A Grownup Version of an American Classic – Sloppy Joes

by Kristi Rimkus on August 6, 2012


According to Wikipedia, a Sioux City cook named Joe, was looking for a change from the typical loose meat sandwich. Inspiration hit and he conjured up this meaty sandwich swimming in a spicy tomato sauce.

(I realize Wikipedia isn’t necessarily the best source for quoting information, but in this case I think I’m safe.)

Grownup Sloppy Joes

Grownup Sloppy Joes

My mom would make this kid pleasing meal for us, and I carried on that tradition with my kids. After all, Sloppy Joes were cost friendly – you could make enough to serve a crowd and everyone would be happy.

Grownup Sloppy Joes

Grownup Sloppy Joes

Grownup Sloppy Joes

Grownup Sloppy Joes

In the mood for some happy memories, I decided to whip up a healthier version of this classic American dish.

Technically, this probably can’t be considered a Sloppy Joe Sandwich since there’s no bread involved, but the sauce was reminiscent enough to make me happy.

My version is loaded with bite-sized pieces of summer squash, fire roasted tomatoes and extra lean ground beef. A little red wine and savory Worcestershire add a grownup appeal to the sauce.

Grownup Sloppy Joes

Grownup Sloppy Joes

This savory sauce was the perfect topping for creamy Yukon Gold potatoes. Leftovers were served the next day in true sandwich form, and even better once that earthy sauce had a chance to sit overnight.

You could easily swap the lean ground beef for ground turkey or chicken, but I prefer beef. It seems to go better with Sloppy Joe sauce.

Happy, healthy cooking!

Grownup Sloppy Joes
Ingredients
  • 6 medium yukon gold potatoes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cups onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups yellow squash, cubed
  • 2 cups zucchini, cubed
  • 4 cups extra lean beef, cooked and drained
  • 1 can fire roasted diced tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1 pinch red pepper
  • 2 large bay leaf
  • ½ cup red wine
  • 6 tablespoons low fat cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 6 tablespoons low fat sour cream
Instructions
  1. Preheat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Add onions and garlic and cook for 5 minutes until softened.
  2. Add remaining ingredients except potatoes and simmer for 30 minutes until sauce reduces and vegetables are tender.
  3. Meanwhile, microwave potatoes on high until tender.
  4. Remove bay leaves from meat mixture.
  5. Split potatoes in half and mash the inside with a fork.
  6. Top each potato with sauce, 1 tablespoon of cheese and 1 tablespoon of sour cream.
Serving size: 6
Notes

Calories: 388
Weight Watchers PointsPlus 10
Total Fat: 8.92g
Cholesterol: 58mg
Sodium: 246mg
Total Carbs: 49.98g
Dietary Fiber: 5.06g
Sugars: 6.57g
Protein: 26.95g

If you’re looking for more healthy and low calorie Weight Watchers recipes, check out my Recipe page. You’ll find hundreds of recipes that include nutrition information and Weight Watchers points. 

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Please see disclaimer for further details. Nutrition information is compiled with MacGourmet. If you find discrepancies, please let me know. It’s important to  me that I provide you with accurate information.

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{ 19 comments… read them below or add one }

Hester @ Alchemy in the Kitchen August 6, 2012 at 8:31 am

It is cold and raining hard and this is the perfect comfort food, Kristi. Thanks for the info. I’ve always wondered what a sloppy Joe is!
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krimkus August 6, 2012 at 8:29 pm

Seattle is finally seeing some sun and we are enjoying every minute. I hope your rain lets up soon.

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Jess August 6, 2012 at 3:06 pm

This looks great! I actually just had a “healthified” sloppy joe using ground turkey breast, lots of vegetables and a whole grain sandwich thin. I like that this takes a traditional sloppy joe sandwich and turns it into a comforting casserole-type meal!
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krimkus August 6, 2012 at 8:24 pm

I love those sandwich thins, don’t you? I can make a sandwich with half the amount of bread. :)

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Cucina49 August 6, 2012 at 4:48 pm

I really don’t think the bread is what a good sloppy Joe is about–it’s all about the filling. These look so much better lightened up!
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krimkus August 6, 2012 at 7:19 pm

I agree, but I’m a potato fan so I was plenty happy. :)

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Juliana August 7, 2012 at 8:04 am

Oh Kristi, this look good, and I love the idea of topping this flavorful meat on a potato…what a great meal.
Thanks for the inspiration and have a wonderful week :)
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krimkus August 8, 2012 at 7:14 pm

Hi Julianna! Have a good week too. :)

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torviewtoronto August 8, 2012 at 3:03 am

lovely meal looks wonderful
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Purabi Naha August 9, 2012 at 7:21 am

Heard so much about this dish, although I have never tried it at home. I loved your version! YUMMM!!!

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krimkus August 12, 2012 at 8:19 am

If you want to make the classic version, Pioneer Woman has a good recipe. Have a terrific Sunday. :)

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Katerina August 9, 2012 at 7:47 am

Although I lived in the States I never tried Sloppy Joes. Seeing what you made I realized what I missed!
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krimkus August 12, 2012 at 8:18 am

If you want to try a classic version of Sloppy Joes the Pioneer Woman has a classic recipe. Have a terrific Sunday Katerina!

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Anita at Hungry Couple August 11, 2012 at 9:25 pm

I also prefer lean beef and I also don’t usually serve this as a sandwich. Spooned over potatoes is great but I also like to serve it over roasted squash. Yummy and healthy. :)
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krimkus August 12, 2012 at 8:10 am

Great idea – I bet it would be good over spaghetti squash too. Have a terrific Sunday. :)

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Chaya August 15, 2012 at 7:27 am

I do like your version, much better, than the way, I used to make it. This has to be my new way with tons of veggies.

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krimkus August 22, 2012 at 8:02 pm

You know me, I’m all about the veggies. :)

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krimkus August 23, 2012 at 6:21 am

It was good on the potatoes, but my husband liked it best on a bun. Enjoy the rest of your week. :)

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Joy August 18, 2012 at 10:22 pm

The sandwich looks great.
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