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Keto Sloppy Joes (Skillet Style) 🥘

Published: · Updated: by · 37 Comments

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These Keto Sloppy Joes, served as a skillet dinner, make for an excellent low-carb meal that's gluten-free and ideal for busy weeknights! Include this in your weekly meal plan; you won't regret it!

Keto Sloppy Joe mixture in a cast iron skillet with a serving spoon

Ready for a delicious keto and low-carb recipe? Try our Keto Sloppy Joes in skillet form!

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Where does the term "Sloppy Joe" come from?

Marilyn Brown, the Director of the Consumer Test Kitchen at H.J. Heinz, says their research at the Carnegie Library suggests that the origin of the sloppy joe lies with the "loose meat" sandwiches sold in Sioux City, Iowa, in the 1930s and were the creation of a cook named Joe. [The American Century Cookbook: The Most Popular Recipes of the 20th Century, Jean Anderson]

Food companies began producing packaged sloppy joe sauce, such as the now-famous Manwich, by the 1960s.

The Manwich sauce contains tomato puree, tomato paste, high fructose corn syrup, distilled vinegar, corn syrup, salt, sugar, carrot fiber, dried green and red bell peppers, chili pepper, guar gum, spices, xanthan gum, dried garlic, natural flavors, and citric acid. No, thank you. While not the WORST ingredient list we've ever seen, we would rather avoid toxic corn syrup and all that sugar.

Making your own is easy, let us show you how!

Preparation and cooking overview

Preparing this Keto Sloppy Joe Recipe requires only 30 minutes. Start by browning ground beef with butter, bell pepper, onion, and garlic. Then, season it with spices, crushed tomatoes, brown "sugar" substitute, Worcestershire sauce, and yellow mustard. Cook everything until well combined and heated, and you'll have a delicious low-carb meal!

Chef's note

Feel free to get creative with the Keto Sloppy Joes Skillet! Add smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a kick of heat. You can also experiment with different low-carb bread or bun options, such as lettuce wraps, low-carb tortillas, or Keto Dinner Rolls, to enjoy your sloppy joes without derailing your keto diet.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 Minutes
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Recipe Makes 4 Servings

🥘 Ingredients for this keto sloppy joes recipe

You will need the following ingredients to make these Sloppy Joes:

  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • ½ green bell pepper minced
  • ½ large yellow onion minced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • ⅔ cup crushed tomatoes
  • 3 tablespoons brown Swerve
  • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
  • ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

Ingredient substitutions

Don't have certain things in your pantry? No worries! Here are some keto-friendly substitutes you can use:

  • Unsalted butter: Use coconut oil or ghee as a keto-friendly substitute.
  • Ground beef: While ground beef gives traditional flavor to sloppy joes, you can replace it with ground turkey, chicken, pork, or a plant-based alternative like Beyond Meat.
  • Garlic powder: Use freshly minced garlic cloves for a stronger garlic taste.
  • Yellow onion: Replace yellow onion with diced shallots or red onions for a milder taste.
  • Brown Swerve: Replace with another keto-friendly brown sugar substitute like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener.
  • Yellow mustard: Use Dijon mustard as a keto-friendly substitute.
  • Worcestershire sauce: For a similar umami flavor, use coconut aminos, soy sauce, or tamari instead of Worcestershire sauce.
  • Shredded cheddar cheese: Replace with shredded mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or any other keto-friendly cheese you like.

Additional ingredients

Add some magic to your sloppy joe casserole by experimenting with these optional ingredients.

  • Cayenne pepper: For a spicy kick, add cayenne pepper while browning the ground beef.
  • Sliced mushrooms: Add sliced mushrooms for an earthy flavor and added texture.
  • Diced vegetables: Increase vegetable content by adding diced zucchini or bell peppers for extra color and nutrients.
  • Fresh basil or oregano: Sprinkle fresh basil or oregano leaves on the sloppy joes for herbal freshness.
  • Parmesan cheese: Add some grated Parmesan cheese as a topping for a savory and cheesy finish.
  • Fresh parsley: When you're ready to serve, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Cooking tools required

To make this Low Carb Sloppy Joe Recipe, you will need the following kitchen tools:

  • Large cast iron skillet
  • Spatula or wooden spoon
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Measuring spoons
  • Measuring cups
  • Plate

Tool substitutes list

  • Cast iron skillet: If you don't have one, use a large non-stick skillet or a stainless steel skillet.

How to make Keto Sloppy Joes: step-by-step guide

Cooking methods

  • Pan-searing
  • Simmering

Preparation steps

  1. Gather all the necessary ingredients for the recipe.
  2. Measure them in precise quantities.
  3. Wash the bell pepper and onion.
  4. Mince the green bell pepper, yellow onion, and garlic cloves.
  5. Open the cans of crushed tomatoes and tomato paste.

Cooking instructions

Brown ground beef

  1. Heat the butter in a 10" or larger cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook without touching it for 4 minutes to allow it to brown.
  3. Ensure the ground beef has enough space for searing instead of getting steamed.
  4. Add the spices to the skillet and use the back of a spatula to crumble the beef into smaller pieces. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until the meat is fully brown.
  5. Transfer the browned beef to a plate, but don't drain the oil from the skillet.

Simmer ground beef

  1. Add the minced green bell pepper and yellow onion in the same skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are slightly soft.
  2. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Return the browned beef to the skillet and add the remaining ingredients. Stir to combine everything well.
  4. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
  5. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the sloppy joe mix, cover the skillet, and let the cheese melt for 3-4 minutes.
  6. Serve the keto sloppy joes immediately, and enjoy!
sloppy joe mixture in cast iron skillet

Chef's pro tip

Here's a tip to get perfectly cooked ground beef every time! Heat the skillet over medium-high heat and melt the butter. Ensure the skillet is hot enough to create an ideal frying environment for a perfect brown beef mixture. A hot pan is key to achieving the desired sear and enhancing the overall flavor of your dish.

What to serve with keto sloppy joes?

You can enjoy these keto-friendly sloppy joes in various ways. Serve them on keto buns, over pasta or rice, or simply enjoy them as a main course. This recipe offers versatility and deliciousness in every bite.

  • Keto buns: Serve your sloppy joes on low-carb buns like our Keto Dinner Rolls for a delicious Manwich experience. Don't forget to sprinkle some packaged bun mix in the dough for a flavor boost.
  • Green salad: Pair your sloppy joes with a fresh side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a keto-friendly dressing.
  • Lettuce wraps: Wrap your ground beef mixture in lettuce leaves and drizzle a sauce of your choice to enjoy low-carb wraps!
  • Cauliflower rice: Enjoy your sloppy joes over a bed of Cauliflower Rice or Mashed Cauliflower for a low-carb alternative to traditional rice.
  • Roasted vegetables: Serve your sloppy joes alongside roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, zucchini, or asparagus for a complete meal experience.
  • Cucumber or celery sticks: Enjoy some crunchy freshness with sliced cucumber or celery sticks as a refreshing side option.
  • Portobello mushroom buns: Swap traditional buns with grilled mushroom caps to create keto-friendly and flavorful Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms.
  • Stuffed bell peppers: Add the beef mixture to hollowed-out bell peppers to create delicious stuffed peppers! Our Keto Stuffed Peppers will help you learn how to cook the bell peppers once you stuff them with sloppy joes!

How to make it healthier?

  • Choose lean ground beef or a vegan alternative like Beyond Meat to reduce saturated fat content.
  • Use low-sodium or no-salt-added tomato products to decrease sodium levels.
  • Increase the vegetable content by adding more minced bell peppers, onions, or other veggies of your choice.
  • Omit the brown sugar substitute to lower the overall sugar content.
  • For a vegan and plant-based diet, replace butter with Miyokos and ground beef with a vegan alternative like Beyond Meat.

Time-saving tips

  • Instead of measuring individual spices, use a pre-made sloppy joe seasoning mix for quick and easy flavor.
  • Cook a larger quantity of ground beef and freeze it for future meals. It's a great meal prep tip when you want to make sloppy joes again.

What can I prepare ahead of time?

  • Brown ground beef in advance: Cook a large batch of ground beef and store it in the refrigerator or freezer. Pre-cooked ground beef on hand will significantly reduce the cooking time when you're ready to make the sloppy joes.
  • Prepare low-carb buns: If you plan to serve the sloppy joes with keto-friendly buns, bake the buns in advance using our Keto Dinner Rolls recipe. This way, they'll be ready to use when you assemble the sandwiches.

Storage and reheating instructions

Storage tips

  • Allow the cooked dish to cool completely.
  • Transfer the sloppy joes to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag.
  • Place it in the refrigerator and consume it within 3-4 days.
  • You can freeze the sloppy joes for 2 months, repeating the same process.

Reheating tips

  • Oven: To reheat in the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the sloppy joes in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed.
  • Microwave: Transfer a portion of the sloppy joes to a microwave-safe dish. Cover loosely and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated thoroughly.
  • Stovetop: Place the sloppy joes in a skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated to your desired temperature.

Note: If frozen, thaw the dish overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Recipe wrap-up and conclusion

These Keto Sloppy Joes are a delicious and satisfying weeknight meal. Their flavorful blend of spices and tender ground beef will be a hit at your next meal. These sloppy joes are a tasty and convenient choice for anyone following a low-carb lifestyle. And the best part? They are easy to make!

Don't forget to share how it went out! We can't wait to see your creation!

Frequently asked questions

Yes, sloppy joes can be made keto-friendly by using low-carb ingredients and substituting high-carb components with keto-friendly alternatives. Our recipe is keto-friendly so that you can enjoy it guilt-free!

Yes, this recipe is gluten-free if you use gluten-free ingredients, such as gluten-free tomato paste and spices. Double-check the ingredient labels to ensure they are gluten-free if you have dietary restrictions.

You can make this recipe vegetarian or vegan by using plant-based substitutes for ground meat, such as Beyond Meat or textured vegetable protein (TVP). Adjust the seasonings and cooking time as needed.

To enjoy a sloppy joe without bread, you can choose low-carb alternatives such as lettuce wraps or portobello mushroom caps as a bread replacement.

Absolutely! You can use keto sweeteners like erythritol, monk fruit, or stevia for this recipe.

Absolutely! You have several options for using different ground meat instead of beef. Ground pork, chicken, turkey, or even plant-based alternatives like Beyond Meat can be used as an alternative. Just adjust the cooking time and seasonings to suit the chosen ground meat.

The complete nutritional breakdown, including the total carbs and net carbs, can be found at the bottom of the recipe card. Please note that values may vary depending on the specific ingredients used, so it's recommended to double-check with the brands you're using for accurate information.

📖 Recipe

Keto Sloppy Joe mixture in a cast iron skillet with a serving spoon

Keto Sloppy Joes (Skillet Style)

These Keto Sloppy Joes are made in the form of a tasty skillet dinner! Check out the recipe to learn various ways on how to serve the Sloppy Joe mixture!
4.70 from 63 votes
Print Rate Pin Recipe
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: 30-minute, beef recipe, easy, ground beef, keto, keto sloppy joes, sloppy joes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 510kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • ½ green bell pepper minced
  • ½ large yellow onion minced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • ⅔ cup crushed tomatoes
  • 3 tablespoons brown Swerve
  • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
  • ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Brown ground beef

  • Heat the butter in a 10" or larger cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook without touching it for 4 minutes to allow it to brown.
  • Ensure the ground beef has enough space for searing instead of getting steamed.
  • Add the spices to the skillet and use the back of a spatula to crumble the beef into smaller pieces. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until the meat is fully brown.
  • Transfer the browned beef to a plate, but don't drain the oil from the skillet.

Simmer ground beef

  • Add the minced green bell pepper and yellow onion in the same skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are slightly soft.
  • Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  • Return the browned beef to the skillet and add the remaining ingredients. Stir to combine everything well.
  • Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
  • Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the sloppy joe mix, cover the skillet, and let the cheese melt for 3-4 minutes.
  • Serve the keto sloppy joes immediately, and enjoy!

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Keto Sloppy Joes (Skillet Style)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 510 Calories from Fat 360
% Daily Value*
Fat 40g62%
Saturated Fat 19g119%
Cholesterol 133mg44%
Sodium 699mg30%
Potassium 512mg15%
Carbohydrates 6g2%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 3g3%
Protein 31g62%
Vitamin A 1057IU21%
Vitamin C 18mg22%
Calcium 333mg33%
Iron 3mg17%
*

Nutritional values are estimates only and do not include carbs from sugar alcohols.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Gina says

    thank you, thank you, thank you...Sloppy Joe's are one of my favorite comfort foods and I've missed it so much on keto...can't wait to make!

    Reply

  2. Elaine says

    Looks good! But what's crushed tomato ketchup?

    Reply

    • Alex Lester says

      Ha, that would be a typo. Thanks for pointing that out! It's supposed to be just crushed tomatoes.

      Reply

  3. Andrea says

    Hi! Is it 344 k per serving? And what is the serving size? Thank you

    Reply

    • Alex Lester says

      The nutritional info is per serving, the serving amount can be found at the top of each recipe card. Hope this helps!

      Reply

      • Tina says

        I see the nutritional info, but what is the actual serving size? 1/2c? 2/3c?

        Reply

  4. Judie says

    Love your recipes,,but, I am suddenly getting your videos covering most of the recipe I’m trying to read! No way to get it off! Help!

    Reply

  5. Amanda Edler says

    Hands down my favorite for my whole family.

    Reply

  6. Melanie Lauck. says

    5 stars
    excellant

    Reply

    • Anonymous says

      5 stars
      We loved it!

      Reply

  7. Mary Jackson says

    5 stars
    This was outstanding.

    Reply

  8. Tanya says

    5 stars
    This is yummy! Can’t wait to serve it later on some wonder bread chaffles!

    Reply

  9. Teresa says

    5 stars
    Great recipe! My family loved them and my husband said they were better than Manwich by far. Thank you!

    Reply

  10. cheryl m walker says

    5 stars
    Dude, this is so good. We ate them on keto buns and it was transformational for a weeknight meal. Also, the men loved it so much I’m gonna call them men-wiches or something like that. Thanks for the recipe.

    Reply

  11. Stephanie Hohmann says

    5 stars
    Delicious!!! Added a bit of cayenne and used petite diced tomatoes instead of crushed because that is what I had on hand.

    Reply

  12. Annamarie says

    How is this low carb? Since there was no serving size listed I figured the whole recipe myself. I used everything as listed. Assuming a half cup portion, it is at least 65 carbs! Please explain 6 carbs!!

    Reply

    • Cast Iron Keto says

      Hi Annamarie, as stated at the top of the nutritional card, the nutritional information listed is per serving. The recipe card lists the servings at 4. Even if you ate the entire pan, there would only be 24 total carbs and 20 net carbs.

      Reply

  13. Carolyn Sellers says

    Recipes sound delicious, but I'm not suppose to eat any citric acid, which is in tomatoes.

    Do you know a way of making similar RECIPE without the tomatoes or paste or sauce with tomatoes?

    Reply

    • Cast Iron Keto says

      Hi Carolyn, I've seen a few people use beets in place of tomatoes - could be an option?

      Reply

  14. Carolyn Kraintz says

    5 stars
    Loved it!

    Reply

  15. Michelle LeBlanc says

    5 stars
    Oh this was SO good!!! I only deviated from the cast iron pan (I don't have one) but these Sloppy Joe's turned out just fine. I put together buns from a low carb hamburger bun mix, and yes used pre-separated egg whites, the Sloppy Joe mix came together in no time and dinner was served! Sliced pickles on the side, easy peasy. Thanks for the tip for cooking the ground beef; I'll do this from now on.

    Reply

  16. LaDonna says

    5 stars
    Excellent! I was out of swerve so I subbed 2 tbsp of coconut sugar and for the crushed tomatoes I used 8oz can of plain tomato sauce. Also I made keto hamburger buns to go with it. This recipe is a keeper!

    Reply

  17. Denise says

    Made this for my family and they absolutely loved it. This is one for my recipe book.
    Thank you

    Reply

  18. Jim McManus says

    I have no idea what you mean by "back of the spatula". The bottom? The handle? They don't really have a front or back.

    Reply

  19. Susan says

    I have made this a few times now. OMG, it is sooooo good. I cut the swerve by 1/2 tbl spoon. I have had it over mashed cauliflower, keto bread, spaghetti squash and LOVE it all. My hubby won't even ]eat the traditional recipe anymore, he loves this and the grandkids think it's awesome.

    Reply

  20. NICOLE says

    5 stars
    AMAZING!!

    Reply

  21. Christine says

    This is really good but if you don’t like spicy. Back off of the red pepper flakes

    Reply

  22. jess says

    Recipe claims gluten-free but worcestershire sauce is usually NOT gluten free. Just a heads up for people making this for a celiac / gluten intolerant person.

    Reply

    • Cast Iron Keto says

      Actually, Worcestershire sauce is usually gluten-free with the most common household brand being Lea & Perrins. We expect that if someone is gluten-free, they know to choose gluten-free ingredients. You can also sub in tamari for the Worcestershire sauce as well. Thanks for your note!

      Reply

  23. Shannon says

    Used red bell pepper and a jalapeno. Did not use the brown sugar (brown swerve), replaced with Splenda and still came out good. Serving over mashed cauliflower. Thanks!

    Reply

  24. Jodi says

    5 stars
    Great recipe turned out yummy

    Reply

  25. Bec says

    Hi Alex,
    This recipe looks fantastic and I plan to make it tonight. I just thought you should know that the accessibility menu you have on your site doesn't work.... it never loads. I'm visually challenged and was hoping to use the tool to help because the font in your recipe card is so small.

    At any rate, I'm new to the keto diet, so I'll be back to rate your recipe after I try it!

    Reply

    • Cast Iron Keto says

      Hi Bec, we appreciate you bringing this to our attention! The accessibility menu is working for us on Chrome, would you mind sharing if you're on desktop, mobile, or tablet and the browser you're using so we can troubleshoot? We're sorry you're having issues but we'll do our best to get it fixed asap. Thanks!

      Reply

  26. Mary says

    5 stars
    Thank you! This recipe is delicious and I plan on using it as a staple in my recipes.

    Reply

  27. BrittanyL. says

    5 stars
    Kids and I love this recipe!! It’s my go to any time we make sloppy joes! My boys use buns but my daughter and I eat it with a salad or by itself with cheese.

    Reply

  28. Karen says

    5 stars
    Wow…this was really great, followed the recipe almost to a Tee…I ended up putting a 14oz can of crushed tomatoes verses 2/3 cup….didn’t want to waste them…this was delicious!!..the whole family loved it…I’ll be making this more often and have put it in my Keto recipes !

    Reply

  29. Frances says

    The link to this said it was, Blueberry hot fudge cake. Would like the recipe for that. I will try the sloppy Joe's.

    Reply

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