Are you craving a classic comfort food but sticking to your keto diet? Look no further! This Keto Sloppy Joe recipe delivers all the delicious, tangy goodness of a traditional sloppy joe, without the carb overload. It's a fantastically easy recipe, perfect for busy weeknights and satisfying even the most discerning palates. Get ready for a healthy and delicious meal that's both quick to make and surprisingly satisfying!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 green bell peppers, chopped
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 6 low-carb buns or lettuce wraps (for serving)
Instructions:
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell peppers and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
Step 3: Simmer the Sloppy Joe Mixture
Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, yellow mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the keto sloppy joe mixture on low-carb buns, or for a lower-carb option, use large lettuce leaves as wraps. Garnish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives, if desired.
Cooking Tips for the Best Keto Sloppy Joes:
- For a richer flavor: Use a combination of ground beef and ground pork.
- Spice it up: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your liking. A dash of your favorite hot sauce also works wonders!
- Make it ahead: This recipe is great for meal prepping. Prepare the sloppy joe mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.
- Thicken the sauce: If the sauce is too thin after simmering, you can thicken it by mixing 1 tablespoon of xanthan gum with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stirring it into the sauce.
Variations:
- Add mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions and peppers for added flavor and texture.
- Cheese please!: Stir in a handful of shredded cheddar cheese during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Bacon lovers rejoice!: Crumble some cooked bacon on top before serving for extra deliciousness.
Nutritional Information (per serving, without bun):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: 25-30g
- Protein: 30-35g
- Net Carbs: 5-7g
This keto sloppy joe recipe is a fantastic example of how easy it is to enjoy delicious and satisfying meals while following a ketogenic diet. It's a perfect recipe for a quick and easy dinner, and it’s sure to become a family favorite! Enjoy!