Game Day Feast: Savoring Delicious Sloppy Joe Taco Boats
This post is written in partnership with Acorn Influence, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
The roar of the crowd, the thrill of competition, and the joy of gathering with loved ones – it’s almost time for the big game! While many enjoy the strategic plays and athletic prowess on the field, for countless families, including mine, game day is truly about the incredible food that brings everyone together. We’ve been immersed in college football for weeks, so the anticipation for the championship match-up is at an all-time high in our household.
My son recently finished a captivating book about football, and now he’s an avid fan, eager to watch every moment of the game with us. His enthusiasm is infectious; he’s constantly asking questions and even marked the date on our family calendar. It’s genuinely heartwarming to see him share this excitement for football with my husband, creating new family traditions around this beloved sport.
Crafting the Ultimate Game Day Snack: Sloppy Joe Taco Boats
What does game day look like at your home? For us, it revolves almost entirely around a spectacular spread of food, a responsibility I proudly embrace. My husband, bless his heart, simply expects a fantastic array of snacks to appear, and honestly, he’s not wrong to! Delicious food is an essential part of the game day experience, elevating the excitement and ensuring everyone stays fueled for all the cheering and celebrating.
I recall my childhood, where football wasn’t a major focus in our immediate family. However, our neighbors across the street were huge football enthusiasts. They hosted game day parties religiously, and their tables were always laden with the most incredible treats. I suspect I frequently begged to join them, not just for the camaraderie, but primarily for the food. Looking back, I can confidently admit that their appetizers and main dishes were always the highlight. Those memories instilled in me a deep appreciation for good game day grub.
One of my favorite approaches to game day catering is preparing portable, easy-to-eat snacks. Let’s be real – how often do you sit still for the entire duration of a football game? Not likely, right? There’s always an explosive play, a crucial penalty, or a jaw-dropping touchdown that makes you jump out of your seat! That’s why I decided to create these incredibly tasty Sloppy Joe Taco Boats using Old El Paso Taco Boats. These versatile shells have become a true family favorite, allowing us to build almost any meal directly inside and enjoy it immediately, often skipping the need for plates entirely!
Gathering all the ingredients for these delightful taco boats is also wonderfully convenient. Like many busy parents, I’ve come to love Walmart’s grocery pickup service. They consistently have our favorite Old El Paso products readily available, whether I’m ordering online or browsing in-store. This convenience is a game-changer for game day preparation, saving precious time for family fun.
The Perfect Fusion: Sloppy Joe Meets Taco
We’ve incorporated these taco boats into many meals lately, and my children adore them, making them a universal win. This time, however, I introduced a delightful twist: adding flavorful sloppy joe meat. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility regarding the ground meat. While you can certainly use ground beef, we opted for leaner Ground Turkey, a healthier choice that still delivers on taste. To create the iconic sloppy joe flavor profile, I combined the browned ground turkey with a savory taco seasoning mix, rich tomato sauce, and finely chopped onions. This mixture simmered to perfection, infusing every bite with hearty, satisfying goodness.
Once your sloppy joe filling is ready, assembling the taco boats is a breeze. Simply spoon the warm, seasoned meat into the Old El Paso Taco Boats, then let everyone customize their creation with their favorite toppings. I particularly love that these are handheld and, unlike traditional tacos, the sturdy boat shape keeps the majority of the delicious toppings neatly tucked inside. This means less mess on your floor and more flavor in every bite!
Imagine this scenario: your team makes a game-winning play, and you instinctively leap from your chair to cheer wildly. With these Sloppy Joe Taco Boats, you can rest assured that your snack will remain perfectly intact, not scattered across the room. The enclosed design is a marvel for active spectators, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the game without worrying about spills. Of course, you could always throw it at the TV in a moment of frustration (we’ve all been tempted!), but let’s not dwell on that thought. We’ll just optimistically assume our team will win and enjoy every bite!
Customization and Serving Suggestions for Your Sloppy Joe Taco Boats
Beyond the basic sloppy joe filling, the real fun begins with the toppings! Encourage your guests to create their masterpieces. Here are some fantastic additions to elevate your taco boat experience:
- Cheese: Shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a spicy pepper jack.
- Fresh Veggies: Diced tomatoes, crisp shredded lettuce, sliced black olives, or even a vibrant corn salsa.
- Creamy Elements: Sour cream, Greek yogurt, or a dollop of fresh guacamole.
- Heat: Sliced jalapeños (fresh or pickled), a dash of your favorite hot sauce, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
- Other Favorites: Chopped cilantro, pickled red onions, or a squeeze of lime juice for a fresh kick.
For a truly engaging game day experience, consider setting up a “Build-Your-Own Sloppy Joe Taco Boat Bar.” Lay out all the cooked sloppy joe meat (kept warm in a slow cooker) and an array of toppings in separate bowls. This allows everyone, from the pickiest eaters to the most adventurous foodies, to create a personalized snack. It’s a fantastic way to involve everyone and caters to diverse tastes, making your game day gathering even more memorable.
The Convenience of Old El Paso and Walmart for Stress-Free Entertaining
In today’s fast-paced world, finding shortcuts that don’t compromise on quality is invaluable. That’s where Old El Paso Taco Boats truly shine. Their innovative design solves the age-old problem of messy tacos, transforming a potentially chaotic meal into a neat, handheld delight. And when paired with the unparalleled convenience of Walmart’s grocery pickup service, planning your game day menu becomes stress-free. Imagine placing your order online, from the comfort of your couch, and simply driving up to have your groceries loaded into your car. This frees up so much time and energy, allowing you to focus on the game and enjoying time with family and friends.
Are you ready for the big game? What culinary delights do you plan to serve to keep your crowd cheering?
Share your game day menu ideas with us!
Enjoy these incredibly fun and delicious Sloppy Joe Taco Boats – they’re sure to be a touchdown at your next gathering!
Sloppy Joe Taco Boats
Ingredients
- 1 Lb Ground Turkey
- 1 Package Taco Seasoning or Gluten-Free Taco Seasoning
- 8 oz Tomato Sauce
- 1/4 Cup Chopped Onions
- Old El Paso Whole Wheat Flour Taco Boats
- Lettuce, Cheese, Tomatoes, Black Olives, Etc.
Instructions
-
Begin by browning the meat on medium-high heat. Once cooked, drain any excess fat, rinse the meat, and return it to the skillet.
-
Add in the taco seasoning and water according to the package instructions for the seasoning.
-
Stir in the tomato sauce and chopped onion.
-
Allow the mixture to simmer for about 2-5 minutes, ensuring all ingredients are nicely combined and flavors have melded.
-
If desired, gently warm the Old El Paso Taco Boats. Serve the sloppy joe filling immediately with a variety of your favorite toppings.
Nutrition
Did you make this recipe?
Make sure to tag #mommyhatescoooking on Instagram and follow for more @momhatescooking