Healthy Sloppy Joes Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Find it online: https://tastygenius.com/healthy-sloppy-joes-recipe/
