Say goodbye to carb-heavy comfort food cravings! This Keto Sloppy Joes recipe delivers all the classic, savory, and messy goodness you remember, piled high on soft yet sturdy homemade psyllium husk buns. It’s a hearty, family-friendly meal that proves you don’t have to sacrifice flavor to stick to your low-carb goals. Get your napkins ready—this is one deliciously satisfying sandwich!
Ingredients
• For the Keto Psyllium Buns
• 1 ¼ cups / 140g almond flour
• 5 tbsp / 45g ground psyllium husk powder
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 3 large egg whites
• 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 ¼ cups / 300ml boiling water
• For the Savory Meat Sauce
• 2 tbsp / 30ml olive oil
• 1 ½ lbs / 680g ground beef
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (14 oz / 400g) crushed tomatoes
• 4 tbsp / 60g tomato paste
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp ground mustard
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 2 tsp salt
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper
• For Assembling
• ½ cup / 115g mayonnaise
• 6 oz / 170g shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
Instructions
1. First, prepare the buns. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the almond flour, psyllium husk powder, baking powder, and sea salt.
3. Add the egg whites and apple cider vinegar to the dry , followed by the boiling water. Using a hand mixer or a sturdy whisk, mix thoroughly for about 30 seconds until the dough becomes thick and pliable.
4. Divide the dough into 6-8 equal portions and shape them into bun-like discs with wet hands to prevent sticking. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake on the middle rack for 50-60 minutes, or until firm to the touch and golden brown. Let them cool completely on a wire rack.
6. While the buns are baking, prepare the meat sauce. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
7. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned all over. Drain any excess grease.
8. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, chili powder, ground mustard, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
9. Allow the sauce to simmer for at least 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.
10. To serve, slice the cooled buns in half. Spoon a generous portion of the hot meat sauce onto the bottom buns, top with shredded cheese and a dollop of mayonnaise, and place the top bun on.
Nutritional Information
• (Estimated)
• Serving: 1 Sloppy Joe
• Calories: 520 kcal
• Net Carbohydrates: 9g
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 38g
• Disclaimer: is an estimate and may vary based on used.
Pro Tips
• for Perfect Keto Sloppy Joes
• For a richer flavor, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce to the meat mixture.
• After slicing the buns, lightly toast the cut sides in a dry pan or under the broiler for a minute to enhance their texture and sturdiness.
• The psyllium dough can be sticky. Keep a small bowl of water nearby to wet your hands, which makes shaping the buns much easier.
• The meat sauce tastes even better the next day! It’s a perfect make-ahead component for a quick weeknight dinner. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
FAQ
Q: Are these Keto Sloppy Joes gluten-free
A: Yes, this recipe is completely gluten-free. The buns are made with almond flour and psyllium husk powder, and the meat sauce contains no gluten-based ingredients.
Q: Can I make the psyllium buns ahead of time
A: Absolutely. You can bake the psyllium buns in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For the best texture, we recommend toasting them before serving.
Q: What can I use instead of homemade keto buns
A: If you prefer not to make the buns, you can serve the savory meat sauce over cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, a bed of lettuce for a sloppy joe salad, or with your favorite store-bought keto-friendly bread.
Q: How do I store and reheat leftover sloppy joe meat
A: Store the leftover meat sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can easily reheat it in a saucepan over medium-low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
