Can I use any kind of taco shell?

Yes, both hard taco shells and soft tortillas work well. Choose based on your texture preference or what you have on hand.

How do I keep the tacos from getting soggy?

Use a slotted spoon to drain excess liquid from the Sloppy Joe filling before adding it to the shells.

Popular options include shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, sour cream, avocado, and fresh cilantro.

Yes, cool the mixture completely and store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Yes, substitute the meat with plant-based ground alternatives or lentils to create a vegetarian version.

Turn last night’s dinner into a fiesta with these leftover Sloppy Joes tacos!

The hearty, beefy filling gets a fresh makeover with crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, and sharp cheddar cheese.

Stuff it in a crunchy shell or a warm tortilla. It’s a winner either way.

This is one easy dinner even picky eaters are guaranteed to devour!

Leftover Sloppy Joe Filling: The main filling for these hearty ground beef tacos.
Taco Shells or Tortillas: Crispy shells, corn tortillas, or soft flour tortillas all work. Pick your favorite!
Cheddar or Monterey Jack Cheese: Shredded cheese melts beautifully over the warm filling. Cheddar adds more bite, while Monterey Jack is more creamy.
Lettuce, Tomatoes, and Red Onion: Classic taco fillings add freshness, flavor, and texture.
Olives (Optional): Salty, briny olives complement the meaty filling.
Sour Cream or Plain Greek Yogurt: The cool, creamy topping balances the robust beef filling.
Avocado (Optional): Creamy avocado takes things up a notch. Add slices or mash it into a quick guacamole.
Fresh Cilantro: Sprinkle it on top for a burst of freshness.

Rehear the mixture:: Reheat the leftover sloppy joe mixture until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
Prep your taco toppings:: Shred the lettuce, dice the tomatoes and onions, and slice the avocado.
Heat the shells:: Warm the taco shells in a dry skillet or in the oven (wrapped in foil).
Fill the tacos:: Spoon the reheated sloppy joe mixture into each taco shell. Top with shredded cheese, then add the lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and olives.
Add the toppings:: Try a dollop of sour cream, sliced avocado, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
Serve the tacos:: Serve warm, and enjoy.

If you want to make your tacos even more irresistible, follow these tips.

Make ‘em crispy. For a crispy taco shell, lightly fry the tortillas in a bit of oil until golden before filling them.
Put in some elbow grease. Use freshly grated cheese for the best results. It tastes better and melts more readily than the pre-shredded stuff.
Use a slotted spoon. When transferring the Sloppy Joe mixture, use a slotted spoon to prevent excess liquid from making the tacos soggy.
Brighten them up. Squeeze a lime wedge over the assembled tacos to brighten the flavors and make them pop.
Mix things up! Try other cheeses like queso fresco or pepper jack. Or, serve with a side like black beans, queso dip, roasted veggies, or chips and salsa.

Here’s how to keep your leftovers fresh.

To Store: Place the leftover mixture and toppings in separate air-tight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
To Freeze: Transfer the cooled mixture to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
To Reheat: Reheat the mixture in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until warmed through. Add a splash of water if needed. Or, microwave in short intervals, stirring between each, until heated.

→ Can I use any kind of taco shell?: Yes, both hard taco shells and soft tortillas work well. Choose based on your texture preference or what you have on hand.
→ How do I keep the tacos from getting soggy?: Use a slotted spoon to drain excess liquid from the Sloppy Joe filling before adding it to the shells.
→ What toppings go best with these tacos?: Popular options include shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, sour cream, avocado, and fresh cilantro.
→ Can I freeze the leftover filling?: Yes, cool the mixture completely and store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
→ How do I reheat the Sloppy Joe mixture?: Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
→ Can I make these tacos vegetarian?: Yes, substitute the meat with plant-based ground alternatives or lentils to create a vegetarian version.