Why You’ll Love these Cheesy Taco Joes
If you’re searching for a dinner that combines two family favorites into one irresistible meal, these Cheesy Taco Joes are about to become your new weeknight hero. I’m talking about the perfect fusion of sloppy joes and tacos—messy, satisfying, and oh-so-cheesy.
What’s not to love? They’re ready in under 30 minutes, packed with flavor from green chilies and cumin, and that melty Velveeta creates the dreamiest texture. Plus, they’re completely customizable with toppings. Got picky eaters? Let them build their own. Need something for game day? These will disappear faster than you can say “touchdown.”
What Ingredients are in Cheesy Taco Joes?
These Cheesy Taco Joes bring together all the flavors you’d expect from both tacos and sloppy joes in one incredibly satisfying sandwich. The ingredient list might look a bit long at first glance, but don’t worry—most of these items are probably already in your pantry or fridge. The combination creates that perfect balance of savory meat, creamy beans, melty cheese, and just enough spice to keep things interesting without overwhelming your taste buds.
- 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 (for spreading)
- Garnishes: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced black olives
When shopping for these ingredients, feel free to make substitutions based on what you have on hand or your family’s preferences. Not a fan of Velveeta? You could try another melty cheese like American or even a sharp cheddar. Ground turkey works beautifully as a lighter alternative to beef. And while the recipe calls for standard hamburger buns, you could totally switch things up with brioche buns for a touch of sweetness or even slider buns to make mini Taco Joes for a party. The garnishes are where you can really get creative—think sliced avocado, pickled jalapeños, or a sprinkle of crushed tortilla chips for extra crunch.
How to Make these Cheesy Taco Joes
Now, add 1 pound of ground beef to the skillet and brown it completely, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Once browned, drain off the excess fat—nobody wants greasy buns, 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 magical combination creates that creamy, cheesy, slightly spicy filling that makes these Taco Joes so addictive. Give everything a good stir until completely combined, adding up to 1/2 cup of milk as needed to achieve the perfect consistency—you want it thick enough to stay on the bun but not so dry that it crumbles.
To serve, spread a little of the 1/2 cup of sour cream on each of your 6 hamburger buns, then generously spoon the meat mixture onto the bottom half. The warmth from the filling will slightly melt the sour cream, creating this amazing creamy layer that complements the savory meat mixture. For an extra crispy exterior, consider using a panini press to toast your assembled sandwiches before serving.
For future recipes, a premium stand mixer would make preparing these ingredients much more efficient and consistent.
Finally, garnish with whatever toppings make your taste buds dance—shredded lettuce adds a fresh crunch, diced tomatoes bring brightness, and sliced black olives provide that salty pop that ties everything together. Some folks in my household insist on a drizzle of ranch dressing, which, honestly, isn’t a bad call.
The beauty of these Taco Joes is their versatility—dress them up however you like, grab some napkins (you’ll need them), and dig in while they’re hot.
Cheesy Taco Joes Substitutions and Variations
While the classic Cheesy Taco Joe recipe is absolutely delicious as written, you can easily switch things up to suit your family’s preferences or whatever ingredients you happen to have on hand.
Swap ground turkey or chicken for beef to lighten things up.
Can’t find Velveeta? Regular cheddar or pepper jack works beautifully.
Vegetarians in the house? Try using black beans and chopped mushrooms instead of beef.
For a spicier version, add jalapeños or hot sauce.
And don’t feel limited to hamburger buns—this mixture tastes amazing on tortillas, over rice, or stuffed in bell peppers.
What to Serve with Cheesy Taco Joes
After exploring ways to customize your Cheesy Taco Joes, let’s talk about what to pair with these handheld flavor bombs.
I’m a big fan of serving these with crispy tortilla chips and a side of homemade guacamole or salsa. Can you think of a better combo?
A simple Mexican street corn salad makes a perfect companion, with its charred kernels, lime juice, and cotija cheese.
For something lighter, try a crisp cilantro-lime slaw that adds an invigorating crunch to counter the rich, cheesy goodness of the joes.
Don’t forget ice-cold Mexican beer or fruity margaritas to wash it all down!
Final Thoughts
Since discovering these Cheesy Taco Joes, I’ve fallen head over heels for their versatility and crowd-pleasing potential.
They’re the perfect fusion of two beloved comfort foods—tacos and sloppy joes—creating something entirely irresistible.
What I love most is how customizable they are. Don’t like olives? Skip ’em. Want extra heat? Throw in some jalapeños.
The creamy, cheesy mixture paired with crunchy fresh toppings creates such a delightful texture contrast.
For a heartier dinner option that uses similar pantry staples, you might try a ground beef meatloaf with onions and green peppers.
If you enjoy these flavors, you might also appreciate a baked taco casserole that combines similar Mexican-inspired ingredients in a layered dish.
Trust me, these will become your go-to for busy weeknights, game days, or anytime you need a satisfying meal that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen.
