If you’re craving the comfort of a classic Sloppy Joe—but you want to sneak in some extra veggies and vibrant flavor—these Sloppy Joe Sweet Potato Bowls are your answer! Sweet roasted potatoes mingle with tender, saucy beef and all the nostalgic tang of that beloved sandwich, delivered in a colorful, fork-friendly format you’ll want to make again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comfort Food with a Twist: These bowls deliver all the craveable, saucy nostalgia of a classic Sloppy Joe, but with a wholesome pop of color and flavor from caramelized roasted sweet potatoes.
- Weeknight Friendly: The recipe is straightforward, approachable, and comes together in about an hour—perfect for a hearty dinner after a busy day.
- Customizable & Family-Approved: Build-your-own bowls invite everyone at the table to load up on toppings or keep things simple, so picky eaters and adventurous types will both be happy.
- Great for Meal Prep: Both the beef and the sweet potatoes reheat beautifully, so leftovers taste just as good the next day (or even better!).
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Sloppy Joe Sweet Potato Bowls comes straight from a handful of everyday ingredients, each bringing something special. Sweet potatoes add natural sweetness, color, and heartiness, while a homemade Sloppy Joe sauce ties everything together in the most satisfying way.
- Sweet Potatoes: Dice them (skin-on or off) for a roasted, naturally sweet and hearty base that’s the star of every bowl.
- Avocado Oil: Adds a hint of richness and helps the potatoes achieve those irresistible crispy edges.
- All-Purpose Season Salt: Layers on deep savory flavor—choose your favorite blend for an extra kick.
- Dried Parsley & Black Pepper: These add a fresh, herby note and a tiniest bit of warmth to the vegetables.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated and tossed with the hot potatoes so every bite has a touch of nutty, salty goodness.
- Lean Ground Beef: Classic for Sloppy Joe filling; use lean beef so the bowls aren’t too greasy.
- Ketchup: Brings tangy tomato flavor and sweetness to the sauce—a Sloppy Joe must.
- Water: Loosens the sauce just enough so it coats everything beautifully.
- Sugar: Balances the acidity of ketchup and vinegar with gentle sweetness.
- Prepared Mustard & White Vinegar: Add zippy brightness that makes every bite sing.
- Paprika & Kosher Salt: Infuse the beef with depth and a touch of gentle spice.
- Optional Toppings: Pickled onions, dill pickles, raw jalapeños, and snipped chives or green onions—all amazing ways to add punch, crunch, or heat to your bowl.
Variations
One of my favorite things about Sloppy Joe Sweet Potato Bowls is how easy they are to riff on. Whether you’re adjusting to what’s in the pantry or need to suit special diets, you can make this meal truly your own!
- Swap the Protein: Try ground turkey, chicken, or even lentils for a lighter or vegetarian-friendly version.
- Add Extra Veggies: Stir in some finely chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or carrots to the beef for even more color and nutrition.
- Dairy-Free Option: Skip the parmesan or substitute with nutritional yeast for a cheesy vibe without the dairy.
- Spice It Up: Mix hot sauce or chipotle powder into the Sloppy Joe sauce for bowls with a kick.
How to Make Sloppy Joe Sweet Potato Bowls
Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes
Start by placing a large, rimmed baking sheet in your oven and crank the temperature up to 400°F (200°C). While the pan is preheating, toss diced sweet potatoes with avocado oil, season salt, parsley, pepper, and plenty of freshly grated parmesan. Leave the skins on for extra fiber—or peel if that’s your preference! When the pan is hot, carefully spray it with nonstick spray, then quickly spread the sweet potato mixture out to roast. Give them 20 to 25 minutes, rotating once, until they’re fork-tender and perfectly caramelized in spots.
Step 2: Cook the Sloppy Joe Mixture
While your kitchen fills with the tempting aroma of roasting sweet potatoes, heat a large pan and add a touch of oil along with your ground beef. Brown the beef thoroughly, breaking it up as you go, and then carefully drain away any excess fat. Now, pour in the ketchup, water, mustard, vinegar, sugar, paprika, salt and pepper. Mix everything together and let it all simmer gently so the flavors can get to know each other. That saucy, tangy, slightly smoky magic is what gives these bowls their wow factor!
Step 3: Prep Toppings and Assemble
While everything cooks, take a moment to prep your favorite toppings. Pickled red onions, sliced jalapeños, crisp dill pickles, or fresh chives/green onions all bring something extra. To assemble, divide those gorgeously roasted sweet potatoes among your bowls, ladle over plenty of warm Sloppy Joe sauce, and pile on your chosen garnishes. Every bite is savory-sweet, satisfying, and full of personality.
Pro Tips for Making Sloppy Joe Sweet Potato Bowls
- Pan Preheating Power: Preheat your baking sheet in the oven for extra-crispy roasted sweet potatoes—this helps achieve golden edges every time!
- Dice Evenly for Perfect Roasting: Aim for sweet potato pieces about 1-inch wide so they roast uniformly and don’t turn mushy or burn on the edges.
- Sauce Simmer Success: Let your Sloppy Joe mixture bubble at a gentle simmer, just long enough for the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken to that classic, spoonable consistency.
- Topping Creativity: Don’t be shy with the toppings! That final layer of tangy pickles or spicy jalapeños really wakes up the whole bowl.
How to Serve Sloppy Joe Sweet Potato Bowls
Garnishes
The finishing touch for Sloppy Joe Sweet Potato Bowls is all about those bold, crunchy, or zippy garnishes. Pickled red onions add a pop of color and tang, sliced raw jalapeños bring lively heat, and dill pickle slices offer a classic Sloppy Joe “sandwich” vibe. Chives or green onions? Freshness in every bite. Let each person sprinkle on their favorites!
Side Dishes
Honestly, these bowls are so hearty you could call them a meal on their own, but for a crowd—or if you want to stretch things a bit—try serving with a crisp green salad, coleslaw, or simply-steamed green beans. If you want to lean into comfort, a tray of roasted broccoli or some homemade cornbread on the side is always a winner.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Sloppy Joe Sweet Potato Bowls “family style” by letting everyone build their own right from the kitchen counter, taco-bar-style. Or, for a party, pile the saucy beef and roasted potatoes onto mini slider buns or lettuce wraps as playful appetizers. For a more polished look, spoon into shallow bowls and top with a swirl of garnishes and a sprinkle of parmesan for restaurant-worthy presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Sloppy Joe Sweet Potato Bowls in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep toppings separate if possible, so pickles and onions stay crisp and fresh.
Freezing
The Sloppy Joe mixture itself freezes like a dream—pack it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge. Sweet potatoes are best made fresh, but if you do freeze them, expect a softer texture when reheated.
Reheating
Reheat the beef and sweet potatoes separately in the microwave or in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until hot. Add a splash of water to the beef mixture if it seems too thick. Assemble your bowls just before serving for the best flavors and textures.
FAQs
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Can I make Sloppy Joe Sweet Potato Bowls vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils, plant-based ground meat, or finely chopped mushrooms for a hearty, meatless option. Just follow the same sauce instructions, and you’ll have all the bold flavors you love.
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What’s the best way to cut sweet potatoes for even roasting?
Dice the sweet potatoes into 1-inch pieces, aiming for uniformity—that way, they all roast at the same rate and you avoid burnt edges or undercooked centers. Leaving the skin on is delicious and nutritious, as long as they’re well-scrubbed!
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Can I make the Sloppy Joe mixture ahead of time?
Yes—Sloppy Joe filling is perfect for making ahead! Let it cool, then store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Gently reheat on the stove or in the microwave before assembling your bowls.
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How spicy are Sloppy Joe Sweet Potato Bowls?
The base recipe is more tangy and savory than spicy. If you love heat, simply add more jalapeños, a touch of hot sauce, or some crushed red pepper flakes to your sauce or as a topping!
Final Thoughts
Sloppy Joe Sweet Potato Bowls will quickly become your go-to for a meal that’s as comforting as it is colorful—and so much fun to make together. Give them a try this week, and you might discover your new favorite way to serve up big, nostalgic flavor (with a boost of veggies on the side!). Enjoy every bite!
Print
Sloppy Joe Sweet Potato Bowls Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 5 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Sloppy Joe Sweet Potato Bowls are a delicious twist on a classic comfort food. Roasted sweet potatoes serve as the base for a savory, saucy ground beef mixture, topped with optional pickled red onions, dill pickles, jalapeños, and green onions.
Ingredients
For the Sweet Potatoes:
- nonstick spray (such as avocado oil, ghee, or extra-light olive oil)
- 2 1/2 pounds sweet potatoes, diced
- 3 tablespoons avocado oil
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose seasoned salt
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
For the Sloppy Joe Sauce:
- 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 1/4 cups ketchup
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon prepared mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Optional Toppings:
- sliced dill pickles
- pickled red onions
- sliced raw jalapeños
- snipped chives or sliced green onions
Instructions
- Make the Sweet Potatoes: Preheat oven to 400℉. Toss diced sweet potatoes with avocado oil, seasoned salt, parsley, black pepper, and parmesan. Spread on a preheated baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes.
- Make the Sloppy Joe Sauce: Cook ground beef in a pan until browned. Drain any fat, then add ketchup, water, vinegar, sugar, mustard, salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat through.
- Assemble: Divide roasted sweet potatoes and sloppy joe mixture into bowls. Top with desired toppings.
Notes
- You can customize the toppings to suit your taste preferences.
- Feel free to adjust the seasonings in the sloppy joe sauce to your liking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: Approximately 450
- Sugar: Approximately 15g
- Sodium: Approximately 800mg
- Fat: Approximately 20g
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approximately 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 40g
- Fiber: Approximately 6g
- Protein: Approximately 25g
- Cholesterol: Approximately 75mg
