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This is a meal that Daron loves—and it’s easy to see why! These Healthy Sloppy Joe Bowls are hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a family dinner. They are a healthier twist on a classic with lean ground beef, roasted sweet potatoes, and fresh toppings. Bonus: If you have kids, you can still toast up some buns for a classic option!

brooke healthy sloppy joe bowls

Food for Thought: The Power of Prayer at the Dinner Table

Family dinners are one of my favorite parts of the day. They allow us to enjoy a delicious meal and connect on a deeper level. They also give us a chance to have honest conversations with our kids and guide them in their faith.

One of the most valuable lessons we’ve shared at the table is the power of prayer. Philippians 4:6–7 reminds us:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

We’ve made it a habit of talking openly with our kids about their worries, stresses, and anxieties, encouraging them to take everything to God in prayer. This simple practice—praying together before meals and inviting God into our conversations—helps us model the peace that comes from trusting Him.

If you or your family struggles with worry or anxiety, I encourage you to use dinnertime as a moment to pause, pray, and connect. It’s a beautiful opportunity to teach your kids that God cares about every detail of their lives.

healthy sloppy joe bowls

Ingredients

  • 1 pound lean ground beef (90/10 recommended)
  • 1/2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 onion, minced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, finely diced

Homemade Sloppy Joe Sauce:

  • 3/4 cup ketchup (look for low-sugar options)
  • 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tsp yellow mustard
  • 2 tsp brown sugar
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 cup water (to adjust consistency)

For the Sweet Potatoes:

  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Bowls:

  • Romaine or butter lettuce (as the base)
  • shredded cheese
  • pickles
  • avocado slices
  • jalapeño slices
  • fresh cilantro

For Kids:

  • Optional: Toasted buns

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Peel and dice the sweet potatoes into small cubes.
  2. Place the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with chili powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat.
    roasted sweet potatoes
  3. Spread the sweet potatoes in an even layer and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and slightly crispy.
  4. Prepare the Sloppy Joe Meat. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1/2 Tbsp of olive oil.
  5. Add the onion, bell pepper, garlic, and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
  6. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.
    ground beef for healthy sloppy joes
  7. Whisk together ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, brown sugar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
  8. Pour the sauce over the beef mixture, stirring to combine.
  9. Add water to reach your desired consistency.
  10. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  11. Assemble the Bowls Start with a bed of lettuce in each bowl. Add a scoop of roasted sweet potatoes. Top with the Sloppy Joe meat.
    lettuce bowls
  12. Customize with your favorite toppings: shredded cheese, pickles, avocado, jalapeños, and fresh cilantro.
    sloppy joe lettuce bowl
  13. Optional for Kids. If your kids prefer the classic sloppy joe experience, toast up a few buns and serve the meat mixture sandwich-style alongside their favorite toppings.
    sloppy joe bowls

Why You’ll Love These Healthy Sloppy Joe Bowls

  • Healthier Alternative: Lean ground beef and roasted sweet potatoes make this a nutritious, satisfying option.
  • Customizable: Let each family member add their favorite toppings for a meal everyone will love.
  • Family-Friendly: Keep it fun and versatile with the option to serve in a bowl or as a sandwich for the kids.

This wholesome and customizable recipe for Healthy Sloppy Joe Bowls is perfect for busy families looking to enjoy a comforting, nutritious meal together. To share your family dinners, don’t forget to tag us @OurFarmerHouse!

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Recipe
sloppy joe bowls
Recipe
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Healthy Sloppy Joe Bowls with Sweet Potatoes and Toppings

Created by: Brooke Farmer
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
4 people
Try these Healthy Sloppy Joe Bowls with Sweet Potatoes and customizable toppings! A flavorful, family-friendly twist on a classic comfort food.

Ingredients
 

  • 1 pound lean ground beef I like 90/10
  • 1/2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1/2 onion minced
  • 1 bell pepper finely diced

Almost Homemade Sloppy Joe Sauce

  • 3/4 cup ketchup look for low-sugar option
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tsp yellow mustard
  • 2 tsp brown sugar
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 cup water to adjust to desired consistency

For the Sweet Potatoes

  • 2 large sweet potatoes peeled and diced
  • 1 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp pepper

For the Bowls

  • 4 cups romaine or butter lettuce chopped
  • 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 large avocado sliced
  • 1 cup pickles sliced or chopped
  • 1 jalapeno sliced
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro chopped

Instructions

Roast the Sweet Potatoes

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F.
  • Peel and dice the sweet potatoes into small cubes.
  • Place the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with chili powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat.
  • Spread the sweet potatoes in an even layer and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and slightly crispy.

Prepare the Sloppy Joe Meat

  • Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1/2 Tbsp of olive oil.
  • Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic, and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
  • Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, brown sugar, salt, and pepper.
  • Pour the sauce over the beef mixture, stirring to combine. Add water to reach your desired consistency.
  • Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Assemble the Bowls

  • Start with a bed of lettuce in each bowl.
  • Add a scoop of roasted sweet potatoes.
  • Top with the Sloppy Joe meat.
  • Customize with your favorite toppings: shredded cheese, pickles, avocado, jalapeños, and fresh cilantro.

Optional for Kids

  • If your kids prefer the classic sloppy joe experience, toast up a few buns and serve the meat mixture sandwich-style alongside their favorite toppings.

Notes

servings: 4
  • Calories: 476
  • Protein: 26g
  • Carbs: 41g
  • Fat: 23g

Nutrition

Calories: 476kcal

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