Hello World KitchenBeta

Hidden-Veggie Sloppy Joes

A healthier, family-friendly twist on a classic comfort food. These saucy, flavorful Sloppy Joes secretly pack in grated carrots and zucchini, and feature a tangy, refined-sugar-free tomato sauce.

Prep 15 min Cook 20 min Total 35 min Level Easy

Serves 4

Ingredients

Meat & Veggies

1 pound Lean ground beef — 90% lean recommended
0.5 cup Yellow onion — finely chopped
2 cloves Garlic — minced
1 cup Carrot — peeled and finely grated
1 cup Zucchini — finely grated and squeezed dry in a towel
1 tablespoon Olive oil — for sautéing

Refined-Sugar-Free Sauce

1 cup Tomato sauce — unsweetened
2 tablespoons Tomato paste
1 tablespoon Apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons Coconut aminos — adds savory flavor and natural sweetness
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Chili powder
0.5 teaspoon Smoked paprika
0.5 teaspoon Salt — to taste
0.25 teaspoon Black pepper — to taste

For Serving

4 whole Hamburger buns — toasted; use gluten-free if needed

Instructions

Place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and wring out as much excess liquid as possible. Set aside.
~5 min
Removing the water from the zucchini prevents the sloppy joe mixture from becoming watery.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.
~3 min
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease if necessary.
~5 min
Using a potato masher can help break the beef down into very fine crumbles.
Stir in the minced garlic, squeezed zucchini, and grated carrots. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables soften.
~3 min
Grate the vegetables on the finest holes of your box grater so they melt seamlessly into the sauce.
Add the tomato sauce, tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, coconut aminos, Dijon mustard, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
~2 min
Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together.
~10 min
If the sauce gets too thick, add a tablespoon of water or low-sodium broth.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Spoon the hot mixture generously over toasted hamburger buns and serve immediately.
~2 min
Serve with a side of sweet potato fries or a crisp green salad.

Nutrition

380

Calories

Protein (g)

Carbs (g)

Fat (g)

Sat. Fat (g)

Fiber (g)

Sugar (g)

680

Sodium (mg)

Cholesterol (mg)

Equipment

Large skillet
Box grater
Clean kitchen towel
Measuring cups and spoons
Wooden spoon

Tips & Storage

To make this recipe entirely Whole30 or Paleo, serve the sloppy joe mixture in roasted sweet potato halves or over a bed of spaghetti squash instead of buns.
For an extra hidden veggie boost, finely minced bell peppers or mushrooms also work beautifully in this recipe.
If you prefer a slightly sweeter sauce without refined sugar, stir in 1 tablespoon of date paste or pure maple syrup during step 5.
Storage: Store leftover sloppy joe filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.