These Low-Carb Keto Sloppy Joes are an easy weeknight meal that even picky eaters will love!
As a family of five, I’m no stranger to sloppy joes. They’re easy to make on busy weeknights, and my kids love them. I’ve also churned out large batches for backyard parties, adding my own twist to the traditional kid-friendly meal—sriracha sauce and pineapples—don’t knock it until you try it!
Since it’s a frequent recipe on my weekly menu, I like to switch it up and use my nuclear fam as guinea pigs. That may sound cruel, but considering I got my kids to enjoy vegan sloppy joes with cauliflower, I think they love being my taste testers. They’re always up for trying different takes on a classic, so it’s no surprise that these low-carb keto sloppy joes were also a hit. Even my pickiest eater gave them a thumbs-up!
So, what makes these sloppy joes low-carb? Well, there’s no sugar, of course. That doesn’t mean this recipe isn’t at all sweet. Have you heard of monk fruit? It’s a wonderful natural low-carb sweetener that satisfies your sugar craving and balances the sauce’s tanginess. The monk fruit, combined with tomato paste, Worcestershire, and mustard, gives the sauce a savory sweetness. Manwich has got nothing on this recipe!
While there are low-carb buns out there, I’d recommend sticking with a layer of crisp lettuce instead. It’s refreshingly tasty and is a fun way to add some greens to this classic comfort food. Trust me, once you try it this way, you won’t even miss the bun—well, maybe a little.
Are Low-Carb Keto Sloppy Joes Healthy?
Overall, I’d say yes! The recipe keeps the sauce sweet and flavorful without the carbs by replacing traditional sugar with monk fruit sweetener. Also, serving the sloppy joes on lettuce wraps instead of a bun keeps it keto. And while ground beef adds a fair amount of fat, it’s a good source of protein, iron, and other essential nutrients. However, you could always go for a leaner cut. Alternatively, ground turkey or chicken works as well.
Why Monk Fruit Sweetener?
If you haven’t tried monk fruit sweetener yet, you’re in for a pleasant surprise. It’s become my favorite sugar swap. Aside from being naturally low-carb, monk fruit doesn’t spike blood sugar levels, so it’s ideal for my diabetic family and friends. It also has a clean, natural sweetness without the gross aftertaste that I get from Stevia. Look, Stevia has its place, but not in savory dishes like sloppy joes!
What’s more, monk fruit sweetener is widely available these days. I used to only find the stuff at my local co-op, but now I see monk fruit at big box stores like Walmart. Monk fruit is still on the pricey side, but considering the health benefits, I think it’s worth the cost!
How To Make Ahead And Store
One of the reasons I love this recipe is because I can make it in advance! Just follow the recipe instructions, and store the finished recipe in your fridge in an airtight container. Whether you’re making it ahead or not, the filling should stay fresh for up to 4 days.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoying a meal like sloppy joes without the carbs can be hard. Obvious pairings, like fries, chips, and potato salad, aren’t going to cut it! Thankfully, FFF offers a wide array of deliciously satisfying alternatives, like these Keto French Fries made from rutabaga! They taste like a blend between a potato and a carrot—plus, they’re quite nutritious! This Low-Carb Keto Cucumber Salad is another yummy pick, and for an extra indulgent side, try Cauliflower Mac And Cheese.
Ingredients
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/3 cup green onions thinly sliced
- 1 pound ground beef (85%)
- 3/4 cup tomato sauce (canned)
- 1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth or low-sodium beef bone broth
- 1 1/2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon monkfruit sweetener
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon prepared yellow mustard
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
- Pinch of black pepper
- Lettuce for serving (choose your favorite)
- Cheese for garnish (optional)
- Chopped Parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large frying pan, heat up the olive oil on medium-high. Add in the green onions and cook 1 minute.
- Add in the ground beef and cook until no longer pink, breaking it up as you cook it, about 5 minutes.
- Whisk all the remaining ingredients, up to the parsley, together in a bowl. Pour into the cooked beef and bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and simmer until the sauce has thickened, about 9-10 minutes.
- Spoon the mixture over lettuce and top with cheese and parsley, if desired.
- DEVOUR!
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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