Print

Healthy Sloppy Joes

Healthy Sloppy Joes
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Healthy Sloppy Joes are a wholesome twist on the classic comfort food, loaded with finely chopped vegetables and lean ground beef. This recipe balances sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, making it a perfect weeknight meal or meal-prep option. Serve it on buns or baked potatoes for a satisfying dish that’s both nostalgic and nutritious!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 pound lean ground beef (93% lean recommended)
  • ½ cup finely chopped carrots
  • ½ cup finely chopped celery
  • ½ cup finely chopped green bell pepper
  • ½ cup finely chopped red bell pepper
  • ½ cup finely chopped yellow or red onion
  • ½ teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2–3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
  • 3 teaspoons red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1¼ cups tomato sauce
  • ¼ cup ketchup
  • ½ cup low-sodium beef broth (or water)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Beef and Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Stir in carrots, celery, bell peppers, onion, and salt. Cook for about 5–8 minutes until the vegetables soften. Add a drizzle of olive oil if the mixture feels dry.
  2. Add Garlic and Build Flavor: Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Make the Sauce: Add brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce, ketchup, and beef broth to the skillet. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
  4. Simmer to Perfection: Reduce heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer partially covered for about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth or water; if too thin, simmer uncovered during the last few minutes to thicken.
  5. Taste and Serve: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Scoop the filling onto toasted buns or baked potatoes for serving.

Notes

Serving Suggestions:

  • Serve on toasted whole-grain buns for added texture or over baked sweet potatoes for a low-carb option. Pair with coleslaw, roasted veggies, or sweet potato fries for a complete meal.

Tips & Tricks:

  • Finely chop vegetables to ensure even cooking and a cohesive texture in the filling.
  • Toasting buns prevents them from getting soggy when filled with the saucy mixture.

Storage & Reheating:

  • Store leftover filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the mixture if needed.

Find it online: https://paleo.recipes/healthy-sloppy-joes/