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The Best Homemade Sloppy Joes – vegetarian recipe
Stav Kogan

The Best Homemade Sloppy Joes

Forget the canned stuff—this homemade sloppy joe recipe is a game-changer. It's rich, savory, and has just the right amount of tang. The flavors get even more incredible the next day, making it perfect for meal prep. Serve it over roasted spaghetti squash for a healthier, low-car
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 1 serving
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds (907 g / 32 oz) ground beef
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 medium green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 8 ounces (227 g / 8 oz) tomato paste
  • 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml / 1 fl oz) brown sugar substitute
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml / 1 fl oz) Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml / 0.5 fl oz) prepared yellow mustard
  • Fresh flat-leaf parsley, for garnish
  • Roasted spaghetti squash or lettuce wraps, for serving (optional)
  • for Perfect Sloppy Joes
  • The flavor deepens overnight! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days for an even tastier meal the next day.
  • This recipe is perfect for batch cooking. Let the mixture cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop.
  • Feel free to customize! Add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat, or stir in a can of drained corn or black beans for extra texture and fiber.
  • If your sauce is too thin for your liking, simply let it simmer uncovered for an extra 5-10 minutes until it reduces and reaches your desired consistency.

Method
 

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the ground beef, minced garlic, chopped green pepper, and onion.
  3. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until the beef is browned and the vegetables have softened, about 8-10 minutes.
  4. Drain off any excess grease.
  5. Stir in the tomato paste until it coats the beef mixture.
  6. Pour in the beef broth, then add the brown sugar substitute, Worcestershire sauce, and yellow mustard.
  7. Stir everything together until well combined.
  8. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
  9. Let it simmer for at least 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld together.
  10. Serve the sloppy joe mixture warm, garnished with fresh parsley. It's delicious on buns, over roasted spaghetti squash, or in lettuce wraps.

Nutrition

Calories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 30gFat: 20g

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