This healthier take on sloppy joes features lean ground beef, plenty of veggies, and no refined sugar. It’s protein-packed, irresistibly saucy, and ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknight dinners or meal prep!
INGREDIENTS
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
- ¾ cup carrots, finely diced
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 1 large green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1 pound lean ground beef (or substitute with ground turkey or chicken)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ¾ cup crushed tomatoes
- ½ tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon yellow or Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 4 buns of choice
INSTRUCTIONS
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the carrots and sauté for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.
- Stir in the onion, bell pepper, and a pinch of salt. Cook for another 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and the onions are lightly browned.
- Move the veggies to one side of the skillet and add the ground beef. Cook until about 75% done, stirring often and seasoning with salt.
- Mix the beef with the sautéed vegetables, then stir in the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, honey, mustard, and garlic powder.
- Continue cooking for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully cooked and the sauce is bubbling. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. For a saucier consistency, add ¼ cup of water and let it simmer slightly.
- Serve over buns, rice, quinoa, or cornbread, and enjoy!
NOTES & VARIATIONS
- Tomato Swap: Use diced tomatoes or tomato sauce instead of crushed tomatoes, adjusting the cooking time for a smoother texture.
- Worcestershire Sauce Alternative: Substitute with soy sauce or tamari for a similar depth of flavor.
- Make It Vegan: Replace the ground meat with lentils, mushrooms, or crumbled tofu. Use tamari instead of Worcestershire sauce for a fully plant-based version.
- Garlic Powder Substitute: Use fresh minced garlic or garlic paste for added flavor.
- Boost the Veggies: Enhance nutrition and texture by adding zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms.
- Bell Pepper Options: Swap the green bell pepper for red, yellow, or orange for a sweeter flavor. Poblano peppers can add mild heat.
- Lighter Protein: Try ground turkey or chicken for an even leaner meal.
- Whole-Grain Option: Serve with whole-grain buns or brown rice for extra fiber and long-lasting energy.
STORAGE & REHEATING
- Refrigeration: Store the cooled sloppy joe mixture in an airtight container (without buns) for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: Let the mixture cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or heat in the microwave until hot.
NUTRITION (PER SERVING, WITHOUT BUN)
- Calories: 256 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Protein: 27g
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 259mg
- Potassium: 821mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 8g
- Vitamin A: 4384 IU
- Vitamin C: 43mg
- Calcium: 51mg
- Iron: 4mg
Enjoy this better-for-you version of sloppy joes—delicious, hearty, and easy to make!
