Healthy Sloppy Joes Recipe

Introduction

Healthy Sloppy Joes offer a delicious twist on the classic comfort food, using wholesome ingredients and a flavorful homemade sauce. This recipe is perfect for a quick, satisfying meal that everyone will love.

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 the meat, 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, bell pepper, salt, and pepper to the pan. Stir and cook the vegetables until 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 the ingredients.
4. Step 4: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the skillet and let it cook for 10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your liking.
5. Step 5: Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt if needed. Serve the sloppy joe mixture on toasted gluten free buns or over baked sweet potatoes for a nourishing meal.

Tips & Variations

• For a leaner option, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
• Add finely chopped mushrooms along with the bell pepper for extra moisture and flavor.
• Use a smoky paprika instead of chili powder for a different spice profile.
• Serve with avocado slices or a side salad to boost freshness and nutrition.

Storage

Store any 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, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. The buns or sweet potatoes should be stored separately to maintain their texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally dairy-free as it does not include any cheese or milk products. Just ensure the buns you choose are dairy-free as well.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked sloppy joe mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Healthy Sloppy Joes Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 130 reviews

This Healthy Sloppy Joes recipe offers a nutritious twist on the classic comfort food by using lean ground beef and wholesome ingredients like olive oil, fresh vegetables, and natural sweeteners. It’s a flavorful, protein-rich meal that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, served on gluten-free buns or baked sweet potatoes for a wholesome finish.

• Author: Nora
• 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
• 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 for about 5 minutes until browned. Drain most of the fat, leaving about a tablespoon in the pan for flavor.
2. Saute the Vegetables: Add the minced onion, chopped bell pepper, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir and cook for 4-5 minutes until vegetables are softened. 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 well 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, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld together.
5. Serve: Taste the mixture and adjust salt if needed. Serve the sloppy joe mixture hot on toasted gluten-free buns or spooned over baked sweet potatoes for a nutritious and hearty meal.

Notes

• For a leaner option, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
• Adjust the amount of hot sauce based on your preferred level of spiciness.
• You can prepare the sloppy joe mixture ahead and refrigerate for up to 2 days—reheat gently before serving.
• Serving over baked sweet potatoes is a nutritious gluten-free alternative to buns.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: Healthy Sloppy Joes, gluten free sloppy joes, lean ground beef recipe, wholesome comfort food, quick dinner recipe