Healthier Sloppy Joes [Whole 30 & Kid Approved]

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These Sloppy Joes are a staple in our house! They are savory, tangy, smoky, & delicious. Kids & adults all love this recipe because it’s yummy, healthy & comforting all in one.

What makes them “healthier”?

If you’ve checked the blog out before, chances are good that you have seen me mention the Mediterranean Diet or “eating the mediterranean way” & you might be wondering how that fits in day to day life. This is a great example!

The recipe has healthier choices than a typical sloppy joe recipe without giving up the robust flavor. Including …

  • Ground turkey instead of beef for a leaner protein.
  • Adding 2 bell peppers for more non-starchy veggies.
  • Homemade ketchup with zero added sugar.

Foodie Healthy Eating Tip! Did you know ketchup typically has a LOT of added sugar? It’s a super sneaky one that’s surprising. Cut out the sugar in this recipe by making my homemade ketchup – it only takes 5 minutes!

Looking for an even healthier option with more complex carbs? Skip the wheat buns & go for sweet potato slider “buns” instead. Sweet potatoes have a lower glycemic index & keep your blood sugar more stable. (A Whole Wheat Bun would also be a healthier option than the white bread.)

Simply cut the sweet potato into 1/4″ thick coins, lightly coat with olive or coconut oil & season with salt & sesame seeds. Roast the potatoes at 425 for about 15 minutes, until the potatoes are tender but still hold together well.

Check out this Instagram Post to see a picture of the Sweet Potato Sliders!

Did you try these Sloppy Joes? Please tell me all about it! I really appreciate all of your feedback & I love seeing your creations! Please leave a review & comment below. And don’t forget to take a quick pic of your creation, and tag This & That on Instagram or Facebook.

Healthier Sloppy Joes

Stephanie Ralya
Kid approved & Whole 30 friendly recipe that's easy, comforting, healthy, & delicious.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 -6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1-2 t Olive Oil
  • 3 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 lb Ground Turkey
  • 2 Bell Peppers I prefer red and orange
  • 1 Onion white or yellow
  • 1.5 c Ketchup homemade recipe in comments, if buying- choose something thick & low sugar
  • ¼ cup Dijon
  • 1/2 tsp Liquid Smoke
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Instructions
 

  • Heat cooking fat in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the turkey to the pan, and begin to brown while breaking the meat up.
  • When the meat is half way done, add the peppers and onion. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • When the meat is cooked through, add the ketchup, Dijon, & liquid smoke. Cook on high heat for 5 minutes, then lower the heat & simmer.
  • Taste. Adjust for flavor & texture as desired (you may want to add more ketchup/Dijon). Let simmer until the sauce thickens, 5-8 minutes.

Notes

  • Use a veggie chopper to save time.
  • If you need to save time or don’t want to turn the oven on, skip the buns and make the sweet potatoes in the Instant Pot instead.
  • Homemade Ketchup (this will make more than you need; save & use the rest later or cut recipe in half)
    • 2 (6-oz.) cans tomato paste
    • 1 (8-oz.) Can tomato sauce
    • 1/2 c. water
    • 1 ½ tsp. Honey (eliminate for Whole30)
    • 4 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
    • 2 tbsp. coconut aminos
    • 1 ½ tsp. Iodized salt
    • 1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
    • 1 tsp. garlic powder
    • 1/2 tsp. mustard powder
    • Heavy dash of cayenne pepper
    • Mix all ingredients in a medium bowl until well combined.  Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 weeks.
Keyword 30 minutes, easy, healthy, kid-friendly, meal-prep, smoky, sugar free, whole 30, whole30

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