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–+ servings

Healthy Sloppy Joes Recipe

These healthier sloppy joes are packed with flavor but skip the excess sugar and preservatives. Made with lean ground turkey or chicken, fresh bell peppers, and a perfectly seasoned homemade sauce, they're ready in just 30 minutes!
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 245
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground pork, turkey, or chicken
  • 1 bell pepper diced
  • 1 onion diced
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1 Tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 8 oz tomato sauce
  • 1 Tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 Tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • salt and pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and translucent.
  2. Cook the Meat: Add the ground pork, turkey, or chicken to the skillet. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook for 5-7 minutes until the meat is browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat if needed.
  3. Add the Sauce: Stir in the ketchup, mustard, tomato sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
  4. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will thicken slightly and the flavors will meld together beautifully.
  5. Serve: Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto toasted whole wheat buns or serve it over rice, baked potatoes, or alongside a fresh salad. Enjoy immediately!

Nutrition

Calories: 245kcal

Notes

Ashley's Pro-Tips:

Lean Meat Options: Ground turkey or chicken keeps these sloppy joes lighter and healthier. If using ground pork, choose a lean variety (93/7 or leaner) to reduce fat content.
Reduce Sugar: If you want an even healthier version, reduce the brown sugar to 1 teaspoon or skip it entirely. The ketchup already adds sweetness!
Add More Veggies: Sneak in extra nutrition by adding diced celery, grated carrots, or even finely chopped mushrooms along with the bell pepper and onion.
Make It Spicy: Love heat? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a diced jalapeño pepper when you sauté the vegetables.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. This also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months!
Serving Ideas: Serve on whole wheat buns, over baked sweet potatoes, on top of rice, or even in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.

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