Why You’ll Love these Mexican-Style Taco Joes
If you’re tired of the same old dinner routine, these Mexican-Style Taco Joes are about to become your new weeknight hero. They combine the nostalgic comfort of sloppy joes with vibrant Mexican flavors—cumin, green chilies, and refried beans give them an irresistible kick that regular joes just can’t match.
What’s not to love about a 30-minute meal that satisfies picky eaters and food enthusiasts alike? The melty Velveeta creates this gorgeous creamy texture while the customizable toppings let everyone at the table make it their own.
Ready-in-a-flash deliciousness that feels special? Yes, please.
What Ingredients are in Mexican-Style Taco Joes?
These Mexican-Style Taco Joes transform ordinary sloppy joes into something special with a south-of-the-border twist.
The ingredient list might look a bit long at first glance, but most of these items are probably already hanging out in your pantry or fridge.
Think of it as the perfect fusion dish—a little bit American comfort food, a little bit Mexican fiesta, all on a hamburger bun.
- Cooking spray
- 1/2 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 (15 1/2 ounce) can refried beans
- 1 cup Velveeta cheese, cubed and melted
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
- 1 (4 ounce) can green chilies, drained
- 1/2 cup milk
- 6 hamburger buns
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Garnishes: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced black olives
Want to make some swaps? That’s the beauty of this flexible recipe.
Not a fan of Velveeta? You could substitute with regular shredded cheddar or a Mexican cheese blend, though you might miss out on that ultra-creamy texture.
The garnishes are completely customizable too—add some chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños for heat, or even a sprinkle of crushed tortilla chips for crunch.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, ground turkey works beautifully as a leaner alternative to beef.
How to Make these Mexican-Style Taco Joes
Making these zesty Taco Joes couldn’t be easier, and they come together in just about the same time as traditional sloppy joes. Start by spraying a large skillet with cooking spray and heating it over medium-high heat. Toss in 1/2 small diced onion and 3 cloves of minced garlic, sautéing them until the onion becomes translucent and your kitchen fills with that irresistible aroma. This flavor base is what makes these sandwiches so much more exciting than your standard weeknight fare.
Next, add 1 pound of ground beef to the skillet and brown it thoroughly, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Once it’s no longer pink, be sure to drain off the excess fat—nobody wants a soggy bun, right?
Return the skillet to the heat and stir in a 15 1/2 ounce can of refried beans, 1 cup of cubed and melted Velveeta cheese, 1 teaspoon of cumin, a 6-ounce can of tomato paste, and a 4-ounce can of drained green chilies. This is where the magic happens. The mixture will be thick, so add up to 1/2 cup of milk as needed until you reach that perfect, spreadable consistency. Keep stirring until everything is well combined and heated through—you want those flavors to really get to know each other.
For authentic Mexican flavor, using the right cooking appliances in your kitchen can make all the difference in how your dishes turn out.
To serve these messy masterpieces, spread a bit of sour cream on each of your 6 hamburger buns before spooning the warm meat mixture on top. The sour cream acts as a cool, creamy counterpoint to the rich, spicy filling.
Now comes the fun part—garnish to your heart’s content with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and sliced black olives. Some folks in my house can’t get enough toppings, while others prefer them relatively unadorned. Either way, just be prepared for a delicious mess. Might want to have those napkins handy!
Mexican-Style Taco Joes Substitutions and Variations
While the classic recipe for these Mexican-Style Taco Joes is absolutely delicious, you’ll be thrilled to know that this dish welcomes customization with open arms.
Don’t have Velveeta? Swap in shredded cheddar, pepper jack, or even a dairy-free cheese alternative. Ground turkey or chicken makes a leaner option than beef, and black beans can replace refried beans for a different texture.
For spice lovers, add a dash of hot sauce or diced jalapeños.
Vegetarians can substitute plant-based crumbles or extra beans.
And those hamburger buns? Try flour tortillas or tostada shells instead for a fun twist.
What to Serve with Mexican-Style Taco Joes
Three perfect side dishes can transform your Mexican-Style Taco Joes from a simple weeknight meal into a fiesta-worthy spread.
I’m thinking crispy tortilla chips with homemade guacamole—nothing beats that creamy, lime-kissed perfection alongside these saucy sandwiches.
A simple Mexican street corn salad would be divine, too. Just toss grilled corn kernels with cotija cheese, cilantro, and a touch of chili powder. Divine.
For something lighter? A cilantro-lime rice or a crisp jicama slaw cuts through the richness of those cheesy, bean-filled Taco Joes.
Who needs boring sides when you can have this flavor fiesta?
Final Thoughts
After enjoying these Mexican-Style Taco Joes, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for traditional sloppy joes in the first place.
The fusion of taco flavors with that beloved sloppy joe format creates something truly special for weeknight dinners.
I love how customizable these are—want more heat? Add jalapeños. Prefer a milder version for the kids? Simply reduce the green chilies.
The melty Velveeta and refried beans give these sandwiches a creamy texture that regular tacos just can’t match.
