If you’re all about comforting flavors and want to keep things Paleo-friendly, paleo sloppy joe bowls may become your new go-to. They’re hearty, a little saucy, and super easy to whip up. Plus, there’s something about turning a classic sandwich into bowl form that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Think of it as the sloppy joe you enjoyed growing up, except it’s made with clean, whole-food ingredients.
This dish usually starts with ground meat—beef, turkey, or chicken work great—and a handful of vegetables. Each spoonful is a satisfying combo of protein, herbs, and spices. Your kitchen will smell amazing, and you’ll be ready to dive in before you know it!
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to create two to three servings. Feel free to double up on the recipe if you want extra leftovers:
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey (preferably grass-fed or free-range)
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil
- 1 cup chopped onion (white or yellow)
- 1 cup diced bell pepper (any color)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce (no added sugar)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon coconut aminos (a Paleo-friendly soy sauce substitute)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon sea salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional toppings: sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, or diced avocado
Directions
- Warm your cooking oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, then sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes until they soften slightly.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, watching carefully so it doesn’t burn.
- Add your ground beef or turkey to the skillet. Break it up into small pieces as it cooks. Continue until the meat has browned, which usually takes around 5 minutes.
- Lower the heat to medium. Mix in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, coconut aminos, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Combine thoroughly so the seasoning covers everything.
- Let the mixture simmer for 5 to 7 minutes to reduce the sauce and deepen the flavor.
- Taste test. Adjust seasonings or add a splash more tomato sauce if you want it saucier.
- Spoon your Paleo sloppy joe mixture into bowls. Top them with sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, or diced avocado if you like.
Tip: If you’d prefer a base, you can serve the mixture over cauliflower rice, sweet potato mash, or zucchini noodles. These all work well with the flavors in the sauce.
Nutrition Facts
These bowls are high in protein and healthy fats, while still being relatively light in carbs. On average, one serving (without added toppings) could have around:
- 350 to 400 calories
- 20 to 25 grams of protein
- 10 to 15 grams of carbohydrates
- 15 to 20 grams of fat
Exact nutrition can vary depending on your specific brands and serving sizes. If you add more toppings or skip steps, you’ll want to calculate your total accordingly.
Final Thoughts
Paleo sloppy joe bowls deliver comfort-food vibes without the processed ingredients. They’re simple to toss together on busy weeknights and also make excellent leftovers for lunch the next day. Feel free to switch up the veggies or proteins to suit your tastes. The main event is that tangy, rich sauce you’ll want to savor with each bite.
Try experimenting with different toppings, too. Avocado adds creaminess, while chopped cilantro heightens the fresh factor. Most of all, have fun customizing this recipe to make it fully yours. It’s all about enjoying a flavorful meal that aligns with your Paleo goals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely. Ground chicken or pork also work nicely, though you might want to adjust your cooking time slightly depending on the fat content. -
What if I can’t find coconut aminos?
You can use a Paleo-approved balsamic vinegar or skip it entirely. Coconut aminos add a subtle sweetness and saltiness, but the recipe will still taste great without it. -
How do I store leftovers?
Store the sloppy joe mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave, and consider making a fresh veggie base to keep things crisp.
Paleo Diet Recipes for Paleo Sloppy Joe Bowls
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef or turkey (preferably grass-fed or free-range)
1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil
1 cup chopped onion (white or yellow)
1 cup diced bell pepper (any color)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup tomato sauce (no added sugar)
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 tablespoon coconut aminos (a Paleo-friendly soy sauce substitute)
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon sea salt (adjust to taste)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional toppings: sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, or diced avocado
Directions
- Warm your cooking oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, then sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes until they soften slightly.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, watching carefully so it doesn’t burn.
- Add your ground beef or turkey to the skillet. Break it up into small pieces as it cooks. Continue until the meat has browned, which usually takes around 5 minutes.
- Lower the heat to medium. Mix in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, coconut aminos, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Combine thoroughly so the seasoning covers everything.
- Let the mixture simmer for 5 to 7 minutes to reduce the sauce and deepen the flavor.
- Taste test. Adjust seasonings or add a splash more tomato sauce if you want it saucier.
- Spoon your Paleo sloppy joe mixture into bowls. Top them with sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, or diced avocado if you like.