Keto Sloppy Joes

This Keto Sloppy Joes recipe is the perfect weeknight dinner, ready in just 30 minutes. Juicy ground beef simmered in a rich, sugar-free sauce and served on low-carb buns—quick, simple, and totally satisfying.

If you haven’t tried Sloppy Joes yet, now’s the time! Loaded with bold, delicious flavors and ready in just minutes, this recipe is a go-to when you’re juggling a busy day and need something quick and satisfying.

Sweet, smoky, and perfectly seasoned, this homemade Keto Sloppy Joes recipe is made in one skillet for easy cleanup. Pair it with your favorite sides, and you’ve got a complete, mouthwatering dinner that everyone will love.

What Are Sloppy Joes?

Sloppy Joes are a classic American sandwich, also popular in Canada, made with ground beef cooked in a rich, tangy sauce. The sauce typically includes ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and a mix of seasonings, all simmered together until it’s perfectly messy and delicious. Served on a soft hamburger bun, it’s a simple, hearty meal that’s packed with flavor.

Are Sloppy Joes Keto?

Traditional Sloppy Joes aren’t keto-friendly because they’re often made with sugar and other high-carb ingredients. But this keto-friendly homemade Sloppy Joe’s sauce recipe has only 8g net carbs per serving! Made with naturally low-carb ingredients, it’s the perfect option for a hearty, satisfying keto dinner without all the carbs.

Ingredients Needed

You will need only a few ingredients to create this easy keto sloppy joes recipe. Here is a complete list of everything you will need:

• Butter: A touch of butter adds richness and flavor, perfect for sautéing the veggies and getting that golden brown goodness in the pan.
• Ground beef (80/20): For the juiciest Sloppy Joes, I go with 80/20 ground beef. It’s got the perfect balance of fat and lean meat, giving you that rich flavor without being greasy.
• Yellow onion: Onions are a must for that savory depth. I use yellow onions because they soften up beautifully and add a little sweetness to balance the sauce.
• Green bell pepper: Green bell peppers bring a nice crunch and freshness. Plus, they add a little color and texture to the mix!
• Garlic: Fresh garlic makes everything better. It brings out a rich, aromatic flavor that’s hard to beat in this dish.
• Sugar-free ketchup: I’m all about Heinz No Sugar Added Ketchup here. You get all the tangy, tomatoey goodness without the sugar, and it keeps things keto-friendly.
• Water: Just a splash of water helps loosen up the sauce and makes it extra saucy without diluting the flavor.
• Worcestershire sauce: This is my secret weapon for adding depth. Worcestershire brings that perfect umami hit that makes the sauce even more irresistible.
• Yellow mustard: Yellow mustard gives the sauce a tangy kick and brightens up the rich, savory flavors. It’s simple but so effective.
• Sweetener: It’s totally optional but works great if you want that balance of sweet and savory.
• Salt and pepper to taste: The essentials. Always season to your liking—salt and pepper bring everything together.
• Chili powder: For just a hint of warmth and smokiness, I throw in chili powder. It doesn’t make it spicy but adds a subtle layer of flavor that rounds out the sauce.

How To Make Keto Sloppy Joes

It’s super easy to prepare this juicy sloppy joes recipe once you have all the ingredients. You only need one pan and 20 minutes to make the best keto sloppy joes you have ever tried. 

Here are the instructions that you need to follow:

Step 1: Heat the skillet
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Butter gives the dish a nice richness, and it’s perfect for getting that golden, crispy edge on the beef. Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the beef to get that lovely browning.

Step 2: Cook the beef and onions
Add your ground beef and diced yellow onion to the skillet, and season with salt and pepper. As the beef cooks, break it apart with a wooden spatula so it browns evenly. You want the onions soft and translucent and the beef nicely browned—this should take about 10 minutes. Don’t rush this step; it’s where a lot of the flavor develops!

Step 3: Add the bell pepper and garlic
Once the beef is browned and the onions are soft, stir in the diced green bell pepper and minced garlic. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the bell pepper softens slightly and the garlic becomes fragrant. I love this step because the kitchen starts to smell amazing right about now!

Step 4: Add the sauce ingredients
Now for the magic—stir in the sugar-free ketchup, water, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, sweetener (if you like a touch of sweetness), chili powder, and a bit more pepper to taste. Make sure to give everything a good stir until it’s well combined. The sauce is what makes Sloppy Joes, well, sloppy, so don’t skimp on this part!

Step 5: Simmer and thicken
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to make sure nothing sticks. The sauce will thicken up and coat the beef beautifully—this is what you’re after!

Step 6: Serve and enjoy!
Spoon the sloppy mixture onto a keto bun and pair it with your favorite low-carb side dish (I love it with cauliflower mash or a simple salad). This meal is hearty, comforting, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Recipe Variations

• Don’t rush browning the beef! Browning gives the meat rich, deep flavor, so take your time here.
• Customize the sweetness: If you prefer your Sloppy Joes on the sweeter side, feel free to adjust the sweetener to your liking.
• Meal prep friendly: This dish keeps well in the fridge, so you can make it ahead for easy keto lunches or dinners.

The Best Bread For Sloppy Joes

If you’re making this Keto Sloppy Joes recipe, the perfect pairing is a keto-friendly bun. Here are a few fantastic options to serve up with this hearty dish:

• Keto Buns – A classic option that holds up well to all that delicious sauce.
• Keto Bagels – Slightly denser, but still a great option if you’re looking for something different.
• Keto Cloud Bread – Light and airy, this is a great low-carb option if you want to keep things ultra-light.

How To Serve This Sugar-Free Keto Sloppy Joes Recipe

The beauty of this recipe is its versatility—serve it with some of these keto-friendly sides for a complete, satisfying meal:

• Keto French Fries – Crunchy, golden, and perfect for dunking into that extra sauce.
• Air Fryer Cauliflower – A crispy, flavorful alternative that pairs well with the rich flavors of Sloppy Joes.
• Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes – Creamy, buttery, and the ultimate comfort food to go alongside this dish.
• Keto Cornbread – If you want something a little heartier, keto cornbread is the perfect side to soak up all that saucy goodness.

Storing Ideas

• Fridge: You can store any leftover Sloppy Joes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Perfect for easy meal prep during the week!
• Freezer: This Keto Sloppy Joes recipe is also freezer-friendly. Once completely cooled, transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to one month. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make Chicken Sloppy Joes?

Absolutely! If ground beef isn’t your thing, swap it out for ground chicken or turkey. The recipe will still be just as flavorful, and it’s a lighter option.

Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?

Yes! This homemade Sloppy Joes recipe is perfect for meal prep. Whip it up ahead of time, and you’ll have a quick, hearty meal ready for those busy days when you need something easy and satisfying.

Can I Make Keto Sloppy Joes in a Crockpot?

Definitely! This recipe works great in a slow cooker. Simply brown the ground beef first, then toss it in the crockpot with the rest of the ingredients. Cook on high for 3 hours, and you’ll have tender, flavorful Sloppy Joes ready to go with minimal effort.

More Ground Beef Recipes

• Keto Meatloaf
• Breakfast Sandwich
• Stuffed Zucchini Boats
• Low Carb Nachos
• Zucchini Lasagna