Include in Print View:

Sloppy Joe Bowls

Sloppy Joe Bowls

My husband’s heart belongs to sloppy Joes—pure, hearty man food that never fails to satisfy. I, on the other hand, am obsessed with one-bowl meals for their versatility and balance. These Sloppy Joe Bowls are the ultimate compromise: I get my nutrient-packed, customizable bowl, my husband can load his filling and toppings onto a bun, and our toddler happily digs in (minus the spicy jalapeños, onions, and pickles). It’s a family-friendly win that brings everyone to the table with smiles!

sloppy joe bowls

What makes this dish so lovable? Beyond its crowd-pleasing flavors, it’s versatile, quick to whip up, and packed with nutrition. The sweet potatoes provide a fiber-rich, vitamin-A-packed base, while the lean ground beef (or turkey/chicken) delivers protein to keep you full and energized. Bell peppers add a dose of vitamin C, and the customizable toppings let you sneak in extra veggies or healthy fats. Whether you’re craving comfort food or a wholesome meal, this recipe delivers both flavor and feel-good nutrition.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Nutritious and Balanced: Sweet potatoes are loaded with fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants, supporting digestion and immunity. Lean ground beef (or poultry) provides high-quality protein for muscle health, while bell peppers add a vitamin C boost. Optional toppings like pickles, greens or coleslaw increase the veggie content, making this a well-rounded meal.
  • Family-Friendly: Everyone can customize their bowl or bun, from picky toddlers to spice-loving adults. It’s a meal that adapts to all tastes!
  • Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Versatile: Choose your base (sweet potatoes, rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice) and toppings to suit your dietary needs or preferences.
  • Comfort Food with a Healthy Twist: You get all the nostalgic, tangy flavor of sloppy Joes without the guilt, thanks to wholesome ingredients like unsweetened ketchup and minimal added sugars.
Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 20 mins
Total Time 30 mins
Cuisine:
Courses: ,
Difficulty: Beginner
Description

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.

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
  1. 1

    Make the Sweet Potatoes:

    1. Preheat your oven and a large, rimmed baking sheet to 400℉ (200℃).
    2. 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.
    3. Carefully remove the hot baking sheet from the oven, spray with nonstick spray, and spread the sweet potatoes in an even layer.
    4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through, until fork-tender and caramelized in spots.

    Make the Sloppy Joe Sauce:

    1. While the sweet potatoes roast, heat 1-2 teaspoons avocado oil in a large pan or shallow pot over medium heat.
    2. Add the ground beef (or turkey/chicken) and break it up with a wooden spatula. Cook until no longer pink, about 10 minutes.
    3. 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.
    4. Stir to combine and simmer until heated through and slightly thickened.
    5. Prep your desired toppings while the sauce simmers.

    Assemble the Bowls:

    1. Divide your choice of base (roasted sweet potatoes, rice, quinoa, cauliflower rice, or greens) among bowls.
    2. Spoon the sloppy Joe mixture over the base.
    3. 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!
Note

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. 

Read it online: https://www.tastfinity.com/recipe/sloppy-joe-bowls/
Samantha Doe
Food and Lifestyle Blogger

Hello beautiful people! I’m Lauren, a foodie, a traveller and a writer. I love writing and exploring the world. The thing I am most passionate about in life is helping others to live healthier and happier lives.