Slow Cooker Whole30 Paleo Gluten-Free Sugar-Free Sloppy Joes Recipe
A flavorful and healthy twist on the classic Sloppy Joes, this recipe uses ground beef simmered in a tangy, savory sauce made with Whole30-approved ketchup, coconut aminos, and other paleo-friendly ingredients. Prepared in a slow cooker, it’s perfect for an easy weeknight meal or meal prep, served over baked potatoes, spaghetti squash, or your favorite low-carb sides.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1–1.5 pounds ground beef
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 green pepper, stem and seeds removed and finely diced
- 1 white onion, finely diced
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup Primal Kitchen Ketchup
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons coconut aminos
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Sauté Meat and Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef, minced garlic, diced green pepper, and diced onion. Begin to crumble and brown the ground beef while sautéing the vegetables to develop flavor.
- Prepare Slow Cooker Sauce: While the beef is browning, combine the ketchup, beef broth, coconut aminos, tomato paste, dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in the slow cooker. Stir well to blend all ingredients.
- Drain Excess Liquid: After about 6-8 minutes, transfer the beef mixture into a strainer to drain the excess grease and water released from the vegetables. The beef does not need to be fully cooked; leaving some pink is acceptable to prevent overcooking and maintain moisture.
- Combine and Slow Cook: Transfer the drained beef and vegetables into the slow cooker with the prepared sauce. Stir thoroughly to combine everything evenly.
- Cook Slowly: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours. During the last 30-45 minutes, slightly tilt the lid to allow steam to escape, preventing the sauce from becoming watery.
- Serve: Spoon over baked potatoes, mashed potatoes, spaghetti squash, sweet potatoes, or use as a filling for sliders or a sloppy joe-style sandwich on buns.
Notes
- Easily double this recipe to serve more people or for freezer-friendly meal prep.
- For a quicker version, you can make sloppy joes in an Instant Pot following separate instructions.
- Use gluten-free and paleo-approved ingredients to keep the recipe Whole30-compliant.
- Do not overcook the beef on the stovetop initially to retain moisture and flavor.
