Smoky Tex-Mex Sloppy Joes – smoky and spicy sloppy joes topped with fritos and pickled jalapenos! Easy 30 minute meal the whole family will love!
In the months prior to my husband’s deployment last year, we were obsessed with Fritos.
So obsessed that when we got our first major snowstorm since moving to Colorado, my husband was so desperate for some that he braved the roads.
And then came back home approximately 30 seconds later after doing a 360 trying to get out of the driveway.
Smoky Tex-Mex Sloppy Joes!
We have defeated our Fritos addiction for the most part but the moment I saw these sloppy joes with Fritos on top, I knew I had to make them.
Sloppy joes aren’t really something I love but seriously, Fritos! They turned out better than I anticipated – super flavorful, just the right amount of smokiness, and the Fritos add the perfect crunch to the sandwich. There were zero complaints about this one!
These are perfect for a weeknight meal because they really took no time to cook up. And I bet most of the ingredients are things you already have on hand! Just make them.
And when your husband looks at you like you’re an idiot when you tell him he can’t eat the Fritos because they’re for sloppy joes, just tell him to shut up.

- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 4 slices of bacon chopped
- 1 lb ground beef
- Salt and pepper
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 jalapeno chopped (seeds and ribs removed for less heat)
- 2 cloves chopped garlic
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 8 oz can tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce such as Frank’s Red Hot
- 4 burger buns toasted
- Pickled jalapenos for topping
- Fritos for topping
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Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet or dutch oven.. Add the bacon and cook until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon to a paper towel-lined plate.
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Pour off all but about 2 teaspoons of bacon grease. In the same skillet cook the ground beef until no pink remains. Drain if necessary. Stir in the onion, jalapeno, garlic, chili powder, cumin and coriander. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
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Add the bacon, beef broth, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, cider vinegar and hot sauce. Bring to a bubble and cook until you reach your desired thickness, 5 to 10 minutes.
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Serve the meat mixture on top of toasted buns topped with pickled jalapenos and Fritos.
Things you may need for this recipe:
- Dutch Oven
- Rubber Spatula
- Knife
Tracey says
Haha, I had (have?) a major Frito obsession too. I just don’t allow myself to buy them anymore because the entire bag disappears in 2 days. I wanted these sloppy joes when I saw them on Deb’s site too, they’ll be on our menu very soon!
[email protected] says
Oooh! Loving this SPICY kick!
Chung-Ah | Damn Delicious says
Yes please! Fritos in a sloppy joe = pure genius!
Nutmeg Nanny says
These look mouth watering good! I love sloppy joes, always have :)
Stephanie @ The Good Stuff says
Made these for dinner tonight and they were super easy to put together and a really great twist on sloppy joes! They had great flavor with a little subtle heat. I didn’t see what to do with the bacon after you remove it to a plate so I just stirred it in at the end. Wasn’t going to waste that bacon! We didn’t do the jalapenos or Fritos (forgot these at the store!) on top, but I’m sure they’d be a great addition. We just ate them plain, but I think they would be great with the suggested toppings, or cheese, or even some shredded lettuce and tomato. I’ll definitely be making these again, I’m already looking forward to eating the leftovers. Thanks for sharing!