Introduction

Sloppy Joe Bowls are a comforting, flavorful twist on the classic sandwich. This hearty dish brings together savory ground beef with a tangy sauce, served over crispy sweet potato fries for a fun and satisfying meal.

A white bowl with a thin brown rim shows two main layers: on the left, bright orange roasted sweet potato cubes with a slightly charred texture, and on the right, a rich, dark brown cooked ground meat mixture. On top, there are thin half-rings of purple-red onion and four overlapping green pickle slices placed slightly off center. A silver fork is resting in the meat layer on the right. Above the bowl, part of another similar bowl filled with roasted sweet potato cubes is visible. To the left, a small grey bowl contains extra green pickle slices. The background surface is a white marbled texture with a white cloth near the top right of the main bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 pound lean ground beef
1 medium yellow onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
¼ cup ketchup
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
1 teaspoon chili powder

Instructions

Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook for about 10 minutes until browned. Drain any excess grease.
Step 2: Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, diced onion, and green bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until onions soften. Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Stir in yellow mustard, ketchup, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, kosher salt, black pepper, and chili powder. Mix well to combine and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Step 4: Serve the sloppy joe mixture over a bed of crispy sweet potato fries. Garnish with pickle chips if desired.

Tips & Variations

For a healthier option, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef.
Add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Try serving over rice or mashed potatoes instead of sweet potato fries.
Top with shredded cheese or chopped fresh herbs like parsley for added flavor.

Storage

Store any leftover sloppy joe mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Sweet potato fries are best served fresh but can be reheated in the oven for crispiness.

How to Serve

A white bowl with a brown rim holds a dish made of four main parts: on the left side there is a thick layer of cooked ground meat mixed with tomato-based sauce showing small chunks of tomato and onion, with a rich brown and reddish color and some green herbs sprinkled on top; next to it, on the right side, there are cubed roasted sweet potatoes with a slightly browned texture and scattered green herbs; above the potatoes are three round, pale green pickles with visible delicate seeds and faint dill sprigs; in the center, on top of the sweet potatoes and meat, some thinly sliced pink and white pickled onions curl loosely; the bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a light-colored cloth nearby, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make sloppy joe mixture ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sloppy joe mixture up to two days in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.

What can I use instead of sweet potato fries?

Regular fries, roasted potatoes, steamed rice, or even a fresh salad make excellent bases for the sloppy joe mixture if you prefer a different side.

Sloppy Joe Bowls Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 125 reviews

These Sloppy Joe Bowls are a delicious and easy-to-make twist on the classic sandwich, featuring a savory ground beef mixture served over crispy sweet potato fries and topped with tangy pickle chips. Perfect for a hearty weeknight meal that combines bold flavors with simple ingredients.

Author: Daniel
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Sloppy Joe Mixture

1 pound lean ground beef
1 medium yellow onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
¼ cup ketchup
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
1 teaspoon chili powder
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided

To Serve

Sweet potato fries (store-bought or homemade)
Pickle chips for garnish

Instructions

Cook the ground beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, for about 10 minutes until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease from the pan to keep the mixture from being too greasy.
Sauté vegetables: Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet along with the diced onions and green bell peppers. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the onions become soft and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until aromatic but not burnt.
Add the sauce components: Stir in the yellow mustard, ketchup, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, kosher salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and chili powder. Mix everything thoroughly so that the flavors meld together and the meat mixture becomes well coated.
Prepare serving base: Warm your sweet potato fries according to package instructions or prepare homemade fries until crispy and golden brown as your bowl base.
Assemble the bowls: Spoon the Sloppy Joe mixture generously over the sweet potato fries. Garnish with pickle chips for a tangy, crunchy contrast. Serve immediately while warm.