Healthy Sloppy Joes

These healthy sloppy joes are made with lean ground beef and hidden veggies. This is a healthy and flavorful take on the classic sandwich.

PREP TIME: 15 minutes

COOK TIME: 35 minutes

TOTAL TIME: 55 minutes

SERVINGS: 6 (or 4 large servings)

INGREDIENTS:

1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1 pound Lean Ground Beef

1/4 cup finely chopped Carrots

1/2 cup finely chopped Celery

1/2 cup finely chopped Green Bell Pepper

1/2 cup finely chopped Yellow or Red Onion

1/2 teaspoon Salt

2 cloves Garlic, minced

2 tablespoon Brown Sugar, packed

3 teaspoons Red Wine Vinegar or Apple Cider Vinegar

1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce

1 1/4 cups Tomato Sauce

1/4 cup Ketchup

1/2 cup Low Sodium Beef Broth (preferred) or Water

Buns or Baked Potatoes (optional), for serving

Cheddar Cheese (optional), for serving

Sliced Green Onions (optional), for serving

Sour Cream (optional), for serving

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a large saucepan or skillet, saute ground beef in 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Once the meat has browned, add the carrots, celery, bell peppers, onions and salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are beginning to soften, about 5-8 minutes. If the mixture seems day at any point you can add another drizzle of olive oil.

2. Add the minced garlic and cook, for another minute or two, stirring occasionally.

3. Add brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce, ketchup, and beef broth or water to the meat and vegetable mixture. Stir to combine. Simmer over medium-low heat, partially covered, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes until the vegetables are tender. If the sauce gets too thick you can add another splash or beef broth and/or water. If the sauce is thinner than you can simmer in uncovered and the extra liquid should cook off.

4. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Scoop the sloppy joes into split buns or baked potatoes and serve.