Description
Enjoy all the flavors of a classic comfort food without the guilt! These Guilt-Free Sloppy Joes feature lean ground beef, fresh veggies, and a tangy, naturally sweetened sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners, this healthier take on an all-time favorite will leave everyone satisfied.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (lean or grass-fed recommended)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup green bell pepper, finely diced
- ½ medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp hot sauce
- 1 tbsp pure maple syrup
- ¼ cup unsweetened ketchup (e.g., Primal Kitchen)
- ¾ cup tomato sauce
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- ¾ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ cup water
Instructions
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper, cooking for 4–5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
2. Cook the Beef:
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon or spatula as it cooks.
- Cook for 6–8 minutes, or until the beef is browned and fully cooked.
- If there’s excess fat in the skillet, carefully drain it before proceeding.
3. Add the Sauce:
- Reduce the heat to medium-low.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, unsweetened ketchup, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, hot sauce, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
4. Simmer the Mixture:
- Add ¼ cup of water to the skillet and stir.
- Let the mixture simmer gently for 8–10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken. Adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Serve:
- Scoop the Sloppy Joe mixture onto whole-grain buns, lettuce wraps, or roasted sweet potato rounds.
- Garnish with chopped bell peppers or parsley if desired.
Notes
- For a spicier flavor, increase the hot sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Leftover Sloppy Joe filling can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, serve on gluten-free buns or in lettuce wraps.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American