Description
Healthy Sloppy Joes featuring lean ground beef or plant-based crumble with smoked turkey bacon and vibrant veggies, simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce enhanced by apple cider vinegar and natural gelling agent. This quick, nutritious, and flavorful dinner is perfect for busy weeknights, customizable to dietary preferences, and served on whole-wheat or gluten-free buns.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef or plant-based crumble
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup natural tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp natural apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- ½ tsp natural gelling agent
- Optional: 3 slices smoked turkey slices
- 4 whole-wheat or gluten-free buns
Instructions
- Prepare the Smoked Turkey Bacon and Vegetables: Crisp the smoked turkey bacon in a skillet over medium heat until golden and slightly crunchy. Remove and set aside. Using the bacon drippings, sauté the finely chopped onions and diced bell peppers until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Add the lean ground beef or plant-based crumble to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Cook over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through with no pink remaining.
- Create the Sauce: Stir in the natural tomato sauce, apple cider vinegar (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and natural gelling agent. Mix well and let simmer gently for 10 minutes to meld flavors and thicken the sauce.
- Add the Smoked Turkey Bacon and Slices: Chop the cooked smoked turkey bacon and add it back to the skillet along with optional smoked turkey slices. Stir thoroughly to incorporate smoky flavors evenly.
- Assemble and Serve: Spoon the hot sloppy joe mixture onto toasted whole-wheat or gluten-free buns. Top with plant-based cheese if desired and serve immediately for optimal flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use fresh vegetables to brighten flavors and maintain texture.
- Don’t skip the smoked turkey bacon for a rich, comforting smoky taste.
- Simmer sauce slowly for better thickness and flavor blending.
- Adjust natural gelling agent quantity to reach preferred sauce consistency.
- Lightly toast buns to add texture and prevent sogginess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: Healthy Sloppy Joes, smoked turkey bacon, plant-based crumble, quick dinner, nutritious meal, gluten free, vegetarian option