I keep this recipe in my regular dinner rotation because it’s quick, filling, and incredibly flavorful. I like that it uses simple pantry ingredients and doesn’t require any complicated steps. I also appreciate how flexible it is, whether I serve it over keto buns, in lettuce wraps, or straight from a bowl with a fork.
Ingredients
(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)
▢1 tablespoon butter ▢1 pound ground beef ▢½ of one yellow onion see Notes ▢2 cloves garlic minced ▢1 tablespoon no-sugar-added tomato paste ▢½ cup sugar-free ketchup ▢⅓ cup beef broth ▢1 tablespoon Brown Swerve Sweetener optional ▢½ teaspoon chili powder ▢1 teaspoon yellow mustard ▢1 teaspoon Worcestershire see Notes ▢¼ teaspoon salt ▢¼ teaspoon black pepper
Directions
I start by melting the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. I add the ground beef and break it up with the back of a wooden spoon, cooking until it’s browned, which usually takes about five to six minutes. I remove the beef from the skillet without draining it.
I add the onion and garlic to the same skillet and cook them until fragrant, usually one to two minutes. I return the ground beef to the skillet, then add all the remaining ingredients and stir everything together. I lower the heat, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about ten minutes. If I notice the mixture getting dry, I add a little more beef broth, one tablespoon at a time.
I give everything a final stir, remove it from the heat, divide it into portions, and serve it hot.
Servings and Timing
I get approximately four servings from this recipe. The prep time is about 10 minutes, the cook time is around 20 minutes, and the total time comes out to 30 minutes from start to finish.
Variations
I sometimes skip the onion entirely when I want to reduce the carb count even further. I also like to swap the ground beef for ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter version. When I want a smoky flavor, I add a pinch of smoked paprika, or I mix in a little sugar-free BBQ sauce for a sweeter twist.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. When reheating, I warm the sloppy joes in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. If the mixture thickens too much, I add a splash of beef broth before reheating.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
I often make this ahead of time and reheat it later, and the flavors actually deepen as it sits.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
I freeze individual portions in airtight containers for up to three months and thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.
What can I serve keto sloppy joes with?
I like serving them in lettuce wraps, over cauliflower rice, or on keto-friendly buns.
Can I make this without sweetener?
I’ve made it without the sweetener, and while it’s less traditional, it’s still very tasty.
How do I keep the sauce from being too thick?
I add extra beef broth a tablespoon at a time until it reaches the consistency I like.
Is Worcestershire sauce keto-friendly?
I use a small amount and choose a brand with the lowest sugar content to keep carbs minimal.
Can I use frozen ground beef?
I prefer thawed beef, but I’ve used frozen in a pinch by cooking it a little longer.
Does this recipe work for meal prep?
I rely on this recipe for meal prep because it reheats well and stays flavorful.
Can I make it spicier?
I add extra chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper when I want more heat.
How do I measure accurate serving sizes?
I weigh the finished dish and divide the total weight by four to get even portions.
Conclusion
I keep coming back to these keto sloppy joes because they’re comforting, easy, and full of bold flavor without breaking my low-carb goals. It’s one of those recipes I trust for busy nights, casual meals, and satisfying leftovers.
These keto sloppy joes are a low-carb version of the classic comfort food, featuring a rich, tangy sauce made with sugar-free ingredients and cooked in one skillet for a quick, hearty, and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon butter
1 pound ground beef
1/2 yellow onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon no-sugar-added tomato paste
1/2 cup sugar-free ketchup
1/3 cup beef broth
1 tablespoon Brown Swerve Sweetener (optional)
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon yellow mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (low-sugar)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned, about 5–6 minutes. Remove beef from the skillet without draining.
Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until fragrant, about 1–2 minutes.
Return the ground beef to the skillet.
Add the tomato paste, sugar-free ketchup, beef broth, sweetener, chili powder, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
If the mixture becomes too thick, add additional beef broth one tablespoon at a time.
Remove from heat, portion evenly, and serve hot.
Notes
Onion can be omitted to further reduce carbs.
Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for ground beef.
Add smoked paprika or sugar-free BBQ sauce for flavor variations.
Serve on keto buns, in lettuce wraps, or over cauliflower rice.
