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veggie-packed sloppy joes
Print Recipe

Veggie-Packed Sloppy Joes

Servings: 0

Ingredients

  • 1 - 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
  • 1 cup yellow onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 1 green bell pepper diced
  • 1 carrot grated
  • 1 zucchini chopped
  • 1 cup mushrooms (optional) finely chopped
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes 15 oz. can
  • 1/4 cup tomato paste
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar adjust to taste
  • 4 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp chili powder (less if you are sensitive to spice)
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • salt and pepper to taste

For Assembling:

  • hamburger buns or whole wheat rolls
  • sliced cheese (optional)
  • pickles, lettuce, or other desired toppings

Instructions

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