Description
This Sloppy Joes recipe features a savory ground beef mixture seasoned with herbs and spices, simmered in a tangy tomato sauce blend, and served atop roasted sweet potato cubes for a nutritious and flavorful twist on a classic comfort food bowl. Topped with pickles and jalapeños, this dish balances smoky, sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors in a hearty, wholesome meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Sloppy Joe Meat
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 yellow onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 3 tbsp tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup coconut aminos
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 3–5 tbsp water (adjust for desired consistency)
Roasted Sweet Potatoes
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp kosher salt
Toppings
- Jalapeño peppers, sliced and seeded
- Pickles, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the Sweet Potato Cubes: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, toss the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt until evenly coated. Spread the sweet potato cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast in the oven for about 30 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Cook Onion and Garlic: While the sweet potatoes roast, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, stirring occasionally. Cook until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Reduce the heat to medium, add the ground beef to the skillet, and cook until it is browned and fully cooked through. Break the meat apart as it cooks for even browning. Once cooked, drain any excess fat from the pan to avoid grease in the final dish, then return the skillet to the stove.
- Make the Sloppy Joe Meat Mixture: Stir in the tomato paste, tomato sauce, Dijon mustard, coconut aminos, dried basil, dried oregano, chili powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper into the browned beef mixture. Mix well to combine all ingredients thoroughly. Allow the mixture to simmer on medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the beef is hot. Add 3 to 5 tablespoons of water during this time as needed to achieve your preferred consistency if it becomes too dry.
- Assemble the Sloppy Joe Bowl: Once the sweet potatoes are roasted and the sloppy joe meat is ready, start assembling your bowl. Place a generous portion of roasted sweet potato cubes into each bowl, then spoon a hearty amount of the sloppy joe meat on top. Garnish with sliced pickles and jalapeño peppers. Feel free to add any additional toppings you enjoy, then serve immediately and enjoy your wholesome and flavorful meal!
Notes
- Adjust the amount of water added to the sloppy joe meat mixture to reach your preferred sauce thickness.
- For extra spice, leave some jalapeño seeds in or add hot sauce as a topping.
- Using coconut aminos instead of soy sauce provides a gluten-free and slightly sweet alternative.
- Make sure to stir the sweet potatoes halfway through roasting for even cooking.
- Draining excess fat from the beef helps reduce greasiness and creates a cleaner flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Sloppy Joes, Sweet Potato Bowl, Ground Beef, Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Comfort Food, Family Dinner, Easy Weeknight Meal
