Craving a mouthwatering meal that's both healthy and incredibly satisfying? Get ready to revolutionize your dinner routine with these Paleo Veggie Beef Sloppy Joes that will make your taste buds dance and your body thank you! Forget everything you know about traditional sloppy joes - this recipe is a game-changer that transforms the classic comfort food into a nutritious, low-carb masterpiece that's perfect for anyone following a paleo lifestyle or simply looking to eat cleaner without sacrificing flavor.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Paleo
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lettuce leaves for serving
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by dicing bell peppers and onions uniformly, and mincing garlic cloves finely to ensure even cooking and distribution of flavors.
- Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break it down into small crumbles using a wooden spatula or meat chopper.
- Cook the ground beef for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it's completely browned and no pink remains. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add diced onions and bell peppers to the skillet. Sauté with the beef for 3-4 minutes until vegetables start to soften and become translucent.
- Introduce minced garlic to the mixture and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
- Pour in tomato sauce, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Sprinkle paprika, salt, and pepper over the mixture. Stir well to distribute seasonings evenly.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer the mixture for 15-20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to thicken slightly.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or paprika to suit your preference.
- Serve the hot sloppy joe mixture in crisp lettuce leaves, creating a low-carb, paleo-friendly wrap.
Tips
- For the most flavorful results, use high-quality grass-fed ground beef if possible. The meat's quality dramatically impacts the overall taste of your sloppy joes.
- Make sure to drain excess fat after browning the beef to keep the dish from becoming too greasy. A quick pat with paper towels can help remove additional fat.
- Dice your vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish. Aim for small, similar-sized pieces.
- Don't rush the simmering process - those 15-20 minutes of low-heat cooking allow the flavors to meld and develop a rich, deep taste.
- For extra crunch and freshness, consider using crisp romaine or butter lettuce leaves as your wrap. They provide the perfect low-carb alternative to traditional buns.
- If you prefer a spicier version, add a dash of cayenne pepper or some red pepper flakes to kick up the heat.
- This recipe is incredibly meal-prep friendly. You can make a larger batch and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 85mg
