Hidden Veggie Sloppy Joes

Sneak extra nutrition into a family favorite with these delicious Hidden Veggie Sloppy Joes! Perfectly seasoned ground beef or turkey is combined with finely grated carrot, zucchini, and diced bell pepper, creating a hearty filling that’s packed with hidden vegetables for a healthy twist on a classic comfort food. A tangy, slightly sweet sauce made with tomato paste, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and a hint of brown sugar brings everything together for a flavor explosion in every bite. Ready in just 30 minutes, this kid-friendly recipe is ideal for quick weeknight dinners and makes great leftovers. Serve on toasted whole wheat buns for added texture and nutrition, and enjoy a dish that’s as wholesome as it is satisfying. Perfect for picky eaters and busy families, these nutrient-packed messy sandwiches are a win-win!

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef or turkey
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 1 large carrot, finely grated
• 1 medium zucchini, finely grated
• 1 medium bell pepper, finely diced (any color)
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 0.5 cup ketchup
• 0.25 cup low-sodium beef or vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 whole wheat burger buns or sandwich rolls

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.

Step 3

Add the ground beef or turkey to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Drain any excess grease if needed.

Step 4

Stir in the grated carrot, zucchini, and diced bell pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened.

Step 5

Add the tomato paste to the skillet, stirring to coat the meat and vegetables evenly.

Step 6

Stir in the ketchup, beef or vegetable broth, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar, mixing well.

Step 7

Season with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.

Step 8

Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens to your desired consistency.

Step 9

Toast the burger buns or sandwich rolls lightly if desired.

Step 10

Spoon the Sloppy Joe mixture onto the bottom halves of the buns, then top with the other halves.

Step 11

Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1515.5 grams (1515.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2414

Total Fat 118.70g	152%
Saturated Fat 40.80g	204%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.30g
Cholesterol 363mg	121%
Sodium 3764mg	164%
Total Carbohydrate 235.20g	86%
Dietary Fiber 27.50g	98%
Total Sugars 75.30g
Protein 117.60g	235%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 628mg	48%
Iron 25mg	137%
Potassium 3600mg	77%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 43.1%

Protein: 19.0%

Carbs: 37.9%