Description
This Healthy Sloppy Joes recipe provides a nutritious twist on the classic American comfort food, featuring lean ground beef simmered with vegetables and a flavorful homemade sauce. Perfectly balanced with a touch of sweetness and tang, this dish is served on gluten-free buns or baked sweet potatoes for a wholesome meal option.
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 brown it while breaking it up with a wooden spatula for about 5 minutes. Drain most of the fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.
- Saute the Vegetables: Add the minced onion, chopped bell pepper, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir and cook them until soft, about 4-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and saute for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the Sauce: Mix in the tomato sauce, unsweetened ketchup, water, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, chili powder, and optional hot sauce. Stir everything to combine thoroughly.
- Simmer: 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 thickens to your desired consistency.
- Serve: 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 nutritious and satisfying meal.
Notes
- For extra heat, increase the hot sauce amount or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
- Try adding paprika or cumin for a smoky flavor variation.
- Make sure to toast the buns lightly to prevent sogginess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
