Healthy Sloppy Joes with a Sweet and Tangy Twist Recipe

Introduction

This recipe for delicious healthy Sloppy Joes offers a guilt-free twist on a classic comfort food. Using lean beef and wholesome ingredients, it’s packed with flavor while staying nutritious. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (a heart-healthy option to sauté the veggies and beef)
• 1 pound ground beef (choose lean beef for a healthier protein source)
• 0.5 cup onion (finely minced, adds sweetness and depth to the flavor)
• 0.25 cup green bell pepper (finely minced, adds crunchy texture and fresh taste)
• 0.75 teaspoon salt (enhances all the savory notes in the dish)
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper (adds warmth)
• 1 tablespoon garlic (minced, brings bold flavor)
• 0.25 cup tomato sauce (acts as a base, marrying the flavors)
• 0.5 cup ketchup (classic sweet and tangy taste)
• 0.25 cup water (adjusts the consistency of the sauce)
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup (adds natural sweetness)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (adds acidity that brightens flavors)
• 1 tablespoon chili powder (gives a zing)
• Hot sauce (to taste, optional for a delightful kick)
• Gluten-free buns (for serving the filling)
• Baked sweet potatoes (a nutritious alternative for serving)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add ground beef and cook for about 5 minutes, until browned. Drain excess fat.
2. Step 2: Stir in onion and green bell pepper, adding salt and black pepper. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until softened.
3. Step 3: Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Pour in tomato sauce, ketchup, and water, followed by maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and chili powder. Stir until well combined.
5. Step 5: Bring to a gentle boil, reduce heat to simmer, cover, and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Step 6: Taste the mixture and adjust salt if necessary.
7. Step 7: Serve the beef mixture on toasted gluten-free buns or over baked sweet potatoes.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with cooked lentils or a plant-based meat alternative.
• Add finely chopped mushrooms with the vegetables for extra moisture and umami flavor.
• Try serving with whole-grain buns or lettuce wraps for additional fiber and crunch.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the chili powder or add more hot sauce to taste.

Storage

Store leftover Sloppy Joe mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much. The filling can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, this Sloppy Joe mixture can be prepared a day in advance and refrigerated. Just reheat before serving on buns or sweet potatoes.

Are there gluten-free options for this meal?

Absolutely. Use gluten-free buns as suggested, or serve the filling over baked sweet potatoes or in lettuce wraps for a gluten-free, nutritious meal.

Healthy Sloppy Joes with a Sweet and Tangy Twist Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 97 reviews

• Author: anna
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Enjoy a healthier take on classic Sloppy Joes with this delicious and nutritious recipe. Made with lean ground beef, plenty of fresh vegetables, and a flavorful homemade sauce, these sloppy joes deliver all the comfort and taste you crave without the guilt. Serve on gluten-free buns or alongside baked sweet potatoes for a complete, wholesome meal ready in just 25 minutes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon Olive oil
• 1 pound Lean ground beef
• 0.5 cup Onion, finely minced
• 0.25 cup Green bell pepper, finely minced
• 0.75 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Garlic, minced
• 0.25 cup Tomato sauce
• 0.5 cup Ketchup
• 0.25 cup Water
• 1 tablespoon Maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon Apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Chili powder
• Hot sauce, to taste (optional)

Serving Suggestions

• Gluten-free buns
• Baked sweet potatoes

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Instructions

1. Heat Oil and Brown Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add the lean ground beef and cook for about 5 minutes until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish lean.
2. Sauté Veggies: Stir in finely minced onion and green bell pepper. Season with salt and black pepper. Sauté the mixture for 4 to 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, enhancing the flavor base.
3. Add Garlic: Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until you smell its bold aroma but it does not brown.
4. Combine Sauces and Seasonings: Pour in tomato sauce, ketchup, and water. Then add maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and chili powder. Stir everything together thoroughly to create a rich and balanced sauce that melds sweet, tangy, and spicy notes.
5. Simmer the Mixture: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low to simmer. Cover the skillet and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and allowing flavors to develop deeply.
6. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sloppy joe mixture and adjust salt or add hot sauce if desired to suit your preferred level of heat and saltiness.
7. Serve: Spoon the hot beef mixture onto toasted gluten-free buns for a classic serving or pile over baked sweet potatoes for a nutritious alternative that adds sweetness and fiber to the meal.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef (at least 90% lean) to keep the recipe heart-healthy and lower in calories.
• To make the meal lower in sodium, reduce the salt and use low-sodium tomato sauce and ketchup.
• Maple syrup can be substituted with honey or agave nectar for different natural sweetness.
• Adjust the chili powder and hot sauce according to your spice tolerance.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth instead of water if desired.
• Serve with a fresh side salad to boost the fiber and vegetable intake for a more balanced diet.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Healthy sloppy joes, lean ground beef recipe, gluten-free sloppy joes, comfort food, easy weeknight dinner, quick sloppy joe recipe, low fat dinner