Name: Quick and Healthy Sloppy Joe’s Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Olive oil spray; 1 medium/large onion, chopped; 1 lb 96/4 extra lean ground beef; 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; Buns for serving (not included in macros)

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Introduction

Quick and Healthy Sloppy Joe’s offer a flavorful twist on a classic comfort food, made with lean ground beef and a blend of spices. This recipe is perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal that comes together in under 30 minutes.

A white plate with a sloppy joe sandwich and green beans. The sandwich has three layers: a soft brown top bun with a textured, wrinkled surface, a thick middle layer of chopped cooked ground beef mixed with onions in a reddish sauce, and a soft light tan bottom bun. Next to the sandwich are fresh, shiny, green beans spread out loosely on the right side of the plate. In the background, there is a white bowl filled with more green beans and a red dish with a baked casserole. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

Olive oil spray
1 medium/large onion, chopped
1 lb 96/4 extra lean ground beef
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
Buns for serving (not included in macros)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat a pan over medium heat and spray it lightly with olive oil.
Step 2: Add the chopped onion to the pan and cook for about 5 minutes, until tender and beginning to caramelize.
Step 3: Add the ground beef to the pan and break it apart with a wooden spoon.
Step 4: Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard, paprika, and chili powder. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring, until the beef is no longer pink.
Step 5: Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste, then mix well to combine.
Step 6: In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and water.
Step 7: Pour the sauce mixture into the pan with the beef. Simmer for 5 to 10 minutes until the sauce thickens to your liking. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 8: Serve the sloppy joe mixture hot on buns and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture.
To keep it vegetarian, substitute the ground beef with lentils or a plant-based ground meat alternative.
Use whole wheat buns or lettuce wraps for a healthier serving option.
Leftover sloppy joe filling can also be used as a topping for baked potatoes or nachos.

Storage

Store any leftover sloppy joe mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. The sauce may thicken on standing; add a splash of water if needed when reheating.

How to Serve

A close-up of a sandwich on a white plate with a few green beans on the side. The sandwich has a soft, golden-brown bun with visible wrinkles on top. Inside, there is a thick layer of cooked ground meat with a rich brown color and slightly chunky texture. In the background, there is a white bowl filled with more green beans and a red pot with food inside, all set on a white marbled surface. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make sloppy joe’s ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mixture a day in advance. Store it covered in the fridge and reheat before serving. This allows the flavors to meld even more.

What can I use instead of ketchup?

If you prefer, you can substitute ketchup with tomato sauce combined with a little bit of vinegar and a touch of sugar to achieve a similar tangy sweetness.