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Healthy Sloppy Joes Recipe

4.8 from 132 reviews

This Healthy Sloppy Joes recipe offers a wholesome twist on the classic American comfort food, featuring lean ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful homemade sauce. It’s a satisfying dish that balances savory and tangy flavors, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner served on gluten-free buns or baked sweet potatoes.

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
  • 12 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 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. Saute the Vegetables: Add the minced onion, finely chopped green bell pepper, salt, and black pepper to the pan. Stir and cook the vegetables until they become soft and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds until aromatic.
  3. Stir in the Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce, unsweetened ketchup, water, pure maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, chili powder, and optional hot sauce. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
  4. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low to maintain a simmer. Cover the skillet and cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld together.
  5. Serve: After the sauce has thickened to your liking, taste and adjust salt seasoning if needed. Serve the sloppy joe mixture hot on toasted gluten-free buns or over baked sweet potatoes for a nutritious and tasty meal.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils.
  • Adjust the amount of hot sauce based on your preferred spice level.
  • Using gluten-free buns ensures the recipe is suitable for those avoiding gluten.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • To save time, prep vegetables the night before.

Keywords: Healthy Sloppy Joes, Ground Beef Recipe, Gluten Free Sloppy Joes, Easy Dinner, Low Sugar