Got leftover sloppy joe meat and want to turn it into something new? You need to maje my Sloppy Joe Nachos! Piled high with cheesy, saucy goodness and loaded with your favorite toppings, this easy twist is perfect for game day, movie night, or whenever you get the craving for a fast, fun, and comforting snack.
This was inspired by my Homemade Barbeque Sloppy Joes and my Sloppy Joe Stuffed Peppers. The kids always love a plate of nachos when they come home from school. It's the ultimate snack.
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Ingredients:
I chose these ingredients for my sloppy joe nachos because they give the perfect balance between bold, saucy flavor and cheesy, crunchy comfort.
The leftover sloppy joe meat brings that sweet and savory taste, while the melty cheese and crisp tortilla chips create that irresistible nacho vibe.
I added classic toppings like jalapeños, sour cream, and green onions to keep things fresh and fun because nachos should always be a little extra, right?
- Leftover Sloppy Joe Meat:
- It’s already packed with flavor, perfectly saucy, and ready to go making it a quick and tasty way to upgrade nachos without starting from scratch.
- Tortilla Chips:
- They bring the crunch and act as the perfect base for holding all that sloppy, cheesy goodness without turning into a soggy mess.
- Cheddar Cheese:
- Bold and melty, cheddar adds that gooey, golden finish that ties everything together and makes each bite extra satisfying.
See recipe card for quantities.
How To Make Sloppy Joe Nachos:
Step 1: Assemble the nachos: Spread tortilla chips on a baking sheet or oven-safe platter.
Step 2: Spoon the sloppy joe mixture evenly over the chips.
Step 3: Add the cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over the top.
Step 4: Bake: Bake at 375°F for 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Top it off: Add tomatoes, jalapeños, green onions, and any favorite toppings. Serve immediately with sour cream and cilantro.
Helpful Hints for Making Sloppy Joe Nachos:
1. Go easy on the sauce.
Too much sloppy joe sauce can be a soggy chip disaster. Use a slotted spoon to scoop the meat so your chips stay nice and crispy underneath.
2. Layer like a nacho expert.
Do a little meat, a little cheese, and repeat. Layer it up instead of piling everything on top. This way, every chip gets some love!
3. Use sturdy chips.
Thin, flimsy chips won’t hold up under all that deliciousness. Grab thick-cut tortilla chips or restaurant-style ones for max crunch.
4. Shred your own cheese.
Pre-shredded cheese is easy to use and convenient but, freshly shredded cheddar always melts beautifully and adds better flavor.
5. Broil to finish.
After baking, give it a quick broil to get the cheese bubbly and golden. Just don’t walk away! Broilers are fast and you don't want to ruin your beautiful nacho creation!
6. Customize your toppings.
Let everyone top their own plate with sour cream, jalapeños, guac, or any of their favorites.
7. Serve right away!
These nachos are best fresh out of the oven when the chips are still crisp and the cheese is melty. They won't have a problem disappearing quickly!
Substitutions:
🌮 Sloppy Joe Meat:
- Swap with ground turkey, chicken, or even crumbled tofu or lentils for a lighter or meatless version.
- Got leftover chili or taco meat? That works too!
🥔 Tortilla Chips:
- Use pita chips, sweet potato chips, or even tater tots (nacho-style!) for a fun twist.
- Low-carb? Try bell pepper slices or baked zucchini rounds.
🧀 Cheddar Cheese:
- Mix it up with mozzarella, pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or a smoky gouda.
- Going dairy-free? Use a plant-based cheese that melts well. Some popular dairy free cheese you can try:
- Miyoko's creamery, Daiya, Violife, Follow your Heart, and Chao Creamery.
🔥 Toppings:
- Out of jalapeños? Try hot sauce, banana peppers, or crushed red pepper flakes for heat.
- No sour cream? Greek yogurt is a perfect substitution.
- No green onions? Chopped red onions or fresh cilantro work just fine.
🥑 Add-ins:
- Toss on black beans, corn, or chopped tomatoes to add extra flavor and texture.
FAQ'S:
Can I make Sloppy Joe Nachos in advance?
You can prepare the meat mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it before assembling the nachos so everything stays hot and fresh.
Can I make these nachos vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles, lentils, or finely chopped mushrooms for a meat-free version that still packs tons of flavor.
What sides go well with Sloppy Joe Nachos?
They pair perfectly with a crisp side salad, Mexican street corn, or simple guacamole and salsa for dipping.
Other Similar Recipes:
Sloppy Joe Nachos
Equipment
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- casserole dish or sheet pan
Ingredients
- 2 cups sloppy joe meat
- tortilla chips store bought or homemade
- 2 cups shredded cheddar or your favorite cheese
- ½ cup sliced jalapenos
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- sour cream for serving
- fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Sloppy Joe Meat (see my sloppy joe recipe below!)
Assemble the nachos:
- Preheat your oven to 350℉
- On a large baking sheet, spread out a layer of chips.
- Evenly distribute the Sloppy Joe mixture over the chips.
- Sprinkle the top with shredded cheese and repeat the layers 1 more time.
Bake:
- Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is hot and bubbly.
Serve:
- Remove from the oven and top with the chopped green onions.
- Dallop with some sour cream.
- Sprinkle with some fresh cilantro and serve immediately! Enjoy!!
