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

  1. Brown the ground beef in a large pan over medium-high heat and add the onion. Drain any excess grease.
  2. Reduce the heat to medium and add the green pepper, apple cider vinegar, dijon mustard, garlic, dried parsley, and salt. Mix well.
  3. 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).
  4. Place the dates into a food processor or blender, then add tomato sauce and tomato paste. Blend well then add to the ground beef.
  5. Add 2 tablespoons of the reserved date water to the pan of beef.
  6. 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