Old Fashioned Sloppy Joe Recipe
One bite of these sloppy Joes will instantly take you back to the meaty, messy, sloppy Joe sandwich of your childhood. Sweet, tangy and loaded with flavor, this version of the classic American comfort food is also surprisingly healthy, and comes together in about 30 minutes.
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 297kcal
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 1/2 medium onion diced (yellow or white)
- 1 teaspoon garlic minced
- 1 large carrot shredded
- 1 medium red bell pepper diced
- 1/2 medium yellow bell pepper diced
- 1 pound ground beef 7-15% fat
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 4 ounces tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons bbq sauce
Instructions
- In a nonstick saute pan on medium-high heat, add avocado oil. Once the oil is hot, add the onions and carrots and saute until the onions are translucent and the carrots are becoming tender—about 6-8 minutes. Add the bell peppers and garlic and saute until they are tender, or about 4-5 more minutes.
- Once the veggies are cooked, add the ground beef to the pan and season with salt, pepper, and crushed red peppers. Use a spoon or spatula to break up the meat. If it seems too dry in your pan, add a few tablespoons of water.
- Continue cooking until the beef is almost fully cooked, about 8-10 more minutes. There should still be a little pink.
- Once the meat is mostly cooked, add the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and bbq sauce. Continue to stir until the sauce is completely mixed in and the beef has finished cooking—about 3-5 more minutes. There should be no pink left in your beef once it is done.
- Serve on a mini slider or pretzel bun with a slice of cheddar or pepper jack cheese and a pickle. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
Storing instructions: store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating: thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat over the stovetop or in a microwave.
When cooking for kids, saute your veggies slightly longer than you normally would so that they are almost mushy. It will be easier to hide them this way!
Nutrition
Calories: 297kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 54mg | Sodium: 520mg | Potassium: 569mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 2947IU | Vitamin C: 50mg | Calcium: 38mg | Iron: 3mg