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Quick and Healthy Sloppy Joe’s Recipe

5 from 148 reviews

A quick and healthy take on classic Sloppy Joe’s using extra lean ground beef and a flavorful blend of spices simmered in a tangy tomato sauce. This recipe is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that’s both hearty and wholesome.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • Olive oil spray
  • 1 medium/large onion, chopped
  • 1 lb 96/4 extra lean ground beef
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Spices

  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp ground mustard
  • 2 tsp chili powder

Sauce Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 3/4 cup water

Serving

  • Buns for serving (not included in macros)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan: Preheat a pan over medium heat and lightly coat it with olive oil spray to prevent sticking and aid in cooking.
  2. Cook the Onions: Add the chopped onion to the pan and cook for about 5 minutes until they soften and begin to caramelize, which brings out their natural sweetness.
  3. Add and Brown the Ground Beef: Add the extra lean ground beef to the pan and use a wooden spoon to break it apart. Stir frequently as it cooks.
  4. Season the Meat: Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard, paprika, and chili powder. Continue cooking the beef and spices for about 5 minutes or until the meat is fully browned with no pink remaining.
  5. Add Garlic and Tomato Paste: Mix in the minced garlic and tomato paste to the browned beef mixture, stirring well to incorporate all the flavors.
  6. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and water until smooth and combined.
  7. Simmer the Sloppy Joe Mixture: Pour the sauce over the beef mixture and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to your preferred consistency.
  8. Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot on buns or your favorite bread.

Notes

  • Use lean ground beef to keep the recipe healthier without sacrificing flavor.
  • Caramelizing the onions enhances the sweetness and depth of flavor in the dish.
  • Adjust the level of chili powder based on your preferred spice tolerance.
  • This recipe pairs well with whole grain buns or lettuce wraps for a lighter option.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated for quick meals throughout the week.

Keywords: Sloppy Joe, Healthy Sloppy Joe, Lean Ground Beef Sloppy Joe, Quick Dinner, Easy Weeknight Meal