Name: Healthy Sloppy Joe Bowls with Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Cabbage Slaw Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; ½ white onion, finely grated (~¼ cup); ½ teaspoon sea salt; 2 teaspoons chili powder; 4 garlic cloves, grated; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; ¾ cup tomato sauce; ¼ cup ketchup; 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon light brown sugar; 6 cups shredded green cabbage; ½ red onion, sliced; 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar; 2 teaspoons sea salt, separated; 1 teaspoon granulated sugar; 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes; 2 tablespoons olive oil; ½ teaspoon pepper; 1 cup sliced pickles; 2 lbs. ground beef (90/10 lean-to-fat ratio)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 65 reviews

If you’re craving a meal that’s bursting with flavor but won’t weigh you down, then you absolutely need to try this Healthy Sloppy Joe Bowls with Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Cabbage Slaw Recipe. Imagine all the juicy, savory goodness of a classic sloppy joe reimagined into a vibrant bowl packed with tender roasted sweet potatoes and a crunchy, tangy cabbage slaw that cuts through the richness beautifully. It’s the kind of dish that satisfies your comfort food cravings while keeping things fresh, wholesome, and exciting. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or cooking for family dinner, this recipe hits all the right notes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl filled with a colorful dish made of five main parts laid out side by side inside. Starting from the bottom left, there are bright orange cubes with a slightly shiny surface, looking soft and cooked. Above them, thin, round slices of red onion with a pale purple color, topped with a small sprig of green herbs. Next to the onions, there is a small pile of finely shredded pale green cabbage. To the right of the cabbage, light green, round pickle slices stacked loosely. The last section, on the bottom right, has a large amount of crumbly brown cooked ground meat spread out neatly. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color, yet the list remains delightfully straightforward. From the sweetness of the roasted potatoes to the tangy crunch of cabbage slaw and the robust meat sauce, every component is essential for making this dish sing.

Olive oil: For sautéeing and roasting; it adds a subtle richness without overpowering the dish.
White onion (½, finely grated): Infuses the sauce with sweetness and depth.
Sea salt: Enhances all the flavors, used at different stages for balance.
Chili powder (2 teaspoons): Brings a mild kick and warmth to the sauce.
Garlic cloves (4, grated): Adds aromatic punch to the sloppy joe sauce.
Tomato paste (2 tablespoons): Concentrated flavor for a rich, tangy sauce base.
Tomato sauce (¾ cup): Provides body and moisture to the meat mixture.
Ketchup (¼ cup): Sweetens the sauce naturally while adding umami.
Worcestershire sauce (2 teaspoons): Adds complexity with a subtle tartness.
Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): Lends a gentle tang and depth of flavor.
Light brown sugar (1 tablespoon): Balances acidity and brings a touch of caramelized sweetness.
Green cabbage (6 cups, shredded): Crisp base for the refreshing slaw.
Red onion (½, sliced): Adds zesty snap and lovely color contrast in the slaw.
Red wine vinegar (2 tablespoons): Gives the cabbage slaw a bright, tart finish.
Granulated sugar (1 teaspoon): Balances the acidity in the slaw dressing.
Medium sweet potatoes (2, peeled and cubed): Roasted for natural sweetness and creamy texture.
Pepper (½ teaspoon): Just enough for gentle seasoning.
Sliced pickles (1 cup): Adds a fun, tangy crunch that elevates the entire bowl.
Ground beef (2 lbs, 90/10 lean): The hearty and savory protein base for this bowl.

How to Make Healthy Sloppy Joe Bowls with Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Cabbage Slaw Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Sloppy Joe Sauce

Start by heating olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat, letting it warm gently before adding the grated onion with a pinch of sea salt and chili powder. This step softens the onion and unlocks its sweetness to build a solid flavor foundation. Next, stir in the tomato paste and let it caramelize slightly, which deepens the sauce’s taste. Toss in the grated garlic and cook just until fragrant, then whisk in the tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar. Bring it all to a boil before lowering the heat to let it simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. This slow simmer intensifies the flavors and thickens the sauce perfectly for coating the meat.

Step 2: Toss Together the Cabbage Slaw

While the sauce simmers, grab a large bowl and combine shredded green cabbage with thinly sliced red onions. Drizzle with red wine vinegar, sprinkle with salt and sugar, then toss everything together until every bite is coated with that lively dressing. Pop it in the fridge to chill and mingle while you move on to roasting the sweet potatoes.

Step 3: Roast the Sweet Potatoes

Preheat the oven to 450ºF, then spread your cubed sweet potatoes on a baking sheet. Sprinkle with salt and drizzle with olive oil, making sure to rub the seasoning evenly over the potatoes. Roast in the oven for about 25 to 30 minutes until fork-tender and caramelized on the edges. The natural sugars in the sweet potatoes come alive here, providing a stunning contrast to the savory beef and crisp slaw.

Step 4: Cook the Ground Beef

While the potatoes roast, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown your ground beef until no pink remains—about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain off any excess grease, then pour your homemade sloppy joe sauce over the beef. Stir everything together and let the mixture warm through on medium heat until it’s perfectly saucy and ready for assembling your bowls.

Step 5: Assemble the Bowls

Now comes the fun part! In individual bowls, divide the sloppy joe beef mixture, roast sweet potatoes, cabbage slaw, and slices of pickles for a pop of tangy crunch. You’ll have this delightful harmony of textures and flavors in every spoonful, making it a meal you’ll want to devour again and again.

How to Serve Healthy Sloppy Joe Bowls with Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Cabbage Slaw Recipe

A white speckled bowl filled with five main layers: at the bottom, a layer of thinly shredded light green cabbage mixed with thin slices of purple onions, topped generously with a rich brown cooked ground meat layer that looks soft and well seasoned, scattered with small pieces of green herbs. On top and around the meat, there are bright orange sweet potato cubes, looking tender and slightly roasted. At the edge of the bowl, several light green pickle slices add contrast. A bronze spoon is partially visible resting inside the bowl. The whole setup is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding a few garnishes can really take your bowl to the next level. Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or cilantro bring a bright, herbal note. A dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce adds creaminess and a subtle zing. Don’t hesitate to sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or crushed red pepper flakes on top for an extra kick.

Side Dishes

While these bowls are quite hearty on their own, pairing them with a light side can be delightful. A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette or a cooling cucumber and mint salad complements the richness perfectly. For a heartier option, you might serve warm whole-grain rolls or crusty bread to mop up any remaining sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your sloppy joe bowls in vibrant ceramic bowls or deep plates for an inviting presentation. Try layering the ingredients to showcase the contrasting colors of the cabbage, sweet potatoes, and beef mixture. For parties, consider creating a “sloppy joe bar” where guests build their own bowls from chilled slaw, warm roast potatoes, meat, and creative toppings. It’s interactive, fun, and sure to impress!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store the components separately in airtight containers: the sloppy joe meat, roasted sweet potatoes, and cabbage slaw keep best apart to maintain texture. The meat and potatoes will stay fresh up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, while the cabbage slaw is freshest within 2-3 days.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked ground beef mixture in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. The roasted sweet potatoes freeze well too; just be sure to cool them thoroughly first. The cabbage slaw is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well, as the texture will change on thawing.

Reheating

Reheat the meat and sweet potatoes in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water or broth if they dry out. Avoid reheating the slaw; instead, take it straight from the fridge to keep its crisp, refreshing quality intact.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or lentils, and replace Worcestershire sauce with a vegan alternative. You can keep everything else the same to enjoy a vegan-friendly version that’s just as flavorful.

How spicy is the dish? Can I adjust the heat?

The recipe is mildly spiced with chili powder, but you can easily adjust the heat by adding extra chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like things spicier. For a milder version, reduce or omit the chili powder.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! All the ingredients in this Healthy Sloppy Joe Bowls with Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Cabbage Slaw Recipe are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your Worcestershire sauce as some brands contain gluten, and opt for a certified gluten-free version if needed.

Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?

Definitely! Regular potatoes work well, especially if you prefer a less sweet option. Roast them the same way, just keep an eye on cook time as they might take slightly longer depending on the size of your cubes.

What’s the best way to make this recipe ahead for meal prep?

Prepare each component separately and store in individual airtight containers. Assemble the bowls fresh when you’re ready to eat to keep textures crisp. This method ensures your slaw stays crunchy and the sweet potatoes don’t get soggy.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Healthy Sloppy Joe Bowls with Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Cabbage Slaw Recipe has quickly become one of my top go-to meals. It’s simple to make, packed with wholesome ingredients, and hits that perfect balance between comforting and fresh. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll be a new favorite in your household too. Happy cooking and even happier eating!