Healthy Sloppy Joes Recipe

Introduction

Healthy Sloppy Joes offer a flavorful twist on a classic comfort food, made with wholesome ingredients and a tasty tomato-based sauce. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious.

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 Primal Kitchen 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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and brown it, breaking it up with a wooden spatula as it cooks, about 5 minutes. Drain most of the fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.
2. Step 2: Add the minced onion, green bell pepper, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir and cook until the vegetables are soft, about 4-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, water, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, chili powder, and hot sauce if using. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
4. Step 4: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to your liking.
5. Step 5: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed. Serve the sloppy joe mixture on toasted gluten free buns or over baked sweet potatoes.

Tips & Variations

• For a leaner option, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef.
• Add finely chopped mushrooms for extra moisture and a veggie boost.
• Use regular ketchup if you don’t have unsweetened Primal Kitchen ketchup available.
• Serve the mixture over cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.

Storage

Store leftover sloppy joe mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. The sauce may thicken upon cooling; add a splash of water when reheating if needed to loosen it up.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or a plant-based ground meat alternative for a vegetarian version.

Is this recipe gluten free?

The sloppy joe mixture itself is gluten free, but be sure to use gluten free buns or serve over baked sweet potatoes to keep the meal gluten free.

Healthy Sloppy Joes Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 124 reviews

This Healthy Sloppy Joes recipe offers a nutritious twist on the classic American comfort food by using lean ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful homemade sauce without added sugars. Perfectly seasoned and simmered to a thick, savory consistency, these sloppy joes are ideal served on gluten-free buns or baked sweet potatoes for a wholesome meal everyone will enjoy.

• Author: Elias
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main 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

Sauce Ingredients

• ¾ cup tomato sauce
• ¼ cup unsweetened Primal Kitchen 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

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 for flavor.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the minced onion, green bell pepper, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir and cook the vegetables until they are soft and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Stir in the Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce, unsweetened ketchup, water, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, chili powder, and hot sauce if using. Stir everything together until well combined.
4. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 10 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken to the desired consistency.
5. Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt if needed. Serve the sloppy joe mixture warm on toasted gluten-free buns or over baked sweet potatoes for a healthier alternative.

Notes

• For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or lentils.
• Adjust the hot sauce quantity depending on your preferred spice level.
• Using gluten-free buns makes this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Leftover sloppy joe mixture can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Maple syrup adds natural sweetness; you can substitute with honey if preferred.

Keywords: Healthy Sloppy Joes, gluten free sloppy joes, easy sloppy joe recipe, healthy ground beef recipe, stovetop sloppy joes