Sloppy Joe Sweet Potato Bowls

If you’re looking for a comforting and satisfying meal that the whole family will love, these Sloppy Joe Sweet Potato Bowls are just what you need! This recipe brings together the sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes and the hearty flavors of homemade sloppy joe sauce. It’s a delightful twist on a classic that works perfectly for busy weeknights or casual family gatherings. Plus, it’s packed with wholesome ingredients that make it not only delicious but also nutritious!

What makes this dish truly special is how easy it is to prepare. With just a few simple steps, you can have a hearty meal ready to serve. Whether you’re cooking for your family or having friends over, these bowls are sure to impress everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just an hour from start to finish, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the sweet and savory flavors, making mealtime enjoyable for everyone!
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the sloppy joe sauce in advance and store it in the fridge, saving time on busy nights.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with sweet potatoes and lean beef, this meal provides essential nutrients while still being comforting.
• Customizable Toppings: Add your favorite toppings like pickles and jalapeños to make each bowl unique!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To whip up these delicious Sloppy Joe Sweet Potato Bowls, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients. Don’t worry; they’re easy to find at your local grocery store!

For the Sweet Potatoes

• nonstick spray (like avocado oil, ghee oil or extra-light olive oil)
• 2½ pounds sweet potatoes (diced)
• 3 tablespoons avocado oil
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose season salt
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated)

For the Sloppy Joe Sauce

• 1½ pounds lean ground beef
• 1¼ cups ketchup
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon prepared mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For Toppings

• sliced dill pickles
• pickled red onions
• sliced raw jalapeños
• snipped chives or sliced green onions

Variations

One of the best things about these Sloppy Joe Sweet Potato Bowls is how versatile they are! Feel free to get creative with these variations:

• Swap the protein: Try using ground turkey or chicken if you’re looking for a lighter option.
• Make it vegetarian: Substitute ground beef with lentils or plant-based meat alternatives for a veggie-packed version.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some bell peppers or corn when cooking the sauce for added color and nutrition.
• Spice it up: If you love heat, add diced jalapeños directly into the sloppy joe mixture for an extra kick!

How to Make Sloppy Joe Sweet Potato Bowls

Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Dice the sweet potatoes into even pieces so they cook uniformly. Toss them in avocado oil, season salt, dried parsley, and black pepper. Roasting them brings out their natural sweetness and creates a lovely caramelization that adds flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Sloppy Joe Sauce

While your sweet potatoes are roasting, let’s make that mouthwatering sloppy joe sauce! In a large skillet over medium heat, brown your lean ground beef until it’s fully cooked. Drain any excess fat before adding ketchup, water, sugar, mustard, vinegar, paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together and let it simmer on low heat. This allows all those flavors to meld beautifully!

Step 3: Assemble Your Bowls

Once your sweet potatoes are tender and slightly crispy on the edges (about 25-30 minutes), it’s time to assemble! Spoon a generous amount of sloppy joe sauce over a bed of roasted sweet potatoes. Top with sliced dill pickles, pickled red onions, jalapeños, and chives or green onions. Each bite will be bursting with flavor!

Enjoy creating this delightful dish that’s sure to become a new family favorite!

Pro Tips for Making Sloppy Joe Sweet Potato Bowls

These Sloppy Joe Sweet Potato Bowls are so simple to whip up, but a few handy tips can take your dish to the next level!

• Choose the right sweet potatoes: Opt for firm, smooth sweet potatoes for the best texture. They will roast beautifully and provide a delightful sweetness that pairs perfectly with the savory sloppy joe sauce.
• Don’t skip the seasoning: Seasoning your sweet potatoes before roasting enhances their flavor significantly. The combination of season salt, parsley, and black pepper adds depth and makes every bite delicious.
• Make it spicy: If you love a little kick, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes to your sloppy joe sauce. This extra heat complements the sweetness of the potatoes wonderfully.
• Prep ahead: You can dice your sweet potatoes and prepare the sloppy joe sauce in advance. Just store everything in airtight containers in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble, making weeknight dinners even easier!
• Customize toppings: Feel free to get creative with your toppings! Adding different ingredients like avocado or a dollop of Greek yogurt can introduce new flavors and textures.

How to Serve Sloppy Joe Sweet Potato Bowls

Serving these bowls is all about presentation! A colorful and well-arranged plate will make this hearty meal even more inviting.

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: Sprinkle snipped chives or sliced green onions on top for a fresh burst of flavor.
• Extra pickles: A few additional slices of dill pickles can add crunch and tanginess that balances out the rich flavors.
• Cheese drizzle: A light drizzle of melted mozzarella or cheddar on top adds creaminess and an indulgent touch.

Side Dishes

• Coleslaw: A crisp coleslaw made with cabbage and carrots tossed in a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the warm bowls.
• Roasted broccoli: Simple roasted broccoli seasoned with garlic powder is not only nutritious but also provides a lovely crunch alongside your sweet potato bowls.
• Corn on the cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob brings sweetness and pairs beautifully with both the sweet potatoes and sloppy joe mixture.
• Garden salad: A fresh garden salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light dressing makes for a perfect side that complements this hearty meal.

Enjoy crafting these delightful Sloppy Joe Sweet Potato Bowls! They’re sure to become a favorite at your dinner table.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Sloppy Joe Sweet Potato Bowls are perfect for meal prep! You can make them ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week. Let’s dive into some handy tips for storing, freezing, and reheating.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the bowls to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer any leftovers to airtight containers.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Keep toppings like pickles and jalapeños separate until serving for maximum freshness.

Freezing

• If you want to save a batch for later, freeze the sloppy joe mixture separately from the sweet potatoes.
• Use freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Remove as much air as possible.
• Label the containers with the date and name of the dish.
• Frozen Sloppy Joe mixture can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen sloppy joe mixture in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• For sweet potatoes, reheat in a microwave-safe dish or oven until heated to your liking. Add a splash of water if they seem dry.

FAQs

If you have questions about making these delicious bowls, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries.

Can I use other types of meat in Sloppy Joe Sweet Potato Bowls?

Absolutely! You can substitute lean ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives if you’re looking for a meatless option. The flavors will still be fantastic!

How long do Sloppy Joe Sweet Potato Bowls last in the fridge?

When stored properly, these bowls can last up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Just remember to keep your toppings separate for optimal freshness!

Can I make Sloppy Joe Sweet Potato Bowls vegan?

Yes! Simply replace the ground beef with lentils or a plant-based ground meat alternative. You can also use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan cheese for a great cheesy flavor.

What can I serve with Sloppy Joe Sweet Potato Bowls?

These bowls are hearty enough on their own but pair well with a simple green salad or roasted veggies on the side if you want to add more variety to your meal.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in creating these delightful Sloppy Joe Sweet Potato Bowls! They are not only delicious but also versatile and easy to customize. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh or saving some for later, I’m sure they’ll become a favorite in your household. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait for you to try this recipe!