It was a weeknight, and I was in the mood for something comforting and easy, but also wanted to sneak in some extra veggies without the usual dinner-time battle with the kids. That’s when I stumbled upon this Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes recipe, and let me tell you, it was a game-changer! The aroma while it simmered on the stovetop was already enticing, a sweet and savory blend that promised something special. And the taste? Absolutely fantastic. My family, even the pickiest eaters, devoured them. The sweetness of the sweet potatoes perfectly complements the tangy sloppy joe sauce, creating a flavor profile that’s both familiar and excitingly new. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients and fiber, making it a meal I can feel good about serving. Forget the ground beef – this vegetarian twist on a classic is not only delicious but also a healthier and more sustainable option. If you’re looking for a quick, satisfying, and veggie-loaded meal that the whole family will love, you absolutely have to try these Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes. They’re destined to become a new weeknight favorite in your household, just like they have in mine!

Ingredients

To embark on this delightful culinary journey and create your own batch of mouthwatering Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes, you’ll need to gather the following fresh and flavorful ingredients. This recipe is designed to be both accessible and adaptable, so feel free to tweak it based on your pantry staples and personal preferences. Remember, the key to exceptional flavor is in the quality of the ingredients, so choose the freshest produce and best quality spices you can find.

Sweet Potatoes: 2 large sweet potatoes (about 2 pounds), peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes. The star of the show, sweet potatoes bring a naturally sweet and earthy flavor that perfectly complements the tangy sloppy joe sauce. Opt for firm sweet potatoes without blemishes for the best texture and taste. Dicing them into uniform cubes ensures even cooking and a pleasant bite in your sloppy joes.
Onion: 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped. Onion provides a foundational savory note and aromatic depth to the dish. Yellow onions are a great all-purpose choice, offering a balanced flavor that isn’t too overpowering. Finely chopping the onion allows it to soften and meld seamlessly into the sauce.
Bell Pepper: 1 bell pepper (any color, red, green, or yellow), finely diced. Bell peppers add a touch of sweetness and a vibrant color to the sloppy joes. Red bell peppers tend to be sweeter, while green bell peppers offer a slightly more subtle, grassy flavor. Feel free to mix colors for a visually appealing dish.
Garlic: 3 cloves garlic, minced. Garlic is an essential flavor booster in countless savory dishes, and these sloppy joes are no exception. Freshly minced garlic provides a pungent and aromatic kick that elevates the overall taste profile. If you’re a garlic lover, feel free to add an extra clove or two.
Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons tomato paste. Tomato paste is a concentrated source of tomato flavor, adding richness and depth to the sauce. It also helps to thicken the sauce and intensify the savory notes. Look for a good quality tomato paste for the best results.
Diced Tomatoes: 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained. Diced tomatoes form the base of the sloppy joe sauce, providing moisture, acidity, and that classic tomato flavor. Using undrained diced tomatoes ensures that you retain all the flavorful juices. You can use fire-roasted diced tomatoes for a smoky depth, or diced tomatoes with added herbs for extra flavor complexity.
Ketchup: ½ cup ketchup. Ketchup is a key ingredient in traditional sloppy joe sauce, lending sweetness, tanginess, and a familiar flavor profile. Choose your favorite brand of ketchup, keeping in mind that some brands are sweeter than others.
Worcestershire Sauce: 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce (vegetarian or vegan if needed). Worcestershire sauce adds a savory umami depth that is crucial to the characteristic flavor of sloppy joes. For vegetarian or vegan versions, ensure you choose a Worcestershire sauce that is free from anchovies. Many brands offer vegan-friendly alternatives.
Brown Sugar: 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar. Brown sugar provides a touch of sweetness and molasses-like depth that balances the acidity of the tomatoes and ketchup. Packed brown sugar ensures accurate measurement. You can use light or dark brown sugar, with dark brown sugar offering a richer flavor.
Apple Cider Vinegar: 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar adds a bright, tangy acidity that cuts through the richness of the sauce and enhances the overall flavor balance. It also contributes to the characteristic “sloppy joe” tang. If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, you can substitute with white vinegar or red wine vinegar in a pinch.
Smoked Paprika: 1 teaspoon smoked paprika. Smoked paprika brings a warm, smoky depth that elevates the flavor of the sloppy joes. It adds a subtle complexity that complements the sweetness of the sweet potatoes and the tanginess of the sauce. If you don’t have smoked paprika, you can use regular paprika, but the smoked variety is highly recommended for its unique flavor.
Chili Powder: 1 teaspoon chili powder. Chili powder adds a mild warmth and subtle spice that enhances the savory notes of the dish. Adjust the amount of chili powder to your preference for heat. If you prefer a spicier dish, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes as well.
Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon dried oregano. Dried oregano provides a classic Mediterranean herb flavor that complements the tomatoes and other savory ingredients. It adds a subtle earthy and slightly peppery note. You can also use dried Italian seasoning as a substitute, which often contains oregano along with other complementary herbs.
Salt: 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste. Salt is essential for enhancing the flavors of all the ingredients. Start with 1 teaspoon and adjust to taste as needed, especially after the sauce has simmered and the flavors have melded.
Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste. Black pepper adds a subtle pungency and enhances the overall flavor complexity. Freshly ground black pepper is always preferred for its brighter flavor, but pre-ground black pepper will also work.
Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons olive oil. Olive oil is used for sautéing the vegetables, providing a healthy fat and enhancing their flavor. Extra virgin olive oil is a great choice for its rich flavor and nutritional benefits. You can also use other cooking oils like avocado oil or vegetable oil if preferred.
Hamburger Buns or Bread: For serving. No sloppy joe is complete without a bun! Choose your favorite hamburger buns or bread rolls for serving. Brioche buns, sesame seed buns, or even crusty sourdough rolls all work wonderfully. For a gluten-free option, consider using gluten-free buns or serving the sloppy joes over lettuce wraps or baked potatoes.
Optional Toppings: Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack), sliced avocado, pickled onions, sour cream, or fresh cilantro. Toppings are a fantastic way to customize your sloppy joes and add extra flavor and texture. Consider offering a variety of toppings for everyone to personalize their meal.

Instructions

Creating these delectable Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes is a straightforward process that involves sautéing, simmering, and assembling. Follow these step-by-step instructions to bring this flavorful and healthy dish to life in your own kitchen. Each step is designed to be clear and easy to follow, ensuring a successful and enjoyable cooking experience.

Sauté Aromatics and Sweet Potatoes: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften and become translucent. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. This step is crucial for building flavor, as sautéing the onions and peppers releases their aromatic compounds and sweetens them slightly.
Add Garlic and Sweet Potatoes: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. The fragrant aroma of garlic will fill your kitchen, signaling the next stage of flavor development. Next, add the diced sweet potatoes to the skillet. Stir to combine them with the sautéed vegetables and garlic.
Build the Sauce Base: Stir in the tomato paste, diced tomatoes (undrained), ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, chili powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together thoroughly to ensure the spices and tomato paste are evenly distributed and coat the vegetables. This is where the magic happens as all the sauce ingredients combine to create that signature sloppy joe flavor.
Simmer and Thicken: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Simmering allows the flavors to meld and deepen, and the sweet potatoes to soften to a perfect, fork-tender consistency. The sauce will naturally thicken as it simmers and reduces.
Mash Sweet Potatoes (Optional): For a smoother, more traditional sloppy joe texture, you can lightly mash some of the sweet potatoes with a spoon or potato masher once they are tender. This step is optional and depends on your preferred texture. Mashing some of the sweet potatoes will help to thicken the sauce further and create a more cohesive mixture. If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can skip this step or mash only a small portion.
Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sloppy joe mixture and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, chili powder, or brown sugar to achieve your desired flavor profile. This is a critical step to ensure the final dish is perfectly balanced to your taste. Consider adding a pinch more of any spice that you feel is lacking.
Serve Hot: Serve the Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes hot on hamburger buns or bread rolls. Spoon a generous amount of the sloppy joe mixture onto the bottom bun, then top with the other half of the bun. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy the deliciousness!
Add Toppings (Optional): Offer a variety of optional toppings for everyone to customize their sloppy joes. Shredded cheese, sliced avocado, pickled onions, sour cream, or fresh cilantro are all excellent choices. Let everyone personalize their sloppy joes to their liking.

Nutrition Facts

(Per serving, approximate, based on 6 servings)

Servings: 6
Calories: Approximately 350-400 calories per serving (This is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and serving sizes. It also excludes buns and optional toppings, which will increase the calorie count.)

Detailed Nutritional Breakdown (Approximate per serving):

Calories: 375 kcal
Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 750mg (This can vary greatly depending on the brand of ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and diced tomatoes used. Choose low-sodium options to reduce sodium content.)
Total Carbohydrates: 60g
- Dietary Fiber: 10g (Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of fiber!)
- Sugars: 25g (Includes natural sugars from sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and added sugars from ketchup and brown sugar)
Protein: 6g
Vitamin A: Excellent source (Sweet potatoes are rich in Vitamin A in the form of beta-carotene)
Vitamin C: Good source
Potassium: Good source
Iron: Moderate source

Important Notes on Nutrition:

These nutrition facts are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands and types of ingredients used, as well as portion sizes.
Serving size is estimated at approximately 1 cup of sloppy joe filling.
The calorie count does not include hamburger buns or any optional toppings, which will add to the total caloric and nutritional values. Consider the nutritional content of your chosen buns and toppings when planning your meal.
This recipe is naturally vegetarian and can be made vegan by ensuring your Worcestershire sauce is vegan-friendly.
Sweet potatoes are a nutritional powerhouse, providing significant amounts of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and fiber. This recipe is a healthier alternative to traditional beef sloppy joes due to the use of sweet potatoes and reduced fat content.
To further reduce calories and fat, you can use a lower-sugar ketchup, reduce the amount of olive oil slightly, and choose leaner toppings.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes (This includes time for peeling and dicing sweet potatoes, chopping vegetables, and measuring ingredients.)
Cook Time: 25 minutes (Simmering time for the sloppy joes to cook through and for the flavors to meld.)
Total Time: 45 minutes (From start to finish, you can have delicious Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes on the table in under 45 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal.)

This recipe is designed for efficiency, allowing you to prepare a flavorful and nutritious meal relatively quickly. The active cooking time is minimal, mostly involving sautéing and simmering, freeing you up to handle other tasks while the sloppy joes are cooking. The prep time can be further reduced if you purchase pre-diced sweet potatoes or vegetables, although dicing them yourself ensures freshness and quality.

How to Serve

Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways beyond the classic bun. Get creative and explore these delicious serving suggestions to cater to different preferences and dietary needs:

Classic Hamburger Buns:
- The quintessential way to enjoy sloppy joes! Choose your favorite hamburger buns – sesame seed, brioche, or whole wheat all work wonderfully.
- Toast the buns lightly for added texture and flavor.
- Spoon a generous portion of the sweet potato sloppy joe mixture onto the bottom bun and top with the other half.
Bread Rolls or Crusty Bread:
- For a slightly more sophisticated presentation, serve the sloppy joes on crusty bread rolls or slices of toasted baguette.
- Sourdough bread pairs particularly well with the tangy and savory flavors of the sloppy joes.
- Consider hollowing out a bread bowl and filling it with the sloppy joe mixture for a fun and rustic serving style.
Lettuce Wraps:
- For a lighter, low-carb, and gluten-free option, serve the sloppy joes in crisp lettuce wraps.
- Large lettuce leaves like romaine, butter lettuce, or iceberg lettuce work best.
- This is a refreshing and healthy way to enjoy the flavors of sloppy joes without the added carbs of bread.
Baked Potatoes:
- Transform baked potatoes into a hearty and satisfying meal by topping them with Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes.
- Bake or microwave potatoes until tender.
- Split them open and spoon the sloppy joe mixture over the top.
- Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt and some chopped chives for extra flavor.
Over Rice or Quinoa:
- Serve the sweet potato sloppy joe mixture over a bed of fluffy cooked rice or quinoa for a comforting and grain-based meal.
- Brown rice or quinoa adds extra fiber and nutrients.
- This is a great option for those who prefer to avoid bread or want a more substantial meal.
Polenta or Grits:
- Creamy polenta or grits provide a smooth and flavorful base for the sloppy joes.
- The sweetness of the polenta complements the savory and tangy sauce beautifully.
- Top with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast for added flavor.
Tacos or Burrito Bowls:
- Get creative and use the sweet potato sloppy joe mixture as a filling for tacos or burrito bowls.
- Serve in warm tortillas or over a base of rice, beans, and your favorite taco toppings like salsa, guacamole, and shredded lettuce.
- This adds a fun and flavorful twist to taco night.

Serving Sides:

To complete your Sweet Potato Sloppy Joe meal, consider serving these delicious side dishes:

Classic Coleslaw: A creamy or vinegar-based coleslaw provides a refreshing and crunchy contrast to the rich sloppy joes.
Potato Salad: A classic picnic side that pairs perfectly with sloppy joes.
Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob is a summery and sweet side that complements the savory flavors.
Green Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette adds freshness and balance to the meal.
Sweet Potato Fries or Regular Fries: For a double dose of sweet potato or classic comfort food, serve with fries.
Pickles or Pickled Vegetables: The tangy and crunchy acidity of pickles or pickled vegetables cuts through the richness of the sloppy joes and cleanses the palate.

Additional Tips

Elevate your Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes to the next level with these helpful tips and tricks, ensuring every batch is a flavorful success:

Spice it Up (or Down): Customize the spice level to your liking. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of chili powder or smoked paprika. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce. Taste and adjust the spices gradually to achieve your perfect level of heat.
Boost the Veggies: Sneak in even more vegetables! Finely diced carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms can be added along with the onions and bell peppers for extra nutrition and texture. These vegetables will blend seamlessly into the sauce and enhance the overall flavor profile. You can also add a handful of spinach or kale towards the end of cooking for a boost of leafy greens.
Make it Ahead: Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes are a fantastic make-ahead meal. Prepare the sloppy joe mixture up to 2-3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving. The flavors actually meld and deepen overnight, making them even more delicious the next day. This is perfect for meal prepping or busy weeknights.
Freezer-Friendly for Future Meals: These sloppy joes freeze beautifully, making them ideal for batch cooking and future meals. Allow the cooked sloppy joe mixture to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe bags or containers. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Reheat thoroughly before serving. Having frozen sloppy joes on hand is a lifesaver for quick and easy dinners.
Add a Touch of Sweetness Enhancement: For an extra layer of sweetness and depth, consider adding a tablespoon of maple syrup or molasses along with the brown sugar. This will enhance the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes and add a subtle caramel-like note to the sauce. Start with a tablespoon and adjust to taste. This is especially delicious if you are using less sweet ketchup or want a richer flavor profile.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make these Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes vegan?

A: Yes, absolutely! This recipe is easily made vegan. The key is to ensure that your Worcestershire sauce is vegan-friendly, as traditional Worcestershire sauce contains anchovies. Many brands offer vegan Worcestershire sauce alternatives, often labeled as “vegan” or “vegetarian.” Double-check the ingredients list to confirm. All other ingredients in this recipe are naturally plant-based.

Q2: I don’t have smoked paprika, can I use regular paprika?

A: Yes, you can substitute regular paprika if you don’t have smoked paprika. However, smoked paprika adds a distinct smoky depth that really enhances the flavor of the sloppy joes. If you use regular paprika, the flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious. If you have liquid smoke on hand, you could add a drop or two to compensate for the missing smoky flavor. For the best flavor, we highly recommend using smoked paprika.

Q3: Can I use different types of beans in this recipe?

A: While this recipe is designed for sweet potatoes, you could certainly experiment with adding beans for extra protein and texture. Black beans, kidney beans, or lentils would all be good additions. If adding beans, reduce the amount of sweet potato slightly to maintain a good sauce-to-filling ratio. Add cooked beans during the last 10-15 minutes of simmering to heat through and meld flavors. This would create a heartier and even more protein-rich meal.

Q4: How can I make these sloppy joes less sweet?

A: If you prefer less sweetness, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar and ketchup in the recipe. Start by reducing each by about 25% and taste. You can also use a less sweet ketchup variety or look for no-sugar-added ketchup options. Increasing the amount of apple cider vinegar or adding a squeeze of lemon juice can also help balance the sweetness with acidity. Taste and adjust to your preference.

Q5: What are some good toppings for Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes?

A: There are many delicious toppings to choose from! Classic options include shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, or pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick. Fresh toppings like sliced avocado, diced tomatoes, or chopped red onion add freshness and texture. Pickled onions or jalapeños provide a tangy and spicy contrast. Sour cream or Greek yogurt adds creaminess. Fresh cilantro or parsley adds a fresh herb finish. Get creative and experiment with your favorite toppings to customize your sloppy joes!