Smoky Joe’s Grilled Burrito Magic: A Family-Favorite Recipe

Culinary magic happens when classic sloppy joe meets the handheld convenience of grilled burritos.

These mouthwatering pockets pack a serious flavor punch that’ll make dinner exciting again.

Seasoned ground beef simmers in a rich, tangy sauce before getting wrapped in warm tortillas.

Crispy grilling adds an irresistible golden crunch to every bite.

Cheese melts perfectly inside, creating gooey pockets of deliciousness.

You’ll love how quickly these come together for a weeknight meal that feels like a celebration.

Bold flavors and easy preparation make these sloppy joe grilled burritos a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that everyone will devour.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 477 kcal

Servings: 7

Sloppy Joe Grilled Burritos Ingredients

• Ground Beef: Provides hearty, rich flavor and substantial protein for the main filling, choose lean cuts for less grease and better texture.
• Onions: Adds depth and sweetness to the meat mixture, select fresh firm onions for maximum crunch and flavor.

• Green Peppers, Red Peppers: Brings vibrant color and crisp vegetable notes, pick firm peppers with bright, glossy skin.
• Ketchup: Adds tangy sweetness to the sloppy joe sauce, select a high-quality brand for richer taste.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Delivers complex umami and depth, opt for traditional aged versions for more robust flavor.
• Brown Sugar: Creates caramelized sweetness in the sauce, use fresh, soft brown sugar for best incorporation.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasoning that balances and elevates all other ingredients, use freshly ground black pepper for intense aroma.
• Onion Powder: Provides concentrated onion flavor without added moisture.

• Large Tortillas: Serves as wrapper and crispy exterior, choose fresh, pliable tortillas.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese, Milk, Butter: Creates smooth, creamy cheese sauce, select full-fat dairy for richest results.
• Cooking Oil: Enables golden, crispy exterior when frying burritos, use neutral oils like vegetable or canola.

What You’ll Need for Sloppy Joe Wraps

• Large skillet: Essential for browning ground beef and cooking the sloppy joe mix.
• Small bowl: Perfect for mixing the sauce ingredients.
• Saucepan: Ideal for melting cheese, milk, and butter.
• Spatula: Helps stir and mix ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate seasoning and sauce proportions.
• Sharp knife: Necessary for chopping green and red peppers.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for chopping vegetables.
• Paper towel-covered plate: Helps drain excess oil from fried burritos.

How to Roll and Grill Sloppy Joe Burritos

• Hearty Beef Mixture

Start by browning ground beef in a skillet, then add vibrant green and red peppers along with onions. Season generously with salt and pepper, and drain any excess fat to keep the filling light and tasty.

• Flavor Explosion

Whip up a zesty sauce by blending ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and brown sugar. Pour this magical mixture over the beef and mix thoroughly to create a mouthwatering base.

• Cheese Magic

Gently melt cheese with milk and butter in a saucepan, creating a smooth, creamy sauce that will elevate the entire dish.

• Burrito Assembly

Spread out large tortillas and load them with a generous scoop of the sloppy joe mixture. Top with a luxurious dollop of cheese sauce, then carefully roll into compact burritos.

• Crispy Golden Finish

Heat oil in a skillet and fry each burrito until they turn a beautiful golden brown, approximately 1-2 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper towel to absorb extra oil.

• Final Touch

Sprinkle additional shredded Cheddar cheese over the top for an extra burst of cheesy goodness. Serve hot and enjoy the explosion of flavors!

Tips for Stuffing Without Sogging

• Replace ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a lighter twist on the classic recipe.
• Add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to give the sloppy joe mixture an extra kick of heat.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack, Mexican blend, or smoked cheddar to create unique flavor profiles.
• Pair these crispy burritos with fresh salsa, guacamole, or a cool sour cream dip to balance the rich, savory filling.

Serving Ideas for Sloppy Joe Burritos

• Serve with Cool Companions: Pair these crispy grilled burritos with a refreshing side of coleslaw or a zesty green salad to balance the rich, meaty flavors.
• Dip and Delight: Whip up a quick sour cream and chive dip or tangy ranch sauce for an extra layer of creamy goodness that complements the spicy sloppy joe filling.
• Create a Feast: Transform this recipe into a complete meal by adding Mexican-style rice, refried beans, or a corn and black bean salsa on the side for a hearty and satisfying dinner experience.
• Garnish with Freshness: Top the burritos with chopped fresh cilantro, diced green onions, or a sprinkle of hot sauce to add brightness and an extra kick of flavor.

Reheat and Wrap Like It’s Day One

• Maximize Freshness: Store leftover burritos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping them crisp and delicious.
• Quick Reheat Trick: Warm burritos in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side to restore their original crispy texture and prevent sogginess.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap individual burritos tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Assemble burritos earlier in the day and refrigerate, covered, until ready to fry. This saves time during busy meal preparations and locks in fresh flavors.

Twisted Sloppy Joe Grilled Burritos Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty sloppy joe grilled burritos combine classic comfort with Mexican-inspired flair. Crispy tortillas wrap savory beef in a delightful fusion that satisfies hungry diners craving bold flavors and easy weeknight meals.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs (907 g) lean ground beef
• 2 cups (226 g) cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup (113 g) cheddar cheese, additional for sprinkling
• 3 tbsps Worcestershire sauce
• ½ cup (120 ml) ketchup
• 2 tsps light brown sugar
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 2 tbsps chopped onion
• 2 tbsps red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 tbsps green bell peppers, chopped
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) milk
• 1 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Meat Preparation: Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, pulverizing into fine crumbles until no pink remains.
2. Vegetable Integration: Fold diced green and red bell peppers along with onions into the beef, seasoning with salt and black pepper. Eliminate excess grease from the pan.
3. Flavor Development: Craft a robust sauce by blending ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and brown sugar, then thoroughly incorporate into the meat mixture.
4. Cheese Sauce Creation: Melt cheddar cheese, whole milk, and unsalted butter in a saucepan over low heat, stirring until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
5. Burrito Assembly: Lay out flour tortillas, center them with the saucy beef mixture, drench with molten cheese sauce, then meticulously fold and roll into compact parcels, sealing edges securely.
6. Grilling Technique: Heat cooking oil in a skillet, strategically place burritos and sear for 1-2 minutes per side until achieving a golden, crisp exterior.
7. Finishing Touch: Transfer burritos to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb residual oil, then garnish with additional shredded cheddar before serving piping hot.

Notes

• Meat Preparation Tip: Break ground beef into tiny, uniform crumbles for even cooking and better texture distribution throughout the burrito.
• Sauce Balancing Technique: Whisk sauce ingredients thoroughly to create a harmonious blend of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that complement the beef.
• Cheese Melting Secret: Use low, steady heat when creating cheese sauce to prevent separation and achieve a silky, smooth consistency.
• Burrito Sealing Trick: Fold tortilla edges tightly and press gently to create a seal, preventing filling from leaking during grilling and ensuring a neat, compact final product.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 477
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 830 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 105 mg