Healthy Sloppy Joe Recipe

User Reviews

5.0

6 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    5 mins

  • Cook Time

    5 mins

  • Total Time

    25 mins

  • Servings

    4 servings

  • Calories

    256 kcal

  • Course

    Dinner

  • Cuisine

    American

Healthy Sloppy Joe Recipe

This secretly healthy sloppy joe recipe uses lean ground beef, lots of veggies, and no added refined sugar. It's packed with protein, super saucy and filling, and ready in under 30 minutes—a great option for quick weeknight dinners or meal prep!

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
  • ¾ cup carrots finely chopped into cubes
  • 1 yellow onion chopped
  • 1 large green bell pepper de-seeded and chopped
  • 1 pound lean ground beef (can swap for ground turkey or ground chicken)
  • 2 tablespoon tomato paste
  • ¾ cup crushed tomatoes
  • ½ tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard or Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • salt & pepper to taste
  • 4 buns of choice
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Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped carrots and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.
  3. Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and a pinch of salt. Sauté until the vegetables are cooked through and soft and the onions are starting to brown, about 5-8 more minutes.
  4. Push the vegetables to the side of the skillet and add the ground beef. Brown the beef until it's about 75% cooked, stirring often and seasoning with some salt.
  5. Once the beef is mostly browned, mix it with the vegetables in the skillet.
  6. Add the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, honey, mustard, and garlic powder to the skillet. Stir everything together until well combined.
  7. Continue to cook, stirring often, until the meat is fully cooked and everything is heated through and bubbly. About 3 - 5 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste. If you prefer a saucier consistency, you can add about ¼ cup of water to the skillet. Let it bubble and thicken slightly.
  8. Serve the mixture over rice, quinoa, gluten-free buns, cornbread, or on buns. Enjoy your healthy sloppy joes!

Notes

  • Crushed Tomatoes Swap: Diced tomatoes or tomato sauce can be used instead. Adjust the cooking time if using diced tomatoes for a smoother consistency.
  • Worcestershire Sauce Swap: Soy sauce or tamari can be used instead of Worcestershire sauce.
  • Vegetarian and Vegan Option: You can make vegetarian or vegan Sloppy Joes by substituting ground meat with plant-based alternatives such as lentils, crumbled tofu, or mushrooms. Use Tamari or soy sauce instead of Worcestershire sauce for a vegan version.
  • Garlic Powder Swap: Fresh minced garlic or garlic paste can be used as a substitute.
  • Add More Veggies: Increase the vegetable content by adding additional veggies such as spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms. This not only boosts nutrition but also adds more flavor and texture.
  • Green Bell Pepper Swap: Swap with any color bell pepper (red, yellow, or orange) or use poblano peppers for a mild heat.
  • A Leaner Protein: For a leaner sloppy joes recipe, you can also use ground chicken or ground turkey instead.
  • Whole-Grain Option: Serve the mixture over brown rice or whole-grain buns to increase fiber content and provide more sustained energy.
  • Freezing: Sloppy Joes can be frozen for later consumption. Allow the mixture to cool completely, then store it in airtight containers or freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
  • Storing: Allow the Sloppy Joe mixture to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Do not store with the buns. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
  • Reheating: From the refrigerator, heat the Sloppy Joe mixture in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. For frozen Sloppy Joes, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
  • The nutritional information below is just for the sloppy joes and does not include the buns.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 256kcal (13%) Carbohydrates 17g (6%) Protein 27g (54%) Fat 9g (14%) Saturated Fat 2g (10%) Polyunsaturated Fat 1g Monounsaturated Fat 5g Cholesterol 70mg (23%) Sodium 259mg (11%) Potassium 821mg (23%) Fiber 3g (12%) Sugar 8g (16%) Vitamin A 4384IU (88%) Vitamin C 43mg (48%) Calcium 51mg (5%) Iron 4mg (22%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 256 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 256kcal 13%
Carbohydrates 17g 6%
Protein 27g 54%
Fat 9g 14%
Saturated Fat 2g 10%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g 6%
Monounsaturated Fat 5g 25%
Cholesterol 70mg 23%
Sodium 259mg 11%
Potassium 821mg 17%
Fiber 3g 12%
Sugar 8g 16%
Vitamin A 4384IU 88%
Vitamin C 43mg 48%
Calcium 51mg 5%
Iron 4mg 22%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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5.0

6 reviews
Excellent

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