Sweet Potato Sloppy Joe Skillet (Paleo, Whole30) Recipe
This Sweet Potato Sloppy Joe Skillet is a gluten-free, paleo, and Whole30-friendly twist on the classic comfort food favorite. Made with grass-fed ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and baked sweet potatoes instead of buns, this skillet meal is both hearty and healthy. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Sweet Potatoes
- 1 large sweet potato (roughly 3 cups), diced into 1″ cubes
- 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
Meat & Sauce
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil or ghee
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 pounds grass-fed ground beef
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 14-ounce can tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 green bell pepper, finely diced
- 1/4 cup water (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Roast the Sweet Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the diced sweet potatoes evenly. Drizzle with 1 teaspoon of olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt. Bake for 20-25 minutes until tender and lightly caramelized.
- Sauté Aromatics and Brown Beef: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or ghee over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until the onions turn translucent. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
- Prepare and Add Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the tomato paste, tomato sauce, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cumin, paprika, and garlic powder to create a flavorful sauce. Pour this sauce over the browned beef in the skillet and stir well to combine.
- Add Bell Pepper and Simmer: Stir in the finely diced green bell pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for 3-5 minutes until it thickens to your preferred consistency.
- Combine Sweet Potatoes and Season: Remove the roasted sweet potatoes from the oven and add them to the skillet with the meat mixture. Stir gently to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions if desired, then serve immediately.
Notes
- If the sloppy joe mixture becomes too dry, add 1/4 cup of water to the skillet and stir to loosen.
- To store leftovers, keep refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- To freeze, cool completely and transfer to a freezer-safe glass container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating in the microwave or oven.
Keywords: Sweet Potato Sloppy Joe, Paleo Sloppy Joe, Whole30 Sloppy Joe, Gluten Free Dinner, Healthy Comfort Food, Ground Beef Skillet, Easy Weeknight Dinner