What’s for Dinner? The Most FLAVORFUL Sloppy Joe’s

I can’t believe I haven’t blogged this recipe before. It’s one of my fall/winter favorites that freezes and reheats in the microwave perfectly.

I would never say that sloppy joe’s were a favorite of mine, but this recipe is very unique. There’s a ton of veggies snuck in there, so this is great for kids or if you’re looking for a healthier option of the classic. With a variety of textures and flavors, you’ve never had sloppy joe’s like these before. In fact, I also enjoy eating this like chili, with fritos, straight from the bowl. No matter how you choose to enjoy this recipe, I hope it becomes one of your favorites, too.

I will warn you…there’s a lot of chopping ahead. You can do it!


***Also, this is a massive recipe, one for us to eat on for a couple days and then freeze a bunch for later. Feel free to halve this recipe!

Ingredients:
-2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
-4 lbs ground meat (I do half turkey, half chuck….do what you love)
-2 yellow onions
-6 bell peppers (the more colors, the prettier it is)
-2 poblano chilis
-6 celery stalks
-8 tablespoons minced garlic, or 8 cloves
-1 tablespoon cajun seasoning
-2 tablespoons chili powder
-1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper
-2.5 cups of your favorite bbq sauce (I use Sweet Baby Ray’s)
-1/2 cup ketchup
-2 tablespoons dijon mustard
-4 teaspoons Worcestershire
-2 tablespoons honey
-2 tablespoons brown sugar
-2 tablespoons agave
-1/2 cup water
-4 teaspoons red wine vinegar (or apple cider)
-1 cup cilantro (or any other favorite herb, such as parsley)

Directions:
1. Chop all the veggies…you can skip arm day for this.
2. In a LARGE bowl, add your EVOO, all ground meat and all chopped veggies minus the garlic and cilantro. Cook on medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the meat is cooked.
3. Add the garlic, stir, and cook for another couple minutes.
4. Add the cajun seasoning, chili powder, salt and pepper. Stir well.
5. Add the bbq, ketchup, dijon, water, honey, agave, brown sugar, and
Worcestershire. Stir until it comes to a light boil, then turn the heat down to medium low. Let it cook for 15 minutes.
6. Add the red wine vinegar and cilantro. Let it cook another 15 minutes.
7. Turn the heat off and let it cool for 15 minutes.
8. Enjoy on a toasted bun or however you like!

The Most Flavorful Sloppy Joe’s!

This is a fantastic recipe to use with your kids (or adults) who don't love veggies. These sloppy joe's are packed with veggies without giving themselves away.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 1 day 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 lbs ground meat I do half turkey, half chuck
  • 2 yellow onions
  • 6 bell peppers use ALL the colors!
  • 2 poblano chilis
  • 6 celery stalks
  • 8 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp cajun seasoning
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground black pepper
  • 2.5 cups bbq sauce I use Sweet Baby Ray's Original
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 2 tbsp dijon mustard
  • 4 tsp Worcestershire
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 2 tbsp agave
  • 1/2 cup water or beef broth if you want to make it even better
  • 4 tsp red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup chopped cilantro

Instructions
 

  • Chop all the veggies…you can skip arm day for this.
  • In a LARGE bowl, add your EVOO, all ground meat and all chopped veggies minus the garlic and cilantro. Cook on medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the meat is cooked.
  • Add the garlic, stir, and cook for another couple minutes.
  • Add the cajun seasoning, chili powder, salt and pepper. Stir well.
  • Add the bbq, ketchup, dijon, water, honey, agave, brown sugar, and Worcestershire. Stir until it comes to a light boil, then turn the heat down to medium low. Let it cook for 15 minutes.
  • Add the red wine vinegar and cilantro. Let it cook another 15 minutes.
  • Turn the heat off and let it cool for 15 minutes.

Video

Keyword sloppy joe, healthy, vegetables, hide veggies, flavorful, recipe, amy westerman

What’s For Dinner? Colorful Couscous

You know how you have your go-to recipes for quick dishes that are always reliably delicious. This one is one of mine. It is couscous with lots of veggies and flavor and it is SO easy, and healthy. Wanna give it a try? Here’s the recipe.

Recipe Video


Ingredients
-1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
-4 bell peppers (use as many colors as you can)
-3 medium shallots
-2 tablespoons minced garlic (2 large cloves)
-1 cup chicken or vegetable stock
-1 egg (optional)
-1 cup couscous
-1 teaspoon salt
-1 teaspoon pepper

Directions
1. Finely chop your bell peppers, shallots, and garlic.
2. On medium heat, put your extra virgin olive oil in a sautee pan. Add your chopped bell peppers and shallots and stir occasionally for about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add your minced garlic and stir occasionally for another 2-3 minutes.
4. Add your salt and pepper while veggies are sauteeing.
5. After 2-3 minutes, add your stock and turn the heat up to medium high until
boiling.
6. Add your couscous and turn the heat off. Stir to make sure the couscous is
evenly covered in the stock. Put a lid on, and let sit for 5-6 minutes.
7. Use a fork to fluff up the finished product and enjoy!
Bonus: Add a fried egg to the top to make it extra decadent. 

Colorful Couscous

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Course Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine Mediterranean

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 bell peppers use as many colors as you can
  • 3 medium shallots
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced or 2 tbsps minced garlic
  • 1 cup chicken or vegetable stock
  • 1 egg (optional)
  • 1 cup couscous
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Finely chop your bell peppers, shallots, and garlic.
  • On medium heat, put your extra virgin olive oil in a sautee pan. Add your chopped bell peppers and shallots and stir occasionally for about 2-3 minutes.
  • Add your minced garlic and stir occasionally for another 2-3 minutes.
  • Add your salt and pepper while veggies are sauteeing.
  • After 2-3 minutes, add your stock and turn the heat up to medium high until boiling.
  • Add your couscous and turn the heat off. Stir to make sure the couscous is evenly covered in the stock. Put a lid on, and let sit for 5-6 minutes.
  • Use a fork to fluff up the finished product and enjoy! Bonus: Add a fried egg to the top to make it extra decadent. 
Keyword colorful couscous, couscous, vegetables, recipe, amy westerman,