Ingredients
Meat Mixture
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 medium red onion, diced
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2-3 jalapeños, diced (adjust to taste)
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 1 cup Mexican blend shredded cheese
To Serve
- 6 brioche hamburger buns
- 2 diced tomatoes
- Sour cream, to taste
- Chopped cilantro or parsley, for garnish
- Fresh lime, for squeezing
Instructions
- Preheat the skillet: Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat to prepare for cooking the vegetables and beef evenly.
- Sauté veggies: Add butter to the hot skillet, then add diced onions, minced garlic, and diced jalapeños. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
- Cook the beef: Add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally and ensuring the beef is browned thoroughly. Drain excess fat from the pan.
- Season the mixture: Stir in taco seasoning, tomato sauce, kosher salt, and black pepper. Combine well to coat the beef and vegetables evenly with the spices and sauce.
- Thicken with slurry: In a small cup, mix beef broth and cornstarch until smooth. Add this slurry to the pan and stir well. Cook for 5 minutes, allowing the mixture to thicken and reduce until slightly liquid but not watery.
- Add cheese: Turn off the heat and stir in the shredded Mexican blend cheese, letting it melt into the sloppy joe mixture for a creamy texture.
- Assemble and serve: Toast brioche buns lightly, then spoon the cheesy taco sloppy joe filling onto each bun. Top with diced tomatoes, a dollop of sour cream, chopped cilantro or parsley, and finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
- Store leftovers: Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4-5 days for best freshness.
Notes
- Adjust jalapeño quantity based on desired spice level.
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease in the dish.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute brioche buns with gluten-free buns.
- To save time, prepare the seasoning mixture ahead.
- Reheat leftovers gently on stovetop or microwave before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American