This Jack-o’-Lantern Sloppy Joe Pie is a fun and festive twist on classic comfort food! Flaky, golden pie crust is filled with a zesty southwest-style sloppy joe mixture bursting with flavor.

Say hello to my Jack-o’-Lantern Sloppy Joe Pie — the easiest way to turn an ordinary weeknight meal into a Halloween hit!

This recipe combines the bold, saucy goodness of a southwest-style sloppy joe with the buttery flakiness of pie crust. The best part? You can have it ready to bake (and grin back at you!) in just about 30 minutes from start to finish.

It’s made with ground beef, diced green chiles, onions, corn and just the right hint of spice. You can substitute the ground beef with seasoned turkey sausage for a healthier version and, of course, you can make your own pie crust, but I love the ease of using Pillsbury pre-made pie dough.

It’s family-friendly, budget-friendly, and frightfully delicious! So, grab your apron and let’s get cooking!

Ingredients for Sloppy Joe Pie

• 1 Pillsbury refrigerated pie crust (from 15 oz. box), softened as directed on the box.
• 1 egg yolk, if desired
• 1 teaspoon of water (to be mixed with food coloring)
• 1 drop of red and yellow food coloring, if desired. (This is mixed with the egg yolk to paint the jack-o’-lantern’s face orange. It’s completely optional)
• 1½ pounds ground beef -80/20 or 90/10
• ½ cup chopped onion
• 1 cup Thick-n-chunky Salsa – Like Old El Paso
• 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cummin
• ½ teaspoon onion powder and garlic powder
• 2 Tablespoons packed brown sugar
• 1 (15.25 ounce) can corn kernels, drained
• 1 can (4.5 ounce) chopped green chiles, undrained
• 2 Tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, optional
• Salt and Pepper to taste

How to Make Halloween Sloppy Joe Pie

This recipe combines the bold, saucy goodness of a southwest-style sloppy joe with the buttery flakiness of pie crust. It’s basically a one skillet dish. Let’s begin with the pie crust jack-o’-lantern face.

How to Make Pie Crust Jack-o’-lantern Face

Preheat oven to 400°F. Remove pie crust from pouch; unroll on parchment-lined cookie sheet. With a sharp knife, cut the jack-o’-lantern face from the crust. Use the removed crust pieces to create the leaves and vines. Attach to the crust with a little water.

In a small bowl, mix the egg yolk, 1 teaspoon of water, and food coloring. (The food coloring is optional, but I love the bright orange color it gives the pumpkin face.)

Using a pastry brush, brush the yolk mixture on the crust.

Bake in preheated oven for 9–11 minutes until crust is light golden brown.

Remove from the oven and let it set until ready to place on top of the ground beef mixture.

Sloppy Joe Filling

While the crust “face” is baking (sounds like some surgical procedure), crumble the beef into a 12 or 15-inch non-stick skillet. Add the onion.

Cook for 8-10 minutes until the meat is no longer pink.

Remove the excess fat using a paper towel, or drain.

Add all the ingredients. I begin with the tomato sauce and salsa.

TIP: Please note you can use canned red enchilada sauce in place of the tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, garlic and onion powder.

Add brown sugar, corn, cilantro and chopped green chiles.

Stir until the mixture comes to a low boil. Reduce the heat to medium-high and simmer for 5 minutes until beef mixture is completely heated through.

Adding Pie Crust Face

Carefully place the warm baked pie crust over the beef mixture. Garnish with a little extra cilantro. Serve the dish directly out of the skillet.

Recipe Wrap-up

I like to serve this dish with a few side toppings. Shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, and extra salsa.

TIP: This mixture can be served on corn bread, placed in a tortilla, or even on a hamburger bun.

Serve with a large garden salad and finish the meal off with my fun Halloween Cauldron Oreo Pudding Parfaits. It’s a fun way to celebrate this Spooky Holiday with those you love.

Favorite Halloween Recipes

• Fall Bugles Snack Crack Recipe
• Apple Pie Caramel Apples with homemade caramel
• Easy Old-Fashioned Hot Apple Cider
• Fanta Jack-o’-lantern Floats
• Spooky Seven Layer Taco Dip
• Hot Dog Mummies in a Graveyard

Whether you’re gearing up for trick-or-treat night or just want to add a little fall fun to your dinner routine, this Jack-o’-Lantern Sloppy Joe Pie is sure to be a hit. It’s savory, satisfying, and so easy to make — no tricks, just a tasty treat everyone will love.

Happy Haunting Friends!

Printable Recipe

About the Author