Sloppy Joe Bowls

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If you love classic Sloppy Joes but want a healthier, paleo, Whole30, and gluten-free alternative, these Sloppy Joe Bowls are the perfect solution! They combine the bold, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors of traditional Sloppy Joes but without the added sugar, preservatives, or processed ingredients. Instead of serving them on a bun, they’re paired with roasted sweet potato slices, making for a nutritious and satisfying meal.

This dish is quick and easy, coming together in just 25 minutes! It’s packed with wholesome ingredients, perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or feeding a hungry family. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite toppings, making it as spicy or mild as you like!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Whole30 & Paleo-Friendly – Made with real, whole ingredients and no added sugar.
• Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free – A great option for those with dietary restrictions.
• Quick & Easy – Ready in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
• Customizable – Adjust seasonings, spice levels, and toppings to your liking.
• Meal-Prep Friendly – Double the batch for easy lunches throughout the week.

Ingredients for Sloppy Joe Bowls

For the Sweet Potato Slices:

• 1 large sweet potato – Cut into ¼-inch slices.
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (or avocado oil) – Helps roast the potatoes perfectly.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt – Enhances the natural sweetness.

For the Sloppy Joe Mix:

• 2 tablespoons ghee or olive oil – Adds richness to the sauce.
• 1-2 tablespoons garlic (minced) – Brings bold, aromatic flavor.
• ¼ cup yellow onion (diced) – Adds sweetness and depth.
• ¼ cup red onion (diced) – Provides a hint of sharpness.
• ½ – 1 green bell pepper (diced) – Adds texture and slight crunch.
• 1 pound ground beef – Choose grass-fed for the best flavor.
• 1 teaspoon dijon mustard – Adds tangy depth.
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard – Boosts the traditional Sloppy Joe taste.
• 3 tablespoons paleo ketchup – A healthier, sugar-free option.
• 2 tablespoons coconut aminos – Provides umami and mild sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt – Enhances the flavors.
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper – Adds a subtle kick.
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste – Helps create a rich, thick sauce.
• 1 teaspoon chili powder – Brings mild heat and smoky depth.
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar – Brightens and balances the flavors.

Optional Toppings/Additions:

• Dijon mustard – Adds an extra tangy bite.
• Sliced pickles – Brings crunch and acidity.
• Pickled red onions – Adds a pop of color and zesty flavor.
• Diced carrots – A great addition for extra fiber and texture.
• Extra chili powder, cayenne, or red pepper flakes – If you like it spicier!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Roast the Sweet Potatoes

1. Preheat oven to 415°F (210°C).
2. Place the sweet potato slices on a baking sheet.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and massage to coat evenly on both sides.
4. Sprinkle with kosher salt.
5. Bake on the middle rack for 10-12 minutes, until firm yet tender.

2. Cook the Sloppy Joe Filling

1. Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add ghee or olive oil and swirl to coat the pan.
3. Add garlic, stirring for 10-20 seconds until fragrant.
4. Stir in the yellow and red onions and green bell pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the onions to soften.
5. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks for 5-10 minutes, until browned. Drain any excess grease.
6. Stir in dijon mustard, yellow mustard, paleo ketchup, coconut aminos, salt, black pepper, tomato paste, chili powder, and apple cider vinegar.
7. Mix well and let simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
8. Taste and adjust seasonings, adding more ketchup, tomato paste, or chili powder if needed.

3. Assemble & Serve

1. Place roasted sweet potato slices in a bowl.
2. Add a generous scoop of Sloppy Joe mixture.
3. Top with sliced pickles, pickled onions, and extra dijon mustard.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Sloppy Joe Bowls

1. Let the Meat Simmer – Allowing the beef mixture to cook for an extra few minutes helps meld the flavors.
2. Use a Hot Skillet – This helps brown the beef faster and develop richer flavors.
3. Roast Sweet Potatoes Until Just Tender – Over-roasting makes them too soft to hold up to the Sloppy Joe filling.
4. Double the Recipe for Meal Prep – This dish stores well and makes great leftovers!
5. Make It Spicier – Add more chili powder, cayenne, or red pepper flakes.

Serving Suggestions & Variations

Pair With:

• Avocado Slices – Adds creaminess and healthy fats.
• Coleslaw – A crisp, refreshing contrast to the warm dish.
• Cucumber Slices – A crunchy, cooling side.

Substitutions:

• Ground Turkey or Chicken – For a leaner protein option.
• Mashed Sweet Potatoes – Instead of slices, serve with a scoop of mashed sweet potatoes.
• Cauliflower Rice – A lower-carb option instead of sweet potatoes.

Storage & Meal Prep

Refrigerator:

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Reheat on the stove over medium heat or microwave for 1-2 minutes.

Freezer:

• Freeze the Sloppy Joe filling (not the sweet potatoes) for up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight and reheat before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?

Yes! The Sloppy Joe mixture can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for easy reheating.

What If I Don’t Have Paleo Ketchup?

You can make your own by mixing tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and coconut aminos.

Can I Make This Dish Vegan?

Yes! Swap ground beef for lentils or crumbled tempeh and use a plant-based ketchup alternative.

Final Thoughts

These Sloppy Joe Bowls are a delicious, healthy twist on a comfort-food classic. By swapping out the traditional bun for roasted sweet potato slices, this dish stays gluten-free, paleo, and Whole30-compliant, while still delivering big, bold flavors. Whether you’re making it for a quick dinner, meal prep, or feeding a crowd, this dish is easy, customizable, and packed with nutrients.

🍠 Sloppy Joe Bowls – A Healthy & Flavorful Twist!

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• Author: therecipemingle
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4-6

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Description

Sloppy Joes just got a healthy, Whole30, and gluten-free makeover! These Sloppy Joe Bowls are packed with savory, saucy beef and served over roasted sweet potato slices for a nutrient-packed, delicious meal. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep, this dish is loaded with real, simple ingredients and big flavors!

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Ingredients

Sweet Potato Slices:

✅ 1 large sweet potato (sliced ¼-inch thick)
✅ 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (or avocado oil)
✅ 1 tsp kosher salt

Sloppy Joe Mix:

✅ 2 tbsp ghee or olive oil
✅ 1-2 tbsp garlic, minced
✅ ¼ cup yellow onion, diced
✅ ¼ cup red onion, diced
✅ ½ – 1 green bell pepper, diced
✅ 1 lb ground beef
✅ 1 tsp dijon mustard
✅ 1 tsp yellow mustard
✅ 3 tbsp paleo ketchup
✅ 2 tbsp coconut aminos
✅ 1 tsp kosher salt
✅ ¼ tsp black pepper
✅ 2 tbsp tomato paste
✅ 1 tsp chili powder
✅ 1 tsp apple cider vinegar

Toppings/Additions:

✅ Dijon mustard
✅ Sliced pickles
✅ Pickled red onions

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Instructions

1️⃣ Roast the Sweet Potatoes:

1. Preheat oven to 415°F.
2. Place sweet potato slices on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with kosher salt.
3. Roast for 10-12 minutes, until tender but firm.

2️⃣ Make the Sloppy Joe Mix:

1. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add ghee or oil.
2. Sauté garlic until fragrant (10-20 sec). Add onions & bell pepper and cook for 2-3 minutes.
3. Add ground beef and cook until browned (5-10 minutes). Drain excess grease.
4. Stir in mustards, ketchup, coconut aminos, salt, pepper, tomato paste, chili powder, and apple cider vinegar. Mix well and let simmer.
5. Adjust seasonings as needed – add more ketchup & tomato paste for extra sauce!

3️⃣ Assemble & Serve:

1. Place sweet potato slices in a bowl.
2. Add a scoop of Sloppy Joe mix next to them.
3. Top with sliced pickles, pickled onions, and a drizzle of dijon mustard.
4. Enjoy! 😍

Notes

✔ Add crunch – Toss in diced carrots for extra fiber.
✔ Spice it up – Add cayenne or red pepper flakes for heat!
✔ Meal prep friendly – Double the recipe and save leftovers for lunch!

Nutrition

• Calories: 204 per serving
• Fat: 9.4g per serving
• Carbohydrates: 12.3g per serving
• Protein: 17.6g per serving