Sloppy Joes are a mealtime classic! Try this recipe for a healthier take that provides a well-balanced meal for the entire family.
Pro Tip: I like to double the recipe and freeze half for those hectic weeks that don’t allow for extra meal prep time!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or your choice of ground meat/poultry)
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 3/4 cup chopped green pepper
- 1 8oz can tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 1/2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 5 medjool dates, pitted (I prefer to use 3 dates)
- 2/3 cup water (reserved)
- sweet potatoes (or russet potatoes), baked
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a large pan over medium-high heat and add the onion. Drain any excess grease.
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the green pepper, apple cider vinegar, dijon mustard, garlic, dried parsley, and salt. Mix well.
- Meanwhile, in a separate small pot, bring 2/3 cup of water to a boil and add the dates. Boil 30-60 seconds, just long enough to soften the dates. Remove the dates from the pot (reserving the water for later).
- Place the dates into a food processor or blender, then add tomato sauce and tomato paste. Blend well then add to the ground beef.
- Add 2 tablespoons of the reserved date water to the pan of beef.
- Serve sloppy joe mixture on top of baked sweet or russet potato and garnish with green onions (or parmesan cheese as pictured).
Recipe modified from: Physical Kitchness
![IMG_1222](https://www.integrativewi.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/IMG_1222.jpeg)