Sloppy Joes

[The Messy Beat Remix]

Sweet and tangy ground beef mixture served on wholesome buns that brings back childhood memories. This is comfort food that makes messy eating absolutely delicious.

remixology.com/recipe/sloppy-joes/

Makes

Serves 6

Total Time

35 min (15 min prep)

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:
1-1/2 lbs (680g) grass-fed ground beef
1 tbsp (15ml) avocado oil
1 medium onion, diced (1 cup/150g)
1 bell pepper, diced (1 cup/150g)
3 cloves garlic, minced
6 cassava flour hamburger buns

Sauce Blend:
3/4 cup (180ml) sugar-free ketchup
2 tbsp (30g) tomato paste
2 tbsp (30ml) coconut aminos
2 tbsp (30ml) apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp (20g) pure maple syrup
1 tsp (5ml) Dijon mustard
1 tsp (3g) chili powder
1/2 tsp (1g) smoked paprika
1 tsp (6g) sea salt
1/2 tsp (1g) black pepper

Steps

Heat:

Heat avocado oil in large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering and hot but not smoking.

Brown:

Add ground beef to hot skillet, breaking up with wooden spoon or spatula, and cook until well-browned, about 6-8 minutes.

Soften:

Add diced onion and bell pepper to skillet with beef, cooking 5 minutes until vegetables are softened and translucent.

Aromatics:

Add minced garlic to mixture and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.

Sauce:

Stir in ketchup, tomato paste, coconut aminos, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and all spices until well combined.

Simmer:

Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until mixture thickens and flavors meld together.

Taste:

Sample and adjust seasonings as needed – add more salt, pepper, or maple syrup to balance flavors to your preference.

Serve:

Lightly toast hamburger buns if desired, then generously fill with meat mixture and serve immediately while hot and saucy.

Make it Good For The Gut (Optional)

Add 1/4 cup finely chopped fermented pickles to the meat mixture for probiotics and tangy crunch. Include 1 tablespoon sauerkraut juice for additional digestive enzymes. Add 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger for anti-inflammatory benefits and digestive support.

Remix Options

Protein Swaps: Use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternative for different flavors and dietary needs. Bun Alternatives: Try sweet potato buns, portobello mushroom caps, lettuce wraps, or cauliflower buns for lower carb options. Sweetener Options: Replace maple syrup with honey, coconut sugar, or stevia blend for different sweetness profiles. Spice Variations: Add cumin and oregano for Mexican flair, or BBQ seasoning for smoky flavor. Vegetable Additions: Include diced carrots, celery, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and texture. Sauce Twists: Add BBQ sauce, hot sauce, or Worcestershire sauce for deeper flavor complexity.

Good To Know

Meat Selection: Grass-fed ground beef provides better nutrition and flavor – look for 80/20 blend for optimal juiciness without excess grease. Flavor Balance: The combination of maple syrup sweetness and apple cider vinegar tang creates the perfect sloppy joe flavor profile that appeals to all ages. Texture Control: Simmer uncovered to evaporate excess liquid and achieve proper thick, saucy consistency that won’t make buns soggy. Vegetable Prep: Dice vegetables uniformly for even cooking and better distribution throughout the meat mixture. Bun Selection: Choose sturdy buns that can hold up to the saucy filling without falling apart – brioche or whole grain work well. Storage Tips: Mixture keeps 3-4 days refrigerated and actually tastes better next day as flavors develop – reheat gently before serving. Serving Ideas: Excellent over baked sweet potatoes, with coleslaw on top, or as filling for stuffed peppers for creative variations.