These Sloppy Joe Nachos are ready in 30 minutes, using pantry staples and are a delicious family-style meal for dinner or an appetizer.

If you’ve ever stood at your stove making Sloppy Joes and thought, “You know what would make this even better? A giant tray of nachos,” you’re not alone—and today, I’ve got just the recipe to bring that dream to life. These Sloppy Joe Nachos are exactly what they sound like: bold, messy, cheesy, meaty, flavor-packed nachos layered with your favorite Sloppy Joe mixture, black beans, fresh veggies, and gooey cheddar cheese. It’s the ultimate comfort food mashup that’s perfect for game day, a family movie night, or just because you need something fun and satisfying on the table.

Let’s be honest: nachos are always a good idea. And when you throw in the rich, savory, slightly sweet tang of a homemade Sloppy Joe topping, you’re taking things to a whole new level. This isn’t your average Tex-Mex tray of chips and cheese—Sloppy Joe Nachos are hearty enough to be dinner but festive enough to feel like a treat.

Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or feeding your hungry family, this is one recipe that’s bound to impress. So grab your ingredients and preheat your oven—it’s nacho time!

Why You’ll Love These Sloppy Joe Nachos

  • One-pan perfection – These nachos come together on a single sheet pan and are ready in just about 30 minutes.

  • Customizable – Use your favorite ground meat, swap in veggies, or load it up with toppings to make it your own.

  • Kid-approved – Sloppy Joe flavor meets cheesy chips? You better believe the kids will be asking for seconds.

  • Perfect for sharing – Serve it straight from the pan and let everyone dig in with their hands or a fork (no judgment here).

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • Olive oil – To sauté the veggies and get everything flavorful from the start.
  • Bell pepper – Adds sweetness and crunch.
  • White onion – Brings that savory base flavor.
  • Carrot –  A subtle sweetness that balances the bold flavors (plus sneaky veggies!).
  • Garlic cloves – Because garlic makes everything better.
  • Ground beef – You can sub ground turkey, chicken, or even lentils for a vegetarian twist.
  • Tomato paste – Adds depth and umami.
  • Ketchup – For that classic Sloppy Joe sweetness.
  • Dijon mustard – A tangy balance to the ketchup.
  • Chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika
  • Corn chips – I love a sturdy chip that holds up under the toppings.
  • Black beans – Adds fiber, protein, and creaminess.
  • Cheddar cheese – Or use a Mexican blend if you like things a little spicier.
  • Green onions – For freshness and color.
  • Cherry tomatoes – A juicy burst of brightness in every bite.

How to Make Sloppy Joe Nachos

You’re just a few simple steps away from the nachos of your dreams. Here’s how it’s done:

1. Sauté Your Veggies

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced bell pepper, onion, and carrot. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies begin to soften and the onions are translucent.

2. Add Garlic and Ground Meat

Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, just until fragrant. Next add the ground beef (or your meat of choice) to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break it up as it cooks. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 7-9 minutes.

3. Season and Simmer

Once the meat is browned, stir in the tomato paste, ketchup, Dijon mustard, chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Let everything simmer for 3-5 minutes so the flavors meld together and the mixture thickens slightly. You want it saucy but not soupy!

4. Assemble the Nachos

Preheat your oven to 375°F. On a large sheet pan, spread half the corn chips in an even layer. Spoon half of the Sloppy Joe mixture over the chips, followed by half the black beans and half the shredded cheese. Repeat with another layer of chips, Sloppy Joe mixture, beans, and cheese.

5. Bake to Melty Perfection

Transfer the pan to the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and melty and the chips are starting to crisp up around the edges.

6. Add Fresh Toppings

Remove the nachos from the oven and immediately top with sliced green onions and cherry tomatoes. You can also throw on some avocado, jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream if you’re feeling extra.

Tips and Tricks

  • Make it vegetarian: Swap the ground meat for a mix of lentils and chopped mushrooms or your favorite plant-based crumble.

  • Spice it up: Add a diced jalapeño to the veggie mix or a dash of hot sauce to the Sloppy Joe sauce for some extra kick.

  • Make it a meal: Serve these nachos with a side of guacamole, corn salad, or a fresh slaw for a full plate.

  • Keep it crisp: For maximum chip crispiness, bake on a large sheet pan so everything spreads out. Overcrowding = soggy nachos!

Sloppy Joe Nachos for the Win

There’s something undeniably satisfying about this twist on a classic. Sloppy Joes have that nostalgic, hearty feel, and nachos are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Put them together and you’ve got a tray of Sloppy Joe Nachos that hits every single craving: salty, cheesy, sweet, tangy, and a little smoky. The balance of textures—crunchy chips, saucy meat, creamy beans, melty cheese—is just next level.

Whether you’re feeding a group or treating yourself to a fun dinner, this recipe is easy to throw together and endlessly adaptable. And hey, if you end up eating it straight from the pan with a fork, you’re doing it right.

More Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed these Sloppy Joe Nachos, try these other weeknight favorites:

Life’s too short for boring food, and these Sloppy Joe Nachos prove that comfort food can be exciting, playful, and packed with flavor. This recipe brings the best of both worlds—Sloppy Joes and nachos—into one epic dish that’s perfect for sharing or savoring all to yourself.

Make a batch this weekend and watch them disappear in minutes. Don’t forget the napkins—things are about to get delightfully messy.

Print
Print

30-minute Sloppy Joe Nachos

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 1 review

Print

These Sloppy Joe Nachos are ready in 30 minutes, using pantry staples and are a delicious family-style meal for dinner or an appetizer.

  • Prep Time: 5 mins
  • Cook Time: 25 mins
  • Total Time: 30 mins

Yield: 4-6 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 bell pepper, seeded and diced
  • 1/2 large white onion, diced
  • 1 large carrot, peeled and diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 lb ground beef (or sub your favorite ground meat)
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1/3 cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon each chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika
  • Sea salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 (9.25) ounce bags corn chips
  • 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 3 green onions, green parts, thinly sliced
  • 2/3 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

Instructions

  1. Sauté Your Veggies: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced bell pepper, onion, and carrot. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies begin to soften and the onions are translucent.
  2. Add Garlic and Ground Meat: Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, just until fragrant. Add the ground beef (or your meat of choice) to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break it up as it cooks. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 7-9 minutes.
  3. Season and Simmer: Once the meat is browned, stir in the tomato paste, ketchup, Dijon mustard, chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Let everything simmer for 3-5 minutes so the flavors meld together and the mixture thickens slightly. You want it saucy but not soupy!
  4. Assemble the Nachos: Preheat your oven to 375°F. On a large sheet pan, spread half the corn chips in an even layer. Spoon half of the Sloppy Joe mixture over the chips, followed by half the black beans and half the shredded cheese. Repeat with another layer of chips, Sloppy Joe mixture, beans, and cheese.
  5. Bake to Melty Perfection: Transfer the pan to the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and melty and the chips are starting to crisp up around the edges.
  6. Add Fresh Toppings: Remove the nachos from the oven and immediately top with sliced green onions and cherry tomatoes. You can also throw on some avocado, jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream if you’re feeling extra.

Notes

*Store leftovers in fridge for 2 days. These are best served fresh though!

  • Author: Rachel