Sloppy Joe Sweet Potatoes

Indulge in a delightful twist on the timeless favorite with our Sloppy Joe Sweet Potatoes recipe. This version swaps out the bun for hearty, nutrient-packed sweet potatoes. Packed with wholesome ingredients, these Sloppy Joes are a guaranteed hit for any mealtime.

This family-friendly recipe is a fresh take on the classic sloppy joe – without the bun! Instead, we use a nutrient-rich sweet potato, and I think it tastes even better than the original.

Sweet potatoes are one of nature’s sweetest little gifts to us. They’re so filling, flavorful, and inexpensive! If you love these Sloppy Joe Sweet Potatoes, you’ll adore my Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes, too! They’re hearty enough to be a whole meal, and so easy to make.

You can also try my sweet potato appetizers (that double as light dinners). Try my Loaded Sweet Potato Nachos or ulta cheesy Sweet Potato Skins, both crowd-pleasers that are unexpected twists on the originals.

Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes

If you enjoy sweet potatoes but don’t want to cover them in butter, marshmallows, or added sugar, this Sloppy Joe Sweet Potatoes recipe is perfect for you. It’s a simple recipe made from baked sweet potatoes topped with a fresh, homemade sloppy joe sauce.

Homemade sauce is so much better than a storebought can. For one thing, you select the ingredients in a fresh sauce, and can make sure your supper isn’t full of preservatives. You can also control the seasonings and adjust the spice levels.

But what I really love is the fresh flavor! You can put a homemade meal on the table that your family will devour, and it’s only going to take a few minutes.

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

Ditch the bun and serve up a healthier option instead! This recipe is a fun twist on a classic comfort food, but with a boost of nutrition. Here’s why I think you’ll love it:

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together fast, so it’s perfect for busy nights and weekend lunches.
• Healthy and Nutritious: Sweet potatoes are loaded with vitamins and fiber, and the ground turkey is full of lean protein.
• Flavorful and Customizable: This homemade sauce has a rich, smoky flavor that’s so much better than store-bought. But you can easily customize the recipe as you’d like.
• Family-Friendly: This recipe is a crowd-pleaser that adults and kids will both enjoy.

Ingredients For Sloppy Joe Sweet Potatoes

You’ll Need:

• Sweet potatoes – If you’re short on time, you can microwave your sweet potatoes for about 10 minutes instead. (Poke some holes in them first!)
• Olive oil – You can substitute avocado oil or any high-quality oil.
• Onion – A yellow or white onion will work well in this recipe.
• Garlic – Fresh garlic adds the best flavor, but you can use 1 teaspoon of garlic powder in a pinch.
• Ground turkey – Lean ground beef or ground chicken can be used as a substitute. For a meat-free version, use Beyond Meat or a veggie-based meat substitute.
• Tomato sauce – I love the smokiness of the fire-roasted tomatoes, but regular tomato sauce works too.
• Apple cider vinegar
• Tomato paste
• Chipotle chili powder – Regular chili powder will work, but chipotle chili powder gives the sauce a smoky heat that makes the sauce special.
• Dijon mustard – Stone ground mustard can make a good substitute.
• Kosher salt & freshly cracked pepper
• Green pepper – Any color bell pepper you have on hand will work.
• Jalapeno (optional) – For a kick of heat!

How to Make Sloppy Joe Sweet Potatoes

STEP ONE: Bake the sweet potatoes. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Set the sweet potatoes on a baking shet and pierce them with a fork several times. Bake the potatoes for 45 minutes or until they can be easily pierced with a fork, and the flesh is fully cooked.

STEP TWO: Saute the onion and ground tureky. Meanwhile, you can make your sauce. Add the olive oil to a hot skillet. Add the onions and cook until softened. Add the garlic and ground turkey. Cook until the turkey is browned.

STEP THREE: Finish your sauce. Add the tomato sauce, apple cider vinegar, and tomato paste, stir well. Add the chipotle chili powder, dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Finally, add the green pepper and jalapeno if using. Cook 2-3 minutes until softened.

STEP FOUR: Serve. Slice the sweet potatoes open then equally divide the sloppy joe mix between the potatoes. Serve hot!

Tips and Recipe Notes:

• Use a nice large skillet when you brown the ground turkey. If the pan is too crowded, the meat will steam instead of saute, and it won’t be as flavorful.
• Once you’ve added all the ingredients to the sloppy joe mixture, let it simmer for a few extra minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
• When you test your baked sweet potatoes for doneness, use a fork to pierce all the way through the largest potato. The fork should very easily slide right to the bottom of the potato.

What to Serve with These Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes?

Sloppy Joe Sweet Potatoes are a complete meal on their own, but you can always add a side dish or two if you’re feeling extra hungry. Here are a few ideas:

• Roasted vegetables: Roasted broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or carrots are all options that will round out the meal and taste delicious with this homemade sauce.
• Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is refreshing and goes well with the rich sloppy joe sauce.
• Cold Salads: Potato salad or coleslaw are both nice side dishes for this warm and tasty dish.

How to Store Leftovers

In the Fridge: Leftover Sloppy Joe Sweet Potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap to keep them from drying out.

In the Freezer: Yes, you can freeze leftover Sloppy Joe Sweet Potatoes for up to three months. I recommend you freeze the sauce and the baked sweet potatoes separately, if possible. Store the sauce in a Ziploc bag or freezer-safe container. Wrap the potatoes in aluminum foil, then set them in their own plastic freezer bag.

How to Reheat

If your potatoes and sauce are separated, you can heat up your potatoes in the microwave and your sauce in a skillet on the stove top. You may need to add a touch of water to thin the sauce.

If your potatoes are already topped with sauce, set them on a plate covered with plastic wrap and microwave for 45 to 60 seconds, or until hot through.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free! It’s always a good idea to double check your ingredient labels to be sure there’s no hidden sources of gluten in your spices or canned foods.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

You can make this recipe vegetarian by replacing the ground turkey with a meatless alternative. You can use Beyond Meat or a plant based meat alternative, but you can also replace the meat with 1 cup of cooked lentils or black beans. Cook your own or use canned beans to make this recipe quickly.

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