I used to enjoy Sloppy Joes as a kid but for some unknown reason stopped eating them for years. It wasn’t until I moved in with Michelle in Baton Rouge (who LOVES Sloppy Joes) that they even popped up on my radar again. and again. and again. Now they are a ‘go-to’ on our weekly menu! Of course, I searched for the BEST recipe out there and then made it even healthier. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!
Modified by Mariah Rutter
Recipe type: Main Dish, Entree, Beef
Prep time: 10 mins
Cook time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 10 mins
Serves: 4-6 servings
Ingredients
2 Tablespoons Grass-fed Butter (KerryGold or another similar brand)
½ Cup Onion, diced fine
1 Red Bell Pepper (I actually use more to add veggies in. I will also be adding cauliflower next time for more sneaky veggies!)
1½ Teaspoons Garlic, minced
1 Pound Ground Beef (we use 93% lean) or 1 Pound Ground Turkey
1½ Tablespoons Coconut Sugar
2 Tablespoons Dijon Mustard
2 Tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
¾ Teaspoon Liquid Smoke (Wright’s Liquid Smoke is a good option. Check the labels!)
1 Tablespoon Chili Powder
1 Teaspoon Smoked Paprika
1 Cup Ketchup (My suggestion would be Annie’s or another healthier option)
¼ Cup Apple Cider Vinegar
Salt and Pepper to taste
Buns for serving (We don’t always do the buns, but when we do I use GF ones)
Instructions
Heat a dutch oven or skillet over medium heat and add the butter. Once melted, quickly add the onion and stir occasionally until translucent. Add the peppers and garlic and stir occasionally for 1 minute then add the ground beef/turkey and break it up with a wooden spoon, stirring it all together. Allow to cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the coconut sugar, mustard, Worcestershire, liquid smoke, chili powder, and paprika. Stir for 30 seconds and then add the ketchup and vinegar. Allow to cook for 5 minutes, season to taste and serve or cook up to 1 hour on low and then serve. The longer it cooks the better the flavor.
Scoop onto buns that have been brushed with butter.
Notes
This can be made in the slow cooker, but you may want to double it if your slow cooker is a regular sized dish. Make sure you stir every now and again and only cook on low up to 3-4 hours as you don’t want it to scorch.
ENJOY! If you try this I would love to know what you think in the comments. 🙂
The Rutter Life 