Description
This Healthy Sloppy Joes recipe offers a nutritious twist on the classic comfort food, using lean ground beef and wholesome ingredients to create a flavorful, saucy filling. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal, it can be served on gluten-free buns or baked sweet potatoes for a versatile, delicious dinner 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
- 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 the meat, breaking it up with a wooden spatula as it cooks, for about 5 minutes. Drain most of the fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan to maintain flavor.
- Saute the Vegetables: Add the minced onion, chopped green bell pepper, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir and cook the vegetables until they become soft, about 4 to 5 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce, unsweetened ketchup, water, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, chili powder, and optional hot sauce. Stir well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover the skillet and let it cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened to your preferred consistency.
- Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed. Serve the sloppy joe mixture hot on toasted gluten-free buns or over baked sweet potatoes for a wholesome meal.
Notes
- The recipe can be made spicier by adding more hot sauce or chili powder according to taste.
- Using lean ground beef helps reduce fat content in this dish.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute ground beef with plant-based protein crumbles.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Toasting the buns or baking the sweet potatoes beforehand enhances texture and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of recipe with bun or sweet potato)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
