Print

Quick and Healthy Sloppy Joe's Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.4 from 6 reviews

This Quick and Healthy Sloppy Joe's recipe is a flavorful and nutritious twist on the classic comfort food favorite. Using extra lean ground beef and a blend of spices, this dish comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight. The savory tomato-based sauce simmers to a rich consistency, served best on your favorite buns for a hearty meal everyone will love.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb 96/4 extra lean ground beef
  • 1 medium/large onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp ground mustard
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 3/4 cup water
  • Olive oil spray
  • Buns for serving (not included in macros)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the pan over medium heat and spray it lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking.
  2. Cook Onions: Add the chopped onion to the pan and cook for about 5 minutes until tender and starting to caramelize, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
  3. Add Ground Beef: Add the extra lean ground beef to the pan. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart into crumbles as it cooks.
  4. Add Dry Spices: Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard, paprika, and chili powder. Stir well to coat the beef evenly with the spices.
  5. Cook Beef Thoroughly: Continue to cook the beef and spices for around 5 minutes until the beef is no longer pink, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  6. Add Garlic and Tomato Paste: Stir in the minced garlic, sautéing briefly, then add the tomato paste and mix into the meat for a deeper, richer flavor.
  7. Prepare Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and water until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
  8. Simmer Sloppy Joe Mixture: Pour the sauce into the pan with the beef mixture. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Notes

  • For a healthier option, serve with whole wheat or low-calorie buns.
  • You can add extra vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms for added nutrition and texture.
  • Adjust chili powder amount to control spice level according to preference.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
  • To keep it dairy-free, avoid cheese toppings or choose suitable alternatives.