Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ medium yellow onion, minced
- ¼ cup finely chopped green bell pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Sauce Ingredients
- ¾ cup tomato sauce
- ¼ cup unsweetened Primal Kitchen ketchup
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- ¾ teaspoon chili powder
- 1-2 teaspoons hot sauce (optional)
For Serving
- 4 gluten free buns or baked sweet potatoes
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and brown the meat, breaking it up with a wooden spatula as it cooks, about 5 minutes. Drain most of the fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.
- Saute the Vegetables: Add the minced onion, chopped bell pepper, salt, and black pepper to the pan. Stir and cook the vegetables until they are soft, about 4-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and saute for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the Sauce: Add the tomato sauce, unsweetened ketchup, water, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, chili powder, and hot sauce (if using) to the pan. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Let it simmer for 10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Serve: Once the sauce has thickened, taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt if needed. Serve the sloppy joe mixture on toasted gluten-free buns or over baked sweet potatoes for a delicious and healthy meal.
Notes
- To make this recipe vegan or vegetarian, substitute ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or cooked lentils.
- Adjust the level of spiciness by varying the amount of hot sauce added.
- Using gluten-free buns ensures the meal is suitable for those with gluten intolerance.
- To reduce sodium, use low-sodium tomato sauce and ketchup.
- For a sweeter flavor, slightly increase the maple syrup, or for tangier taste, add a splash more apple cider vinegar.
- Prep Time: 6 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
