Healthy Sloppy Joes Recipe
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.
- 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
- 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 for about 5 minutes until browned. Drain most of the fat, leaving about a tablespoon in the pan for flavor.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Find it online: https://servedbynora.com/healthy-sloppy-joes-recipe/
