Description
A nutritious twist on the classic Sloppy Joe, packed with lean protein and vibrant veggies, perfect for satisfying cravings without guilt.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef (lean, 90% or higher)
- 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
- 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)
- 4 gluten-free buns or baked sweet potatoes for serving
Instructions
- Sauté the meat: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, browning it while breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spatula. This usually takes about 5 minutes to achieve that perfect brown.
- Veggie time: Drain most of the fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan. Add the minced onion, chopped bell pepper, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for about 4-5 minutes until the vegetables soften and become aromatic.
- Garlic infusion: Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Combine flavors: Pour in the tomato sauce, ketchup, water, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, chili powder, and hot sauce (if using). Stir to blend the ingredients beautifully.
- Simmer it down: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10 minutes.
- Taste and serve: Once it thickens, taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt if needed. Serve warm on toasted gluten-free buns or over fluffy baked sweet potatoes.
Notes
For a vegetarian option, substitute ground beef with lentils or mushrooms. Can be made in advance and reheated.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg