Description
A guilt-free twist on the classic sloppy joes, packed with lean protein and vibrant vegetables for a wholesome family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 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)
- For serving: 4 gluten-free buns or baked sweet potatoes
Instructions
- Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Once hot, add the ground beef and break it up with a wooden spatula while it cooks.
- Brown the meat for about 5 minutes, ensuring it is cooked through.
- Drain most of the fat from the pan, leaving about a tablespoon for flavor.
- Toss in the minced onion and chopped green bell pepper, along with salt and pepper.
- Sauté these vegetables for 4-5 minutes, allowing them to soften.
- Add the minced garlic to the mix, sautéing for just 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Next, introduce the tomato sauce, ketchup, water, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, chili powder, and hot sauce (if using).
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to simmer.
- Cover the pan and let it cook for about 10 minutes, or until thickened to your liking.
- Once thickened, taste and adjust salt or other seasonings if desired.
- Serve the mixture lavishly over toasted buns or a baked sweet potato.
Notes
Toast the buns lightly under the broiler for added crunch and flavor. Make-ahead tips include preparing the mixture a day in advance and storing it in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg