Sweet Potato Sloppy Joe Bowls

Sweet Potato Sloppy Joe Bowls

These bowls are a delicious and satisfying twist on the classic Sloppy Joe. Sweet potatoes provide a base packed with nutrients, while the flavorful sloppy joe mixture offers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy.

Ingredients:

• For the Sweet Potatoes:

  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• For the Sloppy Joe Mixture:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef (or turkey)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

• For the Bowls:

  • Chopped red onion (optional)
  • Sliced avocado (optional)
  • Chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
  • Shredded cheese (optional)
  • Your favorite hot sauce (optional)

Cooking Guide:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss sweet potato cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and slightly golden brown.

2. While the sweet potatoes bake, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.

3. Add the onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute.

4. Pour in the diced tomatoes, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, cumin, and paprika. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, or until slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Assemble the bowls: Divide the baked sweet potatoes between bowls. Top with the sloppy joe mixture and your desired toppings, such as chopped red onion, sliced avocado, chopped fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, or a drizzle of hot sauce.

Tips:

• For a vegetarian option, use lentils or crumbled tempeh instead of ground beef.
• Add a can of black beans or kidney beans to the sloppy joe mixture for extra protein and fiber.
• If you like your sloppy joes a bit sweeter, add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
• Feel free to experiment with different toppings! Chopped pickles, sauerkraut, or a dollop of Greek yogurt are all delicious options.