This secretly healthy sloppy joe recipe uses lean ground beef, lots of veggies, and no added refined sugar. It's packed with protein, super saucy and filling, and ready in under 30 minutes—a great option for quick weeknight dinners or meal prep!
Easy healthy sloppy joe recipe
This Sloppy Joes recipe is amazing! It's bursting with delicious flavors that make every bite irresistible. But best of all, it's secretly healthy. I promise you can't tell… just like this secretly healthy mac and cheese recipe!
You'll love this recipe because it's so easy to make. You can whip up a tasty meal in under 25 minutes with just a few basic ingredients and simple steps. It's perfect for busy days when you need something quick and satisfying.
What's even better is that this recipe is healthier than traditional Sloppy Joes. Using lean ground beef, no sugar, no ketchup, and lots of veggies makes it lighter and better for you. You can feel good about serving it to your loved ones or meal-prepping it for the week.
The best part? This healthy sloppy joe recipe is a crowd-pleaser! Whether you're hosting a party or just having a casual dinner at home, everyone will enjoy this hearty and flavorful dish. We serve it every Game Day in our household. It's a guaranteed hit every time! I can't wait to hear what you think.
Why you'll love this healthier recipe:
- Quick & Easy: Perfect for busy nights.
- Healthy: Balanced with veggies and lean protein.
- Under 30 Minutes: An easy weeknight dinner.
- High Protein: There are 27 grams of protein per serving!
- Gluten-Free Option: Just use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and gluten-free buns.
- Easy Meal Prep: Sloppy joes is perfect for meal prepping!
- Great for Entertaining: Crowd-pleaser for gatherings.
- Customizable: Adjust to your taste.
- Try these Turkey Stuffed Zucchini Boats or this Ground Beef and Zucchini Casserole next!
Ingredients needed
This sloppy joe recipe is easy to make and calls for simple, wholesome, and healthier ingredients. It's protein-packed, refined sugar-free, and perfect for meal prepping. Here is a list of everything you need so you are prepared:
- Olive oil or avocado oil: It helps cook down the veggies.
- Carrot: Adds sweetness and texture. Carrots are packed with vitamins.
- Yellow onion: Adds flavor. Onions have health benefits like antioxidants.
- Green bell pepper: Adds color and crunch. Bell peppers are low in calories and high in vitamin C.
- Lean ground beef: A great source of protein!
- Tomato paste: Thickens sauce and adds flavor.
- Crushed tomatoes: Creates a healthy, lightened-up base for the sauce.
- Worcestershire sauce: This is key to the "sloppy joes" flavor.
- Honey: You only need 1 tablespoon for a little sweetness. It's a natural sweetener but use in moderation.
- Yellow mustard: Adds tanginess and flavor.
- Garlic powder: Adds lots of flavor to the sloppy joes.
Kitchen tools needed
Here is a quick list of all the kitchen tools you'll need to make healthy sloppy joe:
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cutting board
- Chef's knife
- Measuring spoons + cup
How to make healthy sloppy joes
Sloppy Joes is super easy to make. This recipe is high in protein, customizable, healthy, and flavorful. Here are detailed step-by-step instructions with pictures for visual reference so that any level of cook can make it; just scroll to the bottom of this post for the full recipe and ingredient measurements.
Step 1:
First, heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat
Step 2:
Then, add the chopped carrots and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.
Step 3:
After that, add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and a pinch of salt. Sauté until the vegetables are cooked through and soft and the onions start to brown, about 5-8 more minutes.
Step 4:
Push the vegetables to the side of the skillet and add the ground beef. Then, brown the meat until it's about 75% cooked, stirring often and seasoning with some salt. Once the meat is mostly browned, mix it with the vegetables in the skillet.
Step 5:
Add the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, honey, mustard, and garlic powder to the skillet. Stir everything together until well combined.
Step 6:
Continue to cook, stirring often, until the meat is fully cooked and everything is heated through and bubbly - about 3 - 5 minutes. If you prefer a saucier consistency, you can add about ¼ cup of water to the skillet. Let it bubble and thicken slightly.
Step 7:
For a hearty meal, serve the mixture over rice, quinoa, gluten-free buns, cornbread, or on buns. Enjoy your healthy sloppy joes!
Expert recipe tips:
- Whole-Grain Option: Serve the mixture over brown rice or whole-grain buns to increase fiber content and provide more sustained energy.
- Meat Browning: Brown the ground beef well to develop a rich flavor. Stirring often helps break up clumps and ensures even cooking.
- Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let the mixture simmer longer to reduce and thicken naturally. Conversely, if you prefer a thinner sauce, you can add a bit more water.
- Meal Ideas: This versatile dish can be served in various ways - over rice for a complete meal or on buns for a tasty sandwich option. You can also customize by adding toppings like cheese or sliced avocado.
- Make Ahead: This dish can be prepared in advance and reheated when ready to serve, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Leaner Protein: For a leaner sloppy joes recipe, you can also use ground chicken or ground turkey instead.
- Add More Veggies: Increase the vegetable content by adding additional veggies such as spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms. This not only boosts nutrition but also adds more flavor and texture.
Easy ingredient substitutions:
Here are some easy ingredient substitutions for this healthy sloppy joe recipe. I recommend swapping only one or two ingredients so the entire recipe doesn't change.
- Carrot: Replace with other crunchy vegetables like celery, bell peppers, or zucchini.
- Green Bell Pepper: Swap with any color bell pepper (red, yellow, or orange) or use poblano peppers for a mild heat.
- Lean Ground Beef: Substitute with ground turkey, chicken, pork, or plant-based alternatives like lentils or tofu crumbles.
- Crushed Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes or tomato sauce can be used instead. Adjust the cooking time if using diced tomatoes for a smoother consistency.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Soy sauce or Tamari can be used instead of Worcestershire sauce.
- Honey: Try maple syrup, agave nectar, or brown sugar.
- Yellow Mustard: Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, or spicy brown mustard can be used for a different flavor profile.
- Garlic Powder: Fresh minced garlic or garlic paste can be used as a substitute.
What to serve with sloppy joes:
There are many delicious options to serve with sloppy joes. Here are a few ideas:
- French Fries: Crispy potato fries for that classic combo.
- Sweet Potatoes: Try these air fryer sweet potato wedges or these air fryer sweet potato cubes.
- Smashed Potatoes: We are obsessed with these air fryer smashed potatoes.
- Side Salad: Fresh greens with veggies paired with your favorite dressing. We love this kale crunch salad and tangy cucumber carrot salad.
- Coleslaw: Creamy cabbage salad, a classic BBQ side.
- Roasted Vegetables: Simple and healthy veggies, steamed to perfection. Try this air fryer broccoli and cauliflower.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet and juicy corn, a summer favorite.
- Baked Beans: Sweet and savory beans, packed with flavor.
- Potato Salad: Creamy potato dish with veggies and dressing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Sloppy Joes gluten-free?
Sloppy Joes can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and ensuring that all other ingredients are gluten-free. Serve with gluten-free buns or over rice for a gluten-free meal.
Can I adjust the spice level of Sloppy Joes?
Yes, you can adjust the spice level of Sloppy Joes by adding more or less ingredients like mustard, Worcestershire sauce, or garlic powder, according to your preference. You can also add hot sauce or chili powder for extra heat.
What toppings can I serve with Sloppy Joes?
Common toppings for Sloppy Joes include shredded cheese, sliced pickles, chopped onions, and sliced jalapeños. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or guacamole for extra flavor.
Can I make Sloppy Joe's vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, you can make vegetarian or vegan Sloppy Joes by substituting the ground meat with plant-based alternatives such as lentils, crumbled tofu, or mushrooms. Use Tamari or soy sauce instead of Worcestershire sauce for a vegan version.
What can I substitute for Worcestershire sauce?
Soy sauce or Tamari can substitute for Worcestershire sauce. You can also try balsamic vinegar or liquid aminos for a different flavor profile.
Can I freeze Sloppy Joe's?
Yes, sloppy Joes can be frozen for later consumption. Allow the mixture to cool completely, then store it in airtight containers or freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
How to store and reheat sloppy joes:
Storing: Allow the Sloppy Joe mixture to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Do not store with the buns. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating: From the refrigerator, heat the Sloppy Joe mixture in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. For frozen Sloppy Joes, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
If you love this recipe, try these dinner recipes next!
- Ground Beef and Zucchini Casserole
- Ground Turkey Stuffed Zucchini Boats
- Best Healthy Chili Recipe (Turkey or Chicken)
- Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie
- Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
- Barbecue Chicken Sweet Potato Sliders
Did you make this recipe?
If you make this recipe, be sure to comment and rate it down below. Also, don't forget to tag me @healthfulblondie on Instagram and use the hashtag #healthfulblondie so I can see your delicious creation and share it with my followers!
📖 Recipe
Healthy Sloppy Joe Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon 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, (can swap for ground turkey or ground chicken)
- 2 tablespoon tomato paste
- ¾ cup crushed tomatoes
- ½ tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard or Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 4 buns of choice
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped carrots and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and a pinch of salt. Sauté until the vegetables are cooked through and soft and the onions are starting to brown, about 5-8 more minutes.
- Push the vegetables to the side of the skillet and add the ground beef. Brown the beef until it's about 75% cooked, stirring often and seasoning with some salt.
- Once the beef is mostly browned, mix it with the vegetables in the skillet.
- Add the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, honey, mustard, and garlic powder to the skillet. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Continue to cook, stirring often, until the meat is fully cooked and everything is heated through and bubbly. About 3 - 5 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste. If you prefer a saucier consistency, you can add about ¼ cup of water to the skillet. Let it bubble and thicken slightly.
- Serve the mixture over rice, quinoa, gluten-free buns, cornbread, or on buns. Enjoy your healthy sloppy joes!
Notes
Nutrition
I only recommend products I love and use myself. In full disclosure, I may receive a small compensation for purchasing a product I recommend. Thank you for supporting Healthful Blondie!
Sharing is caring!
Claire says
Can't wait to make this myself! Tati made it for the Super Bowl and it was so good.
Hadley says
Family loved this recipe and they are NOT healthy eaters. TRUST ME MAKE THIS! So yummmmmy
Tati Chermayeff says
This made my day!! No joke. Happy you loved this recipe as much as me.