Sloppy Joe Bowls
Stuck in a dinner slump? Sloppy Joe Bowls are your answer! High-protein, balanced, and loaded with zesty, sweet-tangy flavor. Ready in 30 minutes, perfect for meal prep, and customizable for everyone—mild for kids, spicy with jalapeños for adults.
Equipment
- 1 Baking sheet
- 1 Oven or air fryer for the sweet potatoes
- 1 large skillet or pot for the stove
Ingredients
For the Sweet Potatoes:
- 3 sweet potatoes diced into 1-inch cubes
- 2 Tbsp avocado oil
- 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika or regular paprika
- salt and pepper to taste
For the Sloppy Joe Sauce:
- 1-2 tsp avocado oil or other neutral oil
- 2 Lbs lean ground beef or ground turkey/chicken; I used 1 lb 96% lean and 1 lb 93% lean
- 2 bell peppers diced (substitute with carrots or mushrooms if preferred)
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 cup ketchup I used Primal Kitchen unsweetened
- 3/4 cup water
- 2 Tbsp coconut sugar maple syrup or your favorite sweetener
- 2 tsp prepared yellow mustard or Dijon for a twist
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar reduce to 2 teaspoons for less tang
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp sea salt or kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Optional Toppings*
- Sliced dill or bread and butter pickles
- sliced or Pickled red onions I made my own quick pickled onions
- Candied or raw jalapeños
- Chopped chives or sliced green onions
- Coleslaw
- drizzle of hot honey
Other Options For Serving:
- Baked or roasted sweet potatoes, White or brown rice, quinoa, cauliflower rice, roasted broccoli, mixed greens see post below for LOTS of serving ideas!
Instructions
Make the Sweet Potatoes:
- Preheat your oven and a large, rimmed baking sheet to 400℉ (200℃).
- In a large bowl, toss diced sweet potatoes (skin on or peeled, your choice) with 2 tablespoons avocado oil, a sprinkle of garlic powder, sea salt, and paprika. Toss to coat evenly.
- Carefully remove the hot baking sheet from the oven, spray with nonstick spray, and spread the sweet potatoes in an even layer.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through, until fork-tender and caramelized in spots.
Make the Sloppy Joe Sauce:
- While the sweet potatoes roast, heat 1-2 teaspoons avocado oil in a large pan or shallow pot over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef (or turkey/chicken) and break it up with a wooden spatula. Cook until no longer pink, about 10 minutes.
- Drain excess fat, then stir in diced bell peppers, minced garlic, ketchup, water, apple cider vinegar, sweetener, mustard, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir to combine and simmer until heated through and slightly thickened.
- Prep your desired toppings while the sauce simmers.
Assemble the Bowls:
- Divide your choice of base (roasted sweet potatoes, rice, quinoa, cauliflower rice, or greens) among bowls.
- Spoon the sloppy Joe mixture over the base.
- Add toppings like pickles, pickled red onions, jalapeños, chives, or coleslaw to taste. (Skip spicy or tangy toppings for kids if needed!) Drizzle with hot honey if using and Enjoy!
Notes
Nutritional Highlights (Approximate per serving, based on 6 servings with sweet potatoes and beef):
Calories: 400-450 kcal (varies with base and toppings)
Protein:30g (from lean beef or poultry)
Fiber: 6-8g (from sweet potatoes and optional veggies)
Vitamin A: High (from sweet potatoes, supports vision and immunity)
Vitamin C: High (from bell peppers, supports immune health)
Healthy Fats: Moderate (from avocado oil, supports heart health)
*Note: Exact values depend on portion size, base, and toppings. For precise nutrition, use a calculator like MyFitnessPal.*
Recipe Notes:
Make it a Sandwich: For my husband, I set aside some leftover sloppy Joe filling and toppings for him to pile onto a bun—classic style for a couple lunches
Kid-Friendly: Our toddler loves this with just the sweet potatoes and beef mixture, keeping it simple and mild.
Low Carb? Swap in low-carb bases like cauliflower rice or greens for a lighter option, or go indulgent with a bun for that classic sloppy Joe vibe.
Like it Sweet or Tangy? I used Primal Kitchen Unsweetened Ketchup so I could add my favorite sweeteners for that sweet sauce that sloppy joes are known for. I opted for a couple tablespoons of coconut sugar and a drizzle of hot honey for serving. If you like less tang, use less vinegar (you can always add more!) and bump up the sweetness. If using traditionally sweetened ketchup, you may not need extra.