Can I make healthy sloppy joes in a slow cooker?

Yes. After browning the ground beef and draining any excess fat, just add all your ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours. This works great for weight watchers crockpot meals or meal prep days when you want dinner ready without standing at the stove.

What can I use instead of buns for low-carb sloppy joes?

If you're cutting carbs, you’ve got options. Lettuce wraps (romaine or butter lettuce), grilled portobello mushrooms, low-carb tortillas, or even just a bowl and fork work fine. These swaps keep the sloppy joe recipe keto-friendly and perfect for gluten free sloppy joe lovers too.

How do I make low sodium sloppy joes taste good without salt?

Flavor doesn't need a ton of salt. Use garlic, onion, vinegar, mustard, and smoked paprika to build layers. A no salt seasoning blend helps too. Sugar-free ketchup and Worcestershire sauce add tang and depth without raising sodium, making this one of those low salt meals that still tastes rich and satisfying.

Low-Carb Sloppy Joes For Keto Diet: Real Food, Real Flavor

Low-Carb Sloppy Joes Recipe

Print Recipe

A simple and healthy sloppy joe recipe made with lean ground beef, no sugar, and no salt seasoning. Perfect for keto diet dinner ideas, low sodium meals, and busy weeknights. This dish is full of classic sloppy joe flavor without the carbs or extra salt.

Author: Jane Summerfield
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American, Keto, Low-Carb
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

1 lb lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15)
½ medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ green bell pepper, chopped (optional)
1 tbsp tomato paste
½ cup sugar-free ketchup
1 tbsp yellow or Dijon mustard
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (low sodium, if needed)
½ tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Pinch of stevia or erythritol (optional)

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Instructions

Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook for 4–5 minutes until soft.
Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes.
Add ketchup, mustard, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, pepper, and sweetener.
Reduce heat and simmer for 10–15 minutes until thick. Add water if it gets too dry.
Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve in lettuce wraps, on low-carb buns, or as-is in a bowl.

Notes

Use no salt seasoning for a true low-sodium version.
Works well in a slow cooker—just brown the beef and dump everything in.
Add hot sauce or jalapeños for extra heat.
Stores great in the fridge for 4 days or freeze for later.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 290 Sugar: 2g Sodium: 180mg (varies by ingredients) Fat: 20g Saturated Fat: 7g Unsaturated Fat: 11g Trans Fat: 0g Carbohydrates: 6g Fiber: 2g Protein: 22g Cholesterol: 70mg

Find it online: https://www.wellnesswarrior.org/low-carb-sloppy-joes/