Sloppy Joes (Carne Guisada Style)

Name: Sloppy Joes (Carne Guisada Style)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: tex_mex
Ingredients: 1 tbsp Vegetable Oil; 1.5 lb Ground Beef (85/15 lean to fat ratio recommended); 1 medium Yellow Onion (Finely chopped); 1 medium Green Bell Pepper (Finely chopped); 3 cloves Garlic (Minced); 1 piece Jalapeno Pepper (Seeded and minced (optional)); 2 tbsp Tomato Paste; 2 tsp Chili Powder (Use a good quality Tex-Mex blend); 1.5 tsp Ground Cumin; 1 tsp Dried Oregano (Mexican oregano if available); 1 tsp Salt (Or to taste); 0.5 tsp Black Pepper (Freshly ground); 1 cup Beef Broth (Low sodium recommended); 14.5 oz Diced Tomatoes (One can, undrained); 4 piece Hamburger Buns (Brioche or potato buns work well)

RATING

4.3/5(28)

TASTE SCORE

9/10

A Tex-Mex twist on an American classic! This recipe infuses the rich, savory, slow-simmered flavors of carne guisada into the fun, messy, and beloved sloppy joe. It's a hearty, deeply flavorful meal perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party dish.

PREP

15m

COOK

45m

SERVES

1 SANDWICH

678 cal

SERVINGS

METHOD · 4 STEPS

Brown the Beef
1.Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2.Add the ground beef to the hot skillet. Cook for 6-8 minutes, using a wooden spoon or spatula to break it into small crumbles, until it is browned and no longer pink.
3.Carefully tilt the skillet and spoon out any excess grease, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan for flavor.
Sauté Aromatics and Bloom Spices
1.Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened and the onion is translucent.
2.Stir in the minced garlic and optional jalapeño. Cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
3.Add the tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir constantly for 1 minute to toast the spices and cook the raw flavor out of the tomato paste. This step is key for a deep, rich flavor.
Simmer the Mixture
1.Pour the beef broth and the undrained can of diced tomatoes into the skillet. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
2.Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer.
3.Partially cover the skillet and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring every 5-7 minutes to prevent sticking. The sauce should thicken considerably to a scoopable, 'sloppy' consistency.
Assemble and Serve
1.During the last few minutes of simmering, toast your hamburger buns in a toaster, under the broiler, or in a dry pan until golden brown.
2.Once the meat mixture has thickened, remove it from the heat. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
3.Spoon a generous amount of the Carne Guisada sloppy joe mixture onto the bottom half of each toasted bun. Add your favorite toppings, place the top bun on, and serve immediately.

PRO TIPS

What to keep in mind.

5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.

1
Toasting the buns is crucial! It creates a barrier that prevents them from becoming soggy from the saucy filling.
2
For a smokier flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika or a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce (minced) along with the other spices.
3
Use a potato masher to break up the ground beef in the pan for a finer, more uniform texture.
4
Let the mixture rest for 5-10 minutes off the heat before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and settle even further.
5
This recipe is excellent for meal prep. The meat mixture can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

RECIPE VARIATIONS

Adapt it for your goals.

Protein Swap

Substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. You may need to add an extra teaspoon of oil to prevent sticking.

Add Beans & Corn

Stir in a can of drained and rinsed black beans or pinto beans, and 1/2 cup of frozen corn during the last 10 minutes of simmering for extra fiber and texture.

Make it Spicier

For more heat, leave some seeds in the jalapeño, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, or serve with your favorite hot sauce.

Cheesy Version

Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese into the meat mixture at the very end until just melted for a gooey, cheesy filling.

HEALTH BENEFITS

Why this is on our healthy list.

muscle

Excellent Source of Protein

Ground beef provides high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and maintaining overall body function.

blood_drop

Rich in Iron and B12

This dish is a good source of heme iron, which is easily absorbed by the body and helps prevent anemia. It also provides Vitamin B12, crucial for nerve function and the formation of red blood cells.

antioxidant

Contains Lycopene

The cooked tomatoes and tomato paste are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that has been linked to a reduced risk of certain chronic diseases and supports skin health.

QUESTIONS?

Frequently asked questions

A single serving, including the bun, contains approximately 550-650 calories. This can vary based on the leanness of the beef, the type of bun used, and any additional toppings.