Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving a comforting classic, but need a gluten-free option? Then look no further! This gluten-free sloppy joe recipe delivers all the juicy, tangy goodness of the traditional dish, without any of the gluten. It’s a fantastically easy recipe perfect for busy weeknights, and it’s guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family – even the picky eaters! Get ready for a delicious and healthy meal that's surprisingly simple to make.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey, for a leaner option)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup gluten-free ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (ensure it's gluten-free!)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Gluten-free hamburger buns or slider rolls
Instructions:
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Brown the meat: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
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Sauté the vegetables: Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Simmer the sloppy joe mixture: Pour in the tomato sauce, gluten-free ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, onion powder, and black pepper. Season with salt to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor becomes!
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Serve: Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto your favorite gluten-free hamburger buns or slider rolls.
Tips for the Best Gluten-Free Sloppy Joes:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a little kick.
- Sweet and savory balance: Adjust the amount of brown sugar to your liking. Some prefer a sweeter sloppy joe, while others prefer a more savory flavor.
- Make it your own: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as mushrooms, carrots, or zucchini.
- Slow cooker option: For an even easier meal, transfer the sloppy joe mixture to a slow cooker after browning the meat and vegetables. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Variations:
- Turkey Sloppy Joes: Substitute ground turkey for ground beef for a leaner and healthier option.
- Vegetarian Sloppy Joes: Replace the ground meat with 1 cup of cooked lentils or crumbled vegetarian ground beef substitute.
- Spicy Sloppy Joes: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for extra heat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. It is based on a serving size using a standard gluten-free bun and 1/4 of the recipe.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-35g
This gluten-free sloppy joe recipe is a delicious and easy way to enjoy a classic comfort food. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a family gathering, or even a casual lunch. The simple ingredients and straightforward instructions make it accessible to cooks of all levels, making it a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals. Enjoy!