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Healthy Sloppy Joes Recipe

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4 from 13 reviews

This Healthy Sloppy Joes recipe offers a nutritious twist on the classic comfort food, using lean ground beef and a flavorful homemade sauce with natural sweeteners and spices. Ready in just 26 minutes, it's an easy, satisfying meal perfect for a quick dinner that can be served on gluten-free buns or baked sweet potatoes for a wholesome touch.

Ingredients

Meat and Vegetables

  • 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

Sauce

  • 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

  1. Brown the Meat: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned, about 5 minutes. Drain most of the fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.
  2. Saute the Vegetables: Add the minced onion, chopped bell pepper, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook and stir until the vegetables soften, approximately 4-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Stir in the Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce, unsweetened ketchup, water, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, chili powder, and hot sauce if using. Stir everything together well to combine all the flavors.
  4. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low to simmer. Cover the skillet and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
  5. Serve: Taste and adjust salt as needed. Serve the sloppy joe mixture on toasted gluten-free buns or over baked sweet potatoes for a healthier alternative.

Notes

  • Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content.
  • Adjust the amount of hot sauce to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder version.
  • For dairy-free and gluten-free options, ensure buns are gluten-free or opt for baked sweet potatoes as a serving base.
  • Maple syrup provides natural sweetness, but honey or agave syrup can be substituted.

Find it online: https://recipeplenty.com/healthy-sloppy-joes-recipe/