Jump to Recipe Print Recipe“Isn’t it amazing how food can transform our evenings?” I overheard my neighbor chuckling while devouring a plate of sloppy joe bowls on their porch. It got me thinking about how this delicious twist on a classic sandwich has the power to make dinner fun and fulfilling. Let me share my recipe for these High-Protein Sloppy Joe Bowls, where comfort food meets wholesome goodness. With vibrant veggies and a satisfying beef mixture, this recipe is not just gluten-free and dairy-free, but also incredibly meal prep-friendly, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s ready in under an hour, so everyone can sit down to enjoy a hearty meal without the fuss! Curious about how to elevate your dinner game with this delightful bowl? Let’s dive in! Why are Sloppy Joe Bowls a Must-Try? Flavorful Fusion: Combining classic sloppy joes with hearty sweet potatoes creates a dish bursting with flavor and nutrition. Meal Prep Magic: Easy to make ahead, these bowls can fit seamlessly into your busy week, making dinner a breeze. Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: With their rich, savory goodness, they’ll satisfy even the pickiest eaters in your family. Versatile Variations: Swap in your favorite protein or veggies to customize these bowls to your taste. Balanced Nutrition: With high protein and wholesome ingredients, you’ll enjoy a comforting meal without the guilt. Elevate your dinner experience with this nutritious twist that everyone will love! Sloppy Joe Bowls Ingredients For the Sweet Potato Base • Sweet Potatoes – Provides a healthy, naturally sweet, and fibrous base; substituting with mashed sweet potatoes adds creaminess. • Avocado Oil (or Olive Oil) – Adds richness and aids in roasting the sweet potatoes; feel free to use another favorite cooking oil. For the Sloppy Joe Mixture • Ground Beef – Offers a hearty, protein-rich base for the sloppy joe mixture; for a leaner option, switch to ground turkey. • Yellow Onion – Adds aromatic sweetness and depth to the filling; any onion variety can work here. • Bell Pepper – Provides moisture and color; feel free to substitute with any color bell pepper or add shredded zucchini for more nutrition. • Garlic Powder – Enhances the savory flavor of the beef; fresh garlic can be used for a bolder taste. • Tomato Paste – Delivers rich, savory depth to the sauce, crucial for authentic sloppy joe flavor. • Mustard (Yellow or Dijon) – Adds a tangy complexity to the mixture that brightens every bite. • Apple Cider Vinegar – Provides the necessary acidity to balance flavors and elevate the dish. • Coconut Aminos (or Soy Sauce) – Enhances umami richness and finishes the seasoning beautifully. Feel free to get creative as you gather these ingredients for the perfect sloppy joe bowls—your family will thank you! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Sloppy Joe Bowls Step 1: Preheat the Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is ideal for roasting sweet potatoes, ensuring they become crispy on the outside while remaining tender on the inside. As the oven heats up, gather your equipment: a peeler, knife, cutting board, and a baking sheet for the sweet potatoes. Step 2: Prepare Sweet Potatoes Wash and cube the sweet potatoes into even bite-sized pieces to ensure uniform cooking. Toss them in a large bowl with avocado oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until well-coated. Spread the seasoned sweet potato cubes in an even layer on the baking sheet, allowing them room for roasting magic to happen. Step 3: Roast Sweet Potatoes Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and roast the sweet potatoes for 18–25 minutes. After about 10 minutes, give them a gentle stir to promote even browning. You’ll know they’re done when they turn golden brown and are fork-tender—perfect for your sloppy joe bowls. Step 4: Sauté Aromatics While the sweet potatoes are roasting, heat a skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chopped yellow onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re soft and fragrant. This aromatic base will bring rich flavors to your sloppy joe mixture. Step 5: Cook the Beef Add the ground beef to the skillet with the sautéed onion and bell pepper. Break the meat apart with a spoon and cook for 10–12 minutes, or until it’s browned and mostly cooked through. Ensure it’s thoroughly combined with the veggies, creating a hearty filling for your sloppy joe bowls. Step 6: Combine Sloppy Joe Ingredients Stir in about 1/4 cup of water, tomato paste, mustard, apple cider vinegar, and coconut aminos into the beef mixture. Mix well and let it cook for an additional 8–10 minutes, or until everything is heated through and well-combined. You should see a beautiful, thick sauce developing, which is essential for your sloppy joe bowls. Step 7: Assemble Your Bowls Once the sweet potatoes are roasted and the sloppy joe mixture is ready, it’s time to assemble your bowls. Start with a generous layer of roasted sweet potatoes as the base. Top with the savory sloppy joe mixture and feel free to add your favorite toppings like pickled onions or fresh herbs for an extra flavor boost. Step 8: Serve and Delight Serve the sloppy joe bowls warm, allowing everyone to enjoy the delightful contrasts of textures and flavors. Whether enjoyed at the dinner table or on the go, these bowls are the perfect way to bring comfort food to your family in a nutritious way! Storage Tips for Sloppy Joe Bowls Fridge: Store leftover sloppy joe bowls in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Keeping the sweet potatoes and beef mixture separate helps maintain their textures during storage. Freezer: These bowls freeze beautifully! Place portions in airtight freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a delightful meal. Reheating: To reheat, warm the sweet potatoes and sloppy joe mixture separately in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. This keeps your sloppy joe bowls tasting fresh and enjoyable! Make Ahead Options These Sloppy Joe Bowls are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can roast the sweet potatoes and prepare the sloppy joe mixture up to 3 days in advance. Simply follow the initial steps, allowing the roasted sweet potatoes and beef mixture to cool before storing them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. To maintain their quality, keep them separate until you’re ready to reheat. When it’s time to serve, warm the components in the microwave or on the stovetop for a few minutes until heated through. This way, you’ll savor delicious, homemade Sloppy Joe Bowls with minimal effort on busy weeknights! Sloppy Joe Bowls: Fun Variations Get ready to make these sloppy joe bowls truly your own! Feel free to explore these fun adaptations that will tantalize your taste buds. Dairy-Free: Use vegan cheese or avocado slices on top for a creamy finish without the dairy. Vegetarian Twist: Substitute ground beef with lentils for a hearty, plant-based protein option. They absorb flavors beautifully and offer a satisfying bite. Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a delightful heat that elevates each juicy spoonful. Sweet Swap: Try using butternut squash instead of sweet potatoes for a sweeter, slightly nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the savory meat. Extra Veggies: Toss in shredded carrots or spinach into the sloppy joe mixture for added nutrition and color. They integrate nicely and amp up the veggie factor. Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley sprinkled on top right before serving deliver a burst of freshness and enhance the overall flavor. Crunch Factor: Top your bowls with crushed tortilla chips or crispy onion rings for a delightful crunch that contrasts the soft potatoes and savory meat. Meal Prep: Double the recipe and freeze portions. You can conveniently reach for your homemade creation on a busy weeknight, delivering comfort food in minutes. Mix and match these suggestions to delight your family with endless variations on these tasty sloppy joe bowls! For more hearty recipes, check out meal prep-friendly dinners that are just as satisfying as this one! Expert Tips for Sloppy Joe Bowls Uniform Cubes: Ensure your sweet potato cubes are evenly sized for consistent cooking. This prevents some pieces from being undercooked while others are overdone. Adjust Seasonings: Always taste your beef mixture before serving. Adjust the seasoning as needed to achieve the perfect blend of savory and tangy flavors for your sloppy joe bowls. Meal Prep Strategy: Keep the sweet potatoes and sloppy joe mixture separate if you’re meal prepping. This maintains their textures and freshness when reheating. Storage Solutions: Store leftovers in airtight containers, as they can last in the fridge for up to 4 days. Alternatively, freeze portions for up to 3 months for a quick future meal. Add Nutrients: Get creative! Toss in extra veggies, like spinach or zucchini, into the beef mixture for added nutrition without sacrificing flavor in your sloppy joe bowls. What to Serve with Sloppy Joe Bowls Elevate your cozy family dinner by pairing these satisfying bowls with delightful complements that offer varied textures and flavors. Crunchy Pickled Onions: Their tangy crunch adds a refreshing contrast to the savory bowls, balancing the richness perfectly. Sautéed Broccolini: This vibrant green offers a tender-crisp texture while adding a nutritious element to your meal. Creamy Avocado: Slices of creamy avocado bring a lusciousness to every bite, enhancing the overall flavor experience wonderfully. Jalapeños for Heat: A few spicy jalapeños can ignite the dish with warmth and excitement, for those who enjoy a kick. Roasted Green Beans: Their satisfying snap and earthy flavor complement the sweet potato base beautifully for a full meal. Broccoli Slaw: Offering a crunchy texture and enticing flavor, this slaw can brighten your plate and add freshness. Savory Cornbread: A slice of warm cornbread alongside the bowls creates a comforting Southern pairing that everyone will love. Chilled Sparkling Water: Refreshing and light, sparkling water with a hint of lemon can cleanse the palate between bites, making the meal more enjoyable. Decadent Chocolate Brownies: End your cozy dinner on a sweet note by serving fudgy brownies for a satisfying dessert contrast! Sloppy Joe Bowls Recipe FAQs How do I choose ripe sweet potatoes? Absolutely! When selecting sweet potatoes, look for those that are firm to the touch, with smooth, unblemished skin. Avoid ones with dark spots or wrinkles, which could indicate they’re past their prime. For the sweetest flavor, try to find medium to large-sized sweet potatoes, as they tend to be more tender inside. What’s the best way to store leftover Sloppy Joe Bowls? Very good question! You can store the leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Make sure to keep the sweet potatoes and sloppy joe mixture separate to maintain their textures. When reheating, simply warm each component until heated through. Can I freeze Sloppy Joe Bowls for later? Yes, you certainly can! To freeze, allow the components to cool completely before dividing them into airtight freezer bags or containers. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply move them to the fridge overnight, and then reheat in the microwave or stovetop until warm and welcoming. What if my sweet potatoes are mushy after roasting? Oh no! If your sweet potatoes turn out mushy, it could be from cutting them into uneven sizes or overcrowding the baking sheet. I recommend keeping your cubes uniform and ensuring they’re not crammed together on the pan. If they’re already mushy, you could mash them into a creamy base instead! Are these Sloppy Joe Bowls suitable for my gluten-free diet? Absolutely! This recipe is naturally gluten-free, as it relies on wholesome ingredients like sweet potatoes, ground beef, and fresh veggies. Just double-check that the sauces (like coconut aminos or mustard) you use are also gluten-free. If you’re prepping for allergies, feel free to swap out ingredients as necessary to suit your dietary needs. How can I customize the flavor of my Sloppy Joe mixture? Great question! To add to the flavor profile, try including spices like chili powder or cumin for heat, or even a dash of smoked paprika for a depth of smokiness. You can also incorporate additional veggies like spinach or shredded zucchini into the beef mixture for a nutritious twist. The more the merrier when it comes to flavor! Savory Sloppy Joe Bowls for a Cozy Family Dinner No ratings yet Enjoy these High-Protein Sloppy Joe Bowls that combine comfort food and wholesome goodness for a delightful dinner experience. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 20 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 50 minutes mins Servings: 4 bowlsCourse: DinnerCuisine: AmericanCalories: 500 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Sweet Potato Base4 medium Sweet Potatoes Cubed2 tablespoons Avocado Oil or Olive OilFor the Sloppy Joe Mixture1 pound Ground Beef or ground turkey for leaner option1 medium Yellow Onion Chopped1 medium Bell Pepper Chopped, any color1 teaspoon Garlic Powder1/4 cup Tomato Paste1 tablespoon Mustard Yellow or Dijon1 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar2 tablespoons Coconut Aminos or Soy Sauce Equipment OvenSkilletBaking SheetLarge Bowlknifecutting boardpeeler Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Sloppy Joe BowlsPreheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).Wash and cube the sweet potatoes into even bite-sized pieces. Toss with avocado oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.Spread sweet potato cubes on a baking sheet and roast for 18-25 minutes, stirring after 10 minutes.Heat a skillet over medium heat, add oil, and sauté chopped onion and bell pepper for about 5 minutes until soft.Add ground beef to the skillet and cook for 10-12 minutes until browned and mostly cooked through.Stir in water, tomato paste, mustard, apple cider vinegar, and coconut aminos. Cook for another 8-10 minutes.Assemble your bowls with roasted sweet potatoes as the base and top with the sloppy joe mixture.Serve warm and enjoy the delightful contrasts of textures and flavors. Nutrition Serving: 1bowlCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 8gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 12000IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 3mg NotesKeep sweet potatoes and beef mixture separate for meal prep. Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
