1. Home
  2. Dishes
  3. Sloppy Joe Quesadilla Flavors

Sloppy Joe Quesadilla Flavors

Category: Dinner Ideas That Actually Work

Enjoy a flavorful twist by filling flour tortillas with savory ground beef and Manwich sauce, then layering in grated muenster cheese. Brown the tortillas until crisp and golden for a satisfying, speedy meal. Homemade Sloppy Joe sauce is an easy option if you prefer to forgo canned sauce—simply mix brown sugar, mustard, and ketchup with your cooked beef. Serve these quesadillas piping hot, cut into wedges, and enjoy the comforting combination of tangy sauce, melted cheese, and hearty meat. Ideal for lunches, quick dinners, or snack time, these quesadillas deliver crowd-pleasing comfort in every bite.

Pin It Share Send Print Jump to Recipe
Clare Recipes
Created By Lily Chen
Updated on Wed, 25 Jun 2025 14:22:28 GMT
A stack of sloppy joe quesadillas. Save
A stack of sloppy joe quesadillas. | lilicooks.com

Sloppy Joe quesadillas bring together the comfort of tangy saucy ground beef and the golden crunch of a grilled tortilla for the ultimate easy meal. This recipe saves dinner on busy nights and always puts a smile on my kids’ faces when I set them out hot from the skillet.

I first made these on a school night when we were craving comfort food with no time for a long prep. Now we share Sloppy Joe quesadillas at movie nights and late lunches on weekends.

Ingredients

  • Lean ground beef: gives the filling hearty richness look for beef that is bright red and firm
  • Hunt’s Manwich Sloppy Joe sauce: brings layered sweet and tangy flavor use any flavor or try homemade for a signature spin
  • Flour tortillas: create a sturdy crispy shell pick tortillas that feel flexible and fresh not dry or cracked
  • Muenster cheese: melts beautifully with mild nutty notes shred your own for best melt
  • Neutral oil like vegetable or canola: keeps tortillas golden and crisp use fresh oil for a clean taste

Tip

If you cannot find Manwich or want to avoid the can mix ketchup brown sugar and a good prepared mustard for a simple homemade sauce

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the Beef:
In a large heavy skillet cook the ground beef over medium heat breaking it up with a spoon until browned and no longer pink about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain off excess fat to keep the filling balanced and not greasy.
Make the Sauce Mix:
Pour Hunt’s Manwich sauce or your homemade version over the browned beef. Stir well so all the meat is coated. Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until thickened. This step melds the flavors and reduces excess liquid which helps the quesadillas hold together.
Prepare the Tortillas:
Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the oil swirling to coat the bottom. When the oil is shimmering but not smoking lay one flour tortilla in the pan pressing it lightly into the oil for even toasting.
Fill and Layer:
Spoon a generous layer of the sloppy joe beef mixture evenly over the tortilla in the pan. Sprinkle freshly grated muenster cheese over the meat making sure it reaches all the way to the edge for melty bites. Top with a second tortilla gently pressing down.
Grill to Golden Perfection:
Let the quesadilla cook undisturbed for about 3 to 4 minutes until the underside is golden and crisp. Use a spatula to carefully flip and cook the other side for another 2 to 3 minutes until both tortillas are browned and the cheese is bubbly.
Repeat and Serve:
Slide the finished quesadilla onto a cutting board. Repeat the process with remaining tortillas meat mixture and cheese. Cut into wedges while hot and serve right away for the best texture.
A plate of sloppy joe quesadillas. Save
A plate of sloppy joe quesadillas. | lilicooks.com

Sloppy joe quesadillas remind me of Saturday lunches with my family While muenster brings a buttery melt I sometimes slip in sharp cheddar for a tangy surprise My kids always hope for leftovers but there are rarely any

Storage Tips

Store leftover quesadilla wedges in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat place them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes per side for best crispness. They also freeze well just wrap tightly and warm in a covered pan straight from the freezer.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. For a vegetarian version use lentil or mushroom filling and the same sauce. If muenster is not on hand a mix of mozzarella and cheddar provides a great melt and flavor.

A plate of sloppy joe quesadillas. Save
A plate of sloppy joe quesadillas. | lilicooks.com

Serving Suggestions

Serve these quesadillas with a side of fresh salsa sour cream or crunchy coleslaw for brightness. For a heartier meal add tortilla chips or a corn and black bean salad on the side.

Cultural Context

Sloppy Joes are a classic American comfort food seasoned ground beef served on soft buns. Quesadillas come from Mexican cuisine with their crispy edges and melted cheese. This recipe puts the two together for a cross cultural meal that is both nostalgic and new.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella can be substituted, but muenster adds a unique creamy melt.

→ What can I use instead of Manwich sauce?

You can create your own sauce by combining ketchup, mustard, and brown sugar for a sweet-tangy flavor.

→ How do I prevent the quesadillas from getting soggy?

Drain the beef well and use just enough sauce to coat without overfilling for crisp tortillas.

→ Can these quesadillas be made ahead?

They taste best hot off the pan but can be reheated in a skillet or oven for crispy results.

→ Are flour tortillas necessary?

Flour tortillas work best, but corn tortillas or gluten-free alternatives can also be used based on preference.

Sloppy Joe Quesadilla Flavors

Hearty beef, bold sauce, and gooey cheese folded into crisp tortillas for an irresistible family meal.

Preparation Time
5 min
Cooking Time
18 min
Overall Time
23 min
Created By: Lily Chen

Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine Type: American

Output: 4 Serves

Dietary Options: ~

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 16 ounces Hunt's Manwich sauce, any flavor (Bold recommended)
02 1 1/3 pounds lean ground beef
03 8 6-inch flour tortillas
04 4 ounces muenster cheese, grated
05 1 tablespoon oil

→ Homemade Sloppy Joe Sauce (Optional)

06 1/8 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
07 1/8 cup mustard
08 1/2 cup ketchup

Steps

Step 01

Mix brown sugar, mustard, and ketchup in a bowl. Brown and drain the ground beef. Add the prepared sauce to the meat, stir, and simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 02

Cook the ground beef in a skillet until browned. Drain excess fat and return to the skillet. Add Manwich sauce to the meat mixture. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and allow to simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 03

Heat a skillet or sauté pan on medium heat. Add oil to the pan and allow it to get hot. Add one flour tortilla to the pan.

Step 04

Spread the prepared meat mixture on the tortilla. Top with grated muenster cheese and cover with another tortilla. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the bottom tortilla is golden brown.

Step 05

Flip the quesadilla and cook the other side until browned, approximately 3 to 4 more minutes. Repeat with the remaining tortillas, sauce, and cheese.

Step 06

Cut the cooked quesadillas into wedges and serve hot.

Tips

  1. Use lean ground beef to avoid excess grease in the quesadillas.
  2. For best results, use freshly grated muenster cheese for a smooth and creamy texture.

Required Tools

  • Skillet or sauté pan
  • Wooden spatula or tongs
  • Cheese grater

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Contains gluten from the flour tortillas.
  • Contains dairy from the muenster cheese.
  • May contain mustard in the optional homemade sauce.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 612
  • Fats: ~
  • Carbohydrates: ~
  • Proteins: ~