Keto Sloppy Joes Recipe: Easy, Low-Carb & Ready in 30 Minutes

Name: Keto Sloppy Joes Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend for the best flavor); ½ cup diced onion; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp tomato paste; ⅓ cup sugar-free ketchup; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; ½ cup beef broth; 1 tsp smoked paprika; ½ tsp chili powder; ½ tsp salt (or to taste); ¼ tsp black pepper; 4 keto-friendly buns (or lettuce wraps for a low-carb option)

Jump to Recipe

These Keto Sloppy Joes are the ultimate comfort food minus the carbs! Think juicy, flavorful ground beef simmered in a rich, tangy, and slightly sweet sauce, piled high on a keto-friendly bun (or a clever low-carb alternative!). This dish delivers all the nostalgic flavors of a classic Sloppy Joe while keeping things low-carb, high-protein, and totally satisfying. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, meal prep, or whenever you’re craving something hearty without the guilt!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

All the classic flavors, minus the carbs – You still get that savory, sweet, and tangy goodness, but in a keto-friendly way.
Quick & easy – Ready in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
Great for meal prep – The flavors get even better as they sit, so it’s ideal for make-ahead lunches.
Versatile serving options – Enjoy it over lettuce wraps, keto buns, or even cauliflower mash!

Ingredients

(Note: Exact measurements are in the recipe card below!)

Ground beef – The star of the show! Opt for an 80/20 blend for the best flavor.
Onion & garlic – The ultimate flavor boosters that add depth and aroma.
Tomato paste – For that rich, umami-packed base.
Sugar-free ketchup – Adds sweetness without the carbs.
Worcestershire sauce – Brings a delicious tang and umami kick.
Beef broth – Helps create a luscious, thick sauce.
Smoked paprika & chili powder – Give the Sloppy Joes a warm, smoky depth.
Salt & pepper – To balance and enhance all the flavors.
Keto-friendly buns or lettuce wraps – Your choice of vessel for enjoying this deliciousness!

👉 Full ingredient measurements are listed in the recipe card below!

How to Make Keto Sloppy Joes

Cooking process of keto sloppy joes, showing ground beef simmering in a rich, low-carb tomato sauce. — Follow this easy step-by-step guide to making the perfect Keto Sloppy Joes – juicy, saucy, and packed with flavor!

Sauté the aromatics – In a hot skillet, cook the onion until soft, then add the garlic for that irresistible fragrance.
Brown the beef – Add the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks, until browned and no longer pink.
Simmer the sauce – Stir in tomato paste, sugar-free ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings. Pour in the beef broth and let everything simmer until thick and rich.
Taste & adjust – Give it a taste and tweak the seasoning if needed. Want more tang? Add a splash of vinegar. More heat? A pinch of cayenne will do the trick!
Serve & enjoy – Spoon the mixture onto keto buns, lettuce wraps, or even a bed of mashed cauliflower for a fun twist.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Use fresh garlic – Freshly minced garlic gives a much bolder flavor than pre-minced or powdered.
Let it simmer – The longer the sauce simmers, the deeper the flavors develop. If you have time, let it cook for an extra 10 minutes!
Make it extra thick – If you prefer a thicker consistency, let the sauce reduce longer or sprinkle in a tiny bit of xanthan gum.
Customize the spice – Like it spicier? Add a dash of hot sauce or extra chili powder.

How to Serve Keto Sloppy Joes

There are so many delicious ways to enjoy these Keto Sloppy Joes, whether you’re craving a classic experience or looking for a fun low-carb twist. Here are some tasty serving ideas:

1. Classic Keto Sloppy Joes on a Low-Carb Bun

If you want that nostalgic Sloppy Joe experience, serve the filling on a toasted keto bun. You can use store-bought low-carb hamburger buns or make your own at home. Toasting the bun with a little butter in a skillet gives it a nice crisp texture, helping it hold up to the saucy filling. Add a slice of cheese or some pickles for an extra flavor boost!

2. Keto Sloppy Joes Lettuce Wraps (Low-Carb & Crunchy)

For a fresh, crunchy alternative, scoop the Sloppy Joe mixture into large butter lettuce leaves, romaine leaves, or iceberg cups. Lettuce wraps keep things light and refreshing while adding a satisfying crunch. Plus, they’re super easy to eat with your hands just like a taco!

3. Keto Sloppy Joes Bowl Over Cauliflower Rice

For a heartier, fork-and-knife version, serve the Sloppy Joe filling over a bowl of steamed or roasted cauliflower rice. This turns the dish into a comforting Keto Sloppy Joes bowl while keeping it keto-friendly. Drizzle with extra sauce and top with shredded cheese or chopped green onions for even more flavor.

4. Stuffed Keto Sloppy Joes in Bell Peppers

For a fun, keto-friendly twist, use hollowed-out bell peppers as edible bowls. Fill each pepper with the Sloppy Joe mixture, sprinkle with shredded cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted. This method adds a slight sweetness and crunch from the roasted bell peppers while keeping things low-carb and delicious!

Make Ahead and Storage

A glass meal prep container filled with keto sloppy joe mixture, ready for refrigeration or freezing. — Meal prep made easy! Store your Keto Sloppy Joes in the fridge or freezer for a quick and delicious meal anytime.

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors get even better as they sit!

Freezing

Sloppy Joe filling freezes beautifully! Let it cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Reheat in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed. For a quick fix, the microwave works too—just heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works great, though it’s leaner, so you might want to add a little extra fat (like olive oil or butter) to keep things juicy.

What can I use instead of keto buns?

Lettuce wraps, cloud bread, or even chaffles (cheese waffles) make amazing low-carb alternatives!

Is Worcestershire sauce keto-friendly?

Most brands contain a small amount of sugar, but since we’re using just a little, it won’t impact the carb count much. If you prefer, you can swap it for coconut aminos or apple cider vinegar.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the beef first, then add everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours for an ultra-rich flavor.

More Delicious Recipes to Try

If you love this Keto Sloppy Joes Recipe, here are some other tasty dishes and helpful cooking tips you might enjoy:

Ever wondered what’s in Chicken Salad Chick’s famous chicken salad? Find out the secret ingredients and how to make it at home! 👉 What Is Chicken Salad Chick Chicken Salad Made Of?
Comfort food lovers, this one’s for you! This twist on a classic pot pie features a flaky, cheesy biscuit topping. Don’t miss it! 👉 The Best Cheddar Bay Biscuit Chicken Pot Pie
Struggling with runny queso? Here are five foolproof ways to thicken your smoked queso dip! 👉 How to Fix Runny Smoked Queso – 5 Easy Ways to Thicken Your Dip
Want to level up your quinoa game? Check out these creative ways to make quinoa taste amazing! 👉 How Do You Pimp Up Quinoa?

And there you have it Keto Sloppy Joes that are every bit as saucy, flavorful, and satisfying as the classic version, just without the carb overload! Whether you pile it onto a keto bun, scoop it into a lettuce wrap, or get creative with cauliflower rice, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Trust me, once you taste that rich, savory, slightly tangy sauce, you won’t even miss the traditional bun. Plus, it’s quick, easy, and perfect for meal prep what’s not to love?

So go ahead, whip up a batch, and let me know how you serve yours! Happy cooking!