Whole30 Sloppy Joes are a wholesome twist on a family favorite. Juicy ground beef is simmered in a tangy, savory sauce and served over roasted sweet potatoes for a hearty, satisfying, and completely Whole30-friendly dinner.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These sloppy joes are everything you want in a comfort food meal—rich, flavorful, and filling—yet made with clean ingredients that fit Whole30. Instead of buns, roasted sweet potatoes provide a naturally sweet and hearty base that pairs perfectly with the bold meat sauce.
The recipe comes together quickly with simple pantry staples like coconut aminos, tomato paste, and dijon mustard. You won’t miss ketchup or added sugars because the sauce is tangy, slightly smoky, and just the right amount of spicy.
Best of all, this recipe is versatile and family-friendly. Kids love the flavor, while adults appreciate the nutrition. You can also serve the sloppy joe mixture in lettuce wraps or on compliant buns for variety. It’s the perfect balance of health and comfort in every bite.
Clean, Whole30-Friendly Ingredients
Every ingredient is Whole30-approved, from the coconut aminos to the fresh garlic and spices. You’ll enjoy bold flavors without hidden sugars or additives.
Family-Friendly and Satisfying
This dish delivers hearty comfort food flavor while keeping the spice level mild and approachable. Add heat with toppings if you like it spicy.
Flexible Serving Options
Serve over roasted potatoes, tuck into lettuce wraps, or go classic with a compliant bun. This recipe adapts easily to your family’s needs.
Ingredients for Whole30 Sloppy Joes
For the meat sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ yellow onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb ground beef (substitute turkey, chicken, or pork if preferred)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 3 tbsp tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp dijon mustard
- ¼ cup coconut aminos
- ½ tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ¼ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 3–5 tbsp water, as needed
For the roasted sweet potatoes:
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp kosher salt
For toppings:
- Sliced jalapeños
- Sliced pickles
- Optional: avocado, shredded lettuce, or hot sauce
How to Make Whole30 Sloppy Joes
Step 1: Roast the Potatoes
Toss sweet potato cubes with olive oil and salt. Spread on a lined baking sheet and roast at 425°F for 30 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Step 2: Cook the Meat
In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until soft. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in tomato paste, tomato sauce, dijon mustard, coconut aminos, and spices. Simmer for 3–5 minutes, adding water as needed to reach a saucy consistency.
Step 3: Assemble and Serve
Spoon roasted sweet potatoes into bowls. Top with the sloppy joe mixture and finish with jalapeños, pickles, or any toppings you love.
Recipe Tips and Variations
Adjusting Spice Levels
Want it spicier? Add more chili powder or a dash of cayenne. Prefer mild? Keep the seasoning simple and let toppings bring the heat.
Creative Topping Ideas
Go beyond pickles and jalapeños—try avocado, shredded lettuce, or a crunchy Whole30 slaw for freshness.
Storage and Freezer Tips
The meat mixture keeps in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Sweet potatoes are best fresh but can be reheated in the oven or air fryer.
Substitutions for Ground Meat
Use ground turkey, chicken, or pork if you prefer. Each one works beautifully with the sauce and spices.
Conclusion
Whole30 Sloppy Joes are proof that healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor. With roasted sweet potatoes, a bold meat sauce, and plenty of topping options, this recipe is hearty enough for the whole family and easy enough for busy weeknights.
If you’re looking for more dinner inspiration, be sure to browse my dinner recipes collection or catch up on the latest posts. You’ll also find even more Whole30-friendly ideas on my Pinterest boards.
Whole30 Sloppy Joes
Equipment
- Baking sheet For roasting sweet potatoes
- Large skillet For cooking meat sauce
- Mixing bowl To toss potatoes with oil and salt
- Wooden spoon To stir the meat mixture
- Parchment paper For easy cleanup when roasting
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ yellow onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey, chicken, or pork)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 3 tbsp tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp dijon mustard
- ¼ cup coconut aminos
- ½ tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ¼ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 3-5 tbsp water, as needed
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for sweet potatoes)
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- Sliced jalapeños, pickles, avocado, or toppings of choice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss sweet potato cubes with olive oil and kosher salt. Spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast for 30 minutes, stirring halfway.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sauté onion and garlic until soft, about 5 minutes. Add ground beef and cook until browned, then drain excess fat.
- Stir in tomato paste, tomato sauce, dijon mustard, coconut aminos, and spices. Simmer 3–5 minutes until thickened. Add water as needed for consistency.
- Spoon roasted sweet potatoes into bowls, top with sloppy joe meat, and finish with jalapeños, pickles, or any favorite toppings. Serve hot.
