Healthy Sloppy Joes
These healthy sloppy joes are a lighter twist on a classic, with all the cozy, saucy goodness but made with lean ground beef and a tangy, subtly sweet sauce. Perfectly messy, perfectly delicious, and perfect for any weeknight.
The return of sloppy joes!
These healthy sloppy joes take the classic, messy favorite and give it a lighter spin without sacrificing any of that savory comfort.
The filling is made with lean ground beef (or turkey if you prefer), simmered in a lightly sweet, tangy sauce that keeps things saucy but not overly sweet. You’ll get layers of flavor from diced onions, bell pepper, a hint of sweetness, and a touch of tomato sauce that thickens everything up just right.
Served on toasted whole-grain buns, they’re the perfect mix of tender and chewy, holding up to the filling but still soft enough to bite into with ease. Pile on some crunchy pickles, jalapeños or fresh lettuce for extra texture, or add a little shredded cheese on top if you like a creamy contrast.
🩷 xoxo, Ana
Ingredients
- Ground beef: I like to use 96% lean ground beef for a higher protein content and less grease.
- The veggies: you’ll need celery, white or yellow onion, and green bell pepper.
- The sauce is made of: tomato sauce, ketchup, barbecue sauce, white or red wine vinegar, worcestershire sauce, and a little brown sugar.
- salt and pepper to taste
- Buns for serving or a simple salad.
How To Make The Sloppy Joes
Here are step by step photos for reference. For the exact ingredients and recipe, see the recipe card below.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and a little pink, about 5 minutes. Add the salt & pepper.
- Add the chopped onion, celery and green bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften.
- Add the tomato sauce, ketchup, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, worcestershire sauce. Mix everything until combined.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Assemble: Toast the hamburger buns if desired. Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto the buns and serve warm.
Helpful Notes
- Choose the Right Meat: Lean ground works perfect for this recipe as the flavor comes from the yummy sauce. Choose a 94% to 96% lean ground beef for a lighter version. This keeps it flavorful but not too greasy. For extra texture, you can even combine ground turkey and beef!
- Veggie Boost: In addition to the onions and bell peppers, add finely chopped mushrooms, or carrots as they blend seamlessly into the sauce and add a bit of bulk and nutrition.
- Toast the Buns: Toasting your buns keeps them from getting too soggy. Butter the inside lightly and toast until golden—this also adds a bit of flavor and texture.
- Make It Ahead: Sloppy joe filling actually tastes even better the next day! Store it in the fridge and reheat it on the stovetop for quick and easy leftovers. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
- Get Creative with Toppings: Add a crunchy contrast by topping with pickles, coleslaw, or a handful of shredded cheese. You can also try Greek yogurt or avocado if you like it creamy.
Thank you for stopping by!
I hope you like this recipe! Do you have any questions I can help you with? Or if you made it, I would love it if you leave a comment or rating below.
Thank you!!!! xx, Ana
Print Recipe:
Low Fat Sloppy Joes
Ingredients
- 1 pound 96% lean ground beef
- 2 stalks celery - finely chopped
- ½ medium white or yellow onion - finely chopped
- ¼ cup green bell pepper - finely chopped
- 1 8 ounce can tomato sauce
- ¼ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup barbacue sauce
- 1 Tablespoon white or red wine vinegar
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 Tablespoon firmly packed brown sugar
- Kosher or sea salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and a little pink, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary. Add 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt.
- Add Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, celery and green bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften.
- Add the tomato sauce, ketchup, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, worcestershire sauce. Mix everything until combined.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Assemble: Toast the hamburger buns and spread some butter if desired. Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto the buns and serve warm.
