Veggie-Packed Sloppy Joes

Sloppy Joes loaded with colorful veggies: bell peppers, onions, carrots, and zucchini. A healthy, flavorful twist on a classic favorite!

Veggie-packed Sloppy Joes are a delicious twist on the classic comfort food, providing a wholesome and satisfying meal. These Sloppy Joes are made by combining a hearty plant-based protein source like lentils or crumbled tofu with a medley of colorful vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, carrots, and zucchini. The vegetables not only add a wonderful array of flavors but also contribute vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making this dish nutritious.

A savory and slightly sweet tomato-based sauce, seasoned with spices like chili powder and paprika, coats a veggie mixture, infusing it with a smoky and robust flavor. These veggie-packed Sloppy Joes are a perfect way to sneak in extra nutrition for kids and adults alike while still enjoying the messy, saucy goodness of the classic. Seriously, I created this recipe to sneak in some extra veggies with my kids, and they have never noticed!! Serve them on whole-grain buns, topped with cheese, pickles, or any of your favorite toppings for a wholesome and satisfying meal that combines the best of both worlds—taste and nutrition. Make The Best Coleslaw and Parmesan Oven Fries as sides you will have the perfect meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need to Make Veggie-Packed Sloppy Joes:

Veggie-Packed Sloppy Joes

• Ground beef
• Yellow onion
• Garlic
• Red bell pepper
• Green bell pepper
• Carrot
• Zucchini
• Mushrooms (optional)
• Crushed tomatoes
• Tomato paste
• Brown sugar
• Worcestershire sauce
• Chili powder
• Smoked paprika (optional)
• Salt and pepper

For Assembling:

• Hamburger buns or whole wheat rolls
• Sliced cheese (optional)
• Pickles, lettuce, or other desired toppings

Helpful Kitchen Tools

• Veggie Chopper
• Meat Chopper
• Large Skillet

How to Make Veggie-Packed Sloppy Joes

Prepare the Vegetables: Start by grating the carrot and zucchini. Dice the onions and bell peppers.

**I find it’s easiest to buy the pre shredded carrots at the store.

**Use your vegetable chopper for all your veggies. Here’s a link to an amazing vegetable chopper if you still need one! 

Cook the Meat: Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat, cook the ground beef (or meat alternative) until it’s browned and crumbled.

**Use this ground beef chopper. Trust me on this one…you’ll thank me later!!

Add the Aromatics: Add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked meat. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions become translucent.

Incorporate the Vegetables: Stir in the diced bell peppers, grated carrot, chopped zucchini, (optional mushrooms) and cook for another 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften and release their moisture.

Season and Sauce: Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper to the skillet. Mix everything well to combine. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens.

Taste and Adjust: Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, you can add more brown sugar, or if you like it spicier, increase the chili powder.

Serve: To serve, scoop a generous portion of the vegetable-packed Sloppy Joe mixture onto the bottom half of a hamburger bun or whole wheat roll. Top with sliced cheese, if desired, and any other preferred toppings like pickles, lettuce, or additional vegetables.

Enjoy: Place the other half of the bun on top, and your Vegetable-Packed Sloppy Joe is ready to be enjoyed. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious, veggie-filled meal!

Storage

• Store leftover meat in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in a pot over the stove for even heating and best results 
• You can also freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

Recipe Notes

• If you want to forego the bun you can also place the meat and toppings in a steamed sweet potato or roasted sweet potato chunks. 
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• Choose your own adventure with the toppings! Try some of these:
  • Cheese: Melted cheese is a fantastic addition. Cheddar, American, Swiss, or pepper jack are all good choices.
  • Pickles: Sliced dill pickles add a tangy, crunchy contrast to the meaty filling.
  • Onions: Raw or caramelized onions can provide a sweet or sharp bite, depending on your preference.
  • Lettuce: A few leaves of fresh, crispy lettuce can add a refreshing crunch.
  • Tomatoes: Sliced tomatoes can add juiciness and a bit of acidity.
  • Bacon: Crispy bacon bits or strips can add a smoky, savory element.
  • Jalapeños: If you like some heat, sliced or pickled jalapeños can spice things up.
  • Coleslaw: A true Southern favorite, creamy coleslaw can be placed on top of the meat or served on the side for a cool, creamy contrast to the spicy meat (if you like it spicy and opt for more chili powder!).
  • Avocado or Guacamole: Slices of ripe avocado or a dollop of guacamole can add creaminess and a hint of richness.
  • Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream can mellow out the heat and add a cool, tangy element.
  • Mustard or Ketchup: Classic condiments for added flavor, though many Sloppy Joe recipes already include ketchup.
  • Roasted Red Peppers: Sliced or diced roasted red peppers can add a slightly sweet and smoky flavor.
  • Fried Egg: For a twist, top your Sloppy Joe with a fried egg for an extra layer of richness and flavor.
  • Crushed Potato Chips: Some people like to add crushed potato chips for extra crunch.
  • Crispy Onion Strings: Thin, crispy fried onion strings can add a delightful textural contrast.
• Feel free to mix and match these toppings to create the perfect Sloppy Joe for your taste.
• You can serve Sloppy Joes with a side of french fries, coleslaw, or a salad for a complete meal.

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