Clean Eating Sloppy Joes: Think Sloppy Joes are unhealthy? Think again! Lean ground sirloin, fresh veggies, and beans are enveloped into a sweet and tangy homemade sauce. 
One of my most favorite things as a blogger, is when you all let me know how much you love a recipe. A close second is when someone comes to me with a recipe request or a request to make a family favorite lighter.
Recently one of you told me that you loved Sloppy Joes but hadn’t eaten them in years because you only thought they were possible if made with a can of Sloppy Joe sauce. I immediately knew that I had to share my Sloppy Joe recipe with you all because it is NOT from a can and tastes one thousand times better!
Not only is my recipe for Clean Eating Sloppy Joes low in sodium and fat, it is inexpensive and easy! 
I start with lean ground sirloin, but feel free to use ground chicken, bison, or turkey. I do find that beef produces the best flavor with this recipe and grass fed beef is filled with healthy nutrients like omega-3 acids, vitamin E and linoeic acid. Plus my secret is to use 2 cups of pinto beans along with ground beef. They blend in perfectly with the flavors of the sloppy joes and make these sloppy joes full of fiber, lower in fat, and stretch further, therefore saving you money! Even my beef eating, bean-hating, husband approves. Okay more than approves–he always DEVOURS these sloppy joes. 
This is truly a one skillet wonder that always pleases my family. It is sweet, savory and has a hint of spice from the fresh jalapeno, creating the perfect balance of savory flavors. I think your family will agree, this is one meal that they will all LOVE.
And if beans are totally NOT your thing, try these Healthy Sloppy Joes from Heathy Seaonal Recipes–they are made with mushrooms instead of beans.
Clean Eating Sloppy Joes #SundaySupper
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground sirloin
- 2 cups canned or cooked pinto beans drained if canned
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 small red pepper diced
- 1 small onion diced
- 1/2 jalapeno seeded and minced
- 2 teaspoons freshly minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon Worceshestire sauce
- 8 buns
- 8 slices of cheddar cheese optional
Instructions
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Over medium high heat, brown the sirloin. Drain off any excess fat (which there rarely is any) and return to heat.
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Add in tomato sauce, tomato paste, pepper, onion, jalapeno, garlic, salt and stir well. I like to add in the vegetables with the tomato sauce so they break down and get soft, just like the canned version of sloppy joes does. Bring to a boil and lower to simmer.
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Add in the apple cider vinegar, honey, and Worceshestire sauce. Stir well and let simmer 5-10 minutes.
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Serve on buns with cheese if desired.
Definite comfort food, love the healthier twist.
Thanks Caroline!
Looks delicious and I love the addition of the beans!
It sure makes this dish heartier and healthier
I don’t think I have ever had a sloppy joe, but they certainly look great! Love the addition of the beans.
You MUST try them Laura!
We are TOTAL sloppy joe eaters! I’ve made several different kinds on my blog; all delicious, healthy, and lean. I love that you added beans to yours. I’ll be trying that next!
I hope you enjoy it Christie–I will have to check out your recipes!
So yummy and hearty! I haven’t had sloppy Joes in years—now I’m craving one!
You need to have one! These are so much better than your childhood version!
I’ve never thought of adding beans to my sloppy joes. Great idea.
Thanks Wendy! It adds such great health benefits, plus makes the meal stretch further!
Kristen, your sloppy joes sound so hearty and delicious! Yes – recipe love is the best and so are requests to lighten up favs! By the way, these sloppy joes are SOOOOOO much better than those canned versions for sure! Love your double dose of pinto beans in this! Hope your week is off to a wonderful start!
SOOOO much better than canned versions for sure!
Homemade sauce is so smart you can control what goes in there!
Exactly!
My mom used to make sloppy joes when I was a kid. I don’t think I’ve had one in decades! Your recipe looks fantastic. I’ve never had it with beans. What a great addition!
You have to give this a try Christina!
Yum! These look so great!
Thank you Erin!
Great recipe! I like the healthy twist on this classic.
Thanks so much!