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.

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)

Description

These Keto Sloppy Joes bring all the comforting, saucy goodness of the classic dish—without the carbs! Juicy, seasoned ground beef is simmered in a rich, tangy, and slightly sweet sauce, then served on a keto-friendly bun or lettuce wrap. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or whenever you’re craving something hearty and satisfying without the guilt!

Ingredients

Scale

Sloppy Joe Filling

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

For Serving

4 keto-friendly buns (or lettuce wraps for a low-carb option)

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Brown the Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease if needed.
Simmer the Sauce
Stir in the tomato paste, sugar-free ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Pour in the beef broth and stir well. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
Taste & Adjust
Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning if needed. For extra tang, add a splash of vinegar. For more heat, sprinkle in some cayenne pepper.
Serve & Enjoy
Spoon the Sloppy Joe filling onto keto buns, lettuce wraps, or a bed of cauliflower rice. Enjoy immediately!

Notes

Make it extra thick – If you prefer a thicker consistency, let the sauce simmer longer or add a pinch of xanthan gum.
Customize the spice level – Add hot sauce or extra chili powder for more heat.
Slow Cooker Option – Brown the beef first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
Storage Tip – The flavors improve over time, making this an excellent meal prep option!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: keto sloppy joes, low-carb sloppy joes, keto ground beef recipes, easy keto dinner