 6 to 8 tortillas or buns
  • Optional toppers: diced avocado chopped tomatoes, fresh cilantro leaves, lime wedges, sliced radishes, shaved cabbage, sliced jalapenos

Instructions
 

  • Heat a large pan over medium heat and add the oil. When hot, add the meat, cayenne, cumin and some salt and pepper. Cook, without stirring, until the meat is browned on the bottom, about 5 minutes. Break it up with a wooden spoon, then add the onions and garlic and cook for 2 more minutes.
  • Add the tomato, liquid, mustard and sugar, if using, to the pan and bring to a simmer; simmer for 5 minutes.
  • Toast the tortillas or buns. Serve the sloppy joe mixture on the tortillas or buns and top with your favorite toppers.

Notes

Achieving a deep brown crust on the meat before breaking it up is crucial for developing rich, savory flavors through the Maillard reaction. Resist the urge to stir too early. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Adjust the liquid amount to achieve your desired sloppy joe consistency – simmer longer for a thicker sauce, or add a splash more for a looser texture. For an extra layer of complexity, consider adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce or a splash of apple cider vinegar to the simmering mixture; these can brighten the flavors and cut through the richness. Don't skip toasting your tortillas or buns; this provides a vital textural contrast to the soft, savory filling. A quick sear in a dry pan or a few seconds under the broiler works wonders.