Crock Pot Taco Sloppy Joes

Crock Pot Taco Sloppy Joes bring a fresh taco twist to a classic sloppy joe, making it a versatile and crowdpleasing meal. This recipe lets you enjoy that comforting sloppy joe vibe with the bold flavors of taco seasoning, enchilada sauce, and salsa. It’s perfect for busy evenings when you want something hearty waiting for you at the end of the day, and it doubles as an excellent filling for tacos, burritos, or even taco salads.

I first made this on a hectic weeknight after work and loved how I could just set it and forget it knowing dinner would be ready. Now it’s become a weekend staple for casual family gatherings.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: provides a rich hearty base but ground turkey or chicken work well too especially if you want a lighter option. Choose fresh lean ground meat for best flavor
• Refried beans: add creaminess and help bind the filling making it extra satisfying. Use canned for convenience or homemade if you have some on hand
• Enchilada sauce: brings that signature tangy and slightly smoky flavor find a quality red or green enchilada sauce depending on your preference
• Taco seasoning: delivers the bold spices and heat. A packet from your favorite brand or your own blend makes this a flavor hit
• Salsa: adds freshness and moisture balancing the richness of the meat mixture pick a salsa you enjoy eating on its own for best results
• Burger buns or your preferred bread: act as a vehicle for the filling but it’s just as wonderful in tortillas or over salad greens for a twist

Instructions

Sauté the Ground Beef:

Place your slow cooker on the stovetop setting or use a skillet on the stove. Brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it apart into small pieces as it cooks. You want it nicely browned but not burnt to develop a deep flavor. Drain any excess grease to keep the filling from being greasy.

Combine the Ingredients:

Transfer the drained beef back into the slow cooker or keep it in the skillet if cooking on the stove. Stir in the refried beans, enchilada sauce, taco seasoning, and salsa until everything is thoroughly combined. This mixture is the core of your sloppy joes so take a moment to make sure all ingredients are well mixed.

Slow Cook to Perfection:

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for four hours. This slow cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the sauce to thicken just right. If using the stovetop method, cover and simmer gently until heated through stirring occasionally.

Serve and Garnish:

Spoon the mixture onto burger buns or into warm tortillas. Add your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese chopped cilantro diced onions or avocado slices. This filling is versatile so get creative with your garnishes!

This recipe has become a favorite around my home because the taco seasoning combined with enchilada sauce creates a flavor profile that’s just irresistible. One family gathering we served these as mini sliders and everyone asked for the recipe, proving it is much more than just a simple weeknight dinner.

Storage Tips

Store leftover filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. When reheating, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave stirring occasionally to keep the texture consistent. If freezing, portion the filling into freezer-safe containers or bags. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground beef can be swapped for ground turkey chicken or even plant-based crumbles to suit dietary preferences without losing much flavor. Refried beans add creaminess but you can use black beans or pinto beans mashed slightly if you prefer a chunkier texture. Enchilada sauce can be red or green and homemade or store-bought depending on your flavor preference and time constraints. Taco seasoning packets can be replaced with your own blend of chili powder cumin garlic powder paprika and onion powder for a more personalized taste.

Serving Suggestions

This filling works great on traditional hamburger buns for messy handheld sloppy joes or try it in crisp taco shells for a fun crunch. Serve alongside Spanish rice or a simple tossed salad for a balanced meal. Add toppings like sour cream shredded lettuce jalapeños or diced tomatoes to customize each plate.

This Crock Pot Taco Sloppy Joes recipe is an easy flavorful weeknight winner that scales well for feeding a crowd. It’s a simple make ahead dish that’s great for casual gatherings.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can the filling be used for other dishes besides sloppy joes?

Yes, it works well as a filling for tacos, burritos, tostadas, and taco salads, adding a rich taco flavor to various meals.

→ Is there a stovetop alternative to slow cooking this filling?

Absolutely. Brown ground beef in a skillet, drain excess grease, then add refried beans, enchilada sauce, and taco seasoning. Cook until heated through, stirring occasionally.

→ Can I reduce the amount of ground beef used?

Yes, you can cut the ingredients in half to make a smaller batch. Leftovers can be frozen for future meals.

→ What are good side dishes to serve with this taco filling?

Classic options like French fries, tater tots, Spanish rice, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad pair nicely with the hearty filling.

→ How can I keep the filling warm for a gathering?

Keep the filling in the slow cooker on the warm setting so guests can serve themselves throughout the event.

→ How long do leftovers stay fresh?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days; they can also be frozen up to 3 months.