Introduction
Healthy Sloppy Joes offer a delightful twist on a classic comfort food. With wholesome ingredients and a burst of flavor, this recipe is perfect for a satisfying meal that won’t derail your healthy eating goals. Whether you serve them on gluten-free buns or baked sweet potatoes, these Sloppy Joes are sure to impress.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lb ground beef
½ medium yellow onion, minced
¼ cup finely chopped green bell pepper
½ teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
2 garlic cloves, minced
¾ cup tomato sauce
¼ cup unsweetened ketchup
¼ cup water
1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
¾ teaspoon chili powder
1–2 teaspoons hot sauce (optional)
For serving: 4 gluten-free buns or baked sweet potatoes
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Total Time
25 minutes
Yield
Serves 4
Instructions
1. Brown the Meat: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spatula, until browned (about 5 minutes). Drain most of the fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the minced onion, chopped bell pepper, salt, and black pepper to the pan. Stir and cook until the vegetables are soft (about 4-5 minutes). Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Stir in the Sauce: Add the tomato sauce, ketchup, water, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, chili powder, and hot sauce (if using) to the pan. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
4. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10 minutes, or until the mixture has thickened to your liking.
5. Serve: Once the mixture has thickened, taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt if needed. Serve the sloppy joe mixture on toasted gluten-free buns or over baked sweet potatoes.
Notes: Ensure that the vegetables are finely chopped for a smoother texture. For a Whole30-compliant version, omit the maple syrup and serve over baked sweet potatoes. Draining excess fat from the meat helps the mixture thicken better during cooking.
Enjoy your healthy and delicious Sloppy Joes!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
1. Brown the Meat
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spatula, until browned (about 5 minutes). Drain most of the fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
Add the minced onion, chopped bell pepper, salt, and black pepper to the pan. Stir and cook until the vegetables are soft (about 4-5 minutes). Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Stir in the Sauce
Add the tomato sauce, ketchup, water, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, chili powder, and hot sauce (if using) to the pan. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
4. Simmer
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10 minutes, or until the mixture has thickened to your liking.
5. Serve
Once the mixture has thickened, taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt if needed. Serve the sloppy joe mixture on toasted gluten-free buns or over baked sweet potatoes.
Notes
– Finely Chopped Vegetables
Ensure that the vegetables are finely chopped for a smoother texture.
– Whole30-Compliant Version
For a Whole30-compliant version, omit the maple syrup and serve over baked sweet potatoes.
– Draining Excess Fat
Draining excess fat from the meat helps the mixture thicken better during cooking.
Cook techniques
Brown the Meat
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook while breaking it apart until it’s browned, about 5 minutes.
Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pan, add minced onion and chopped green bell pepper with salt and black pepper. Cook until soft, around 4-5 minutes, then add minced garlic for an additional 30 seconds.
Stir in the Sauce
Combine tomato sauce, ketchup, water, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, chili powder, and optional hot sauce into the pan, stirring thoroughly to mix all ingredients.
Simmer
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10 minutes until it thickens to your preference.
Serve
Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve on toasted gluten-free buns or over baked sweet potatoes.
FAQ
Can I use turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
This recipe is already dairy-free as it does not include any dairy ingredients.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the sloppy joe mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Is there a vegetarian alternative for this recipe?
You can use lentils or plant-based ground meat as a substitute for ground beef for a vegetarian version.
What can I serve instead of buns?
Baked sweet potatoes are a great alternative, or you can serve it over a salad for a low-carb option.
Conclusion
This Healthy Sloppy Joe recipe offers a nutritious twist on a classic favorite, making it possible to enjoy delicious flavors without compromising health. Using lean ground beef, fresh vegetables, and wholesome ingredients, you can create a satisfying meal that is perfect for families or gatherings. Serve it on gluten-free buns or baked sweet potatoes for a filling and flavorful option.
Turkey Sloppy Joes
Substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner option that still packs a punch of flavor.
Veggie Sloppy Joes
Use lentils or a mix of finely chopped mushrooms, carrots, and zucchini for a plant-based version that is equally hearty.
BBQ Sloppy Joes
Add a smoky barbecue sauce in place of ketchup for a tangy twist that brings a whole new flavor profile.
Spicy Sloppy Joes
Increase the chili powder and add diced jalapeños for those who like their sloppy joes with a kick.
Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes
Serve the mixture stuffed inside roasted sweet potatoes for a comforting, gluten-free alternative.
Sloppy Joe Casserole
Layer the mixture with gluten-free pasta and sprinkle with cheese, then bake for a comforting casserole.
Sloppy Joe Tacos
Spoon the sloppy joe mixture into corn tortillas for a fun taco night with a twist.
