Description
A lighter and wholesome version of classic sloppy joes made with simple ingredients, featuring a rich, tangy tomato sauce and perfectly seasoned ground beef for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, minced
- 1/4 cup green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3/4 cup tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup unsweetened ketchup
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 3/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 1–2 teaspoons hot sauce (optional)
- 4 gluten-free buns or baked sweet potatoes for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and cook for about 5 minutes, breaking it apart until browned. Drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon.
- Add minced onion and bell pepper. Season with salt and pepper and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add tomato sauce, ketchup, water, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, chili powder, and optional hot sauce. Stir well.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for about 10 minutes until thickened.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve warm on gluten-free buns or over baked sweet potatoes.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef or substitute with turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Adjust maple syrup for desired sweetness.
- Add extra vegetables like carrots or zucchini for more nutrition.
- Great for meal prep and freezes well.
- Serve with buns, rice, or sweet potatoes for variety.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 21 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
