Description
This healthy sloppy joes recipe is low-sugar, high-protein, and veggie-packed, thanks to a simple homemade sauce made without ketchup or brown sugar. It’s hearty, saucy, and ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for quick dinners or meal prep!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
- ¾ cup carrots, finely chopped into cubes
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 1 large green bell pepper, de-seeded and chopped
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- ¾ cup crushed tomatoes
- ½ tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp yellow mustard or Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 4 buns of choice
Instructions
- Sauté the veggies: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped carrots and cook for 3–4 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Add remaining vegetables: Add the onion, bell pepper, and a pinch of salt. Sauté for 5–8 minutes, until the veggies are soft and the onions start to brown.
- Brown the beef: Push the veggies to one side of the skillet and add the ground beef. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until about 75% browned. Season with a little salt, then mix it in with the veggies.
- Add the sauce ingredients: Stir in the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, honey, mustard, and garlic powder until everything is well combined.
- Simmer until thick and saucy: Cook for 3–5 minutes, stirring often, until the mixture is bubbly, thick, and the beef is fully cooked. Add salt and pepper to taste. For a saucier texture, stir in ¼ cup of water and let it simmer for 1–2 minutes.
- Serve: Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto buns, gluten-free buns, rice, quinoa, or healthy cornbread. Enjoy!
Notes
Worcestershire Sauce Swap: Soy sauce or tamari (GF) work well, and 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar adds a similar tangy depth. Chop veggies small to help the sauce thicken and add natural sweetness. Use 90–93% lean beef or swap for ground turkey; add 1–2 teaspoon olive oil if using turkey. Simmer uncovered for 8-10 minutes for the best consistency.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 256 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 259 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg