Ingredients
For the Roasted Sweet Potatoes
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Sloppy Joe Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef (preferably 80/20)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Serving
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss the diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Spread them out in a single layer to ensure even roasting.
- Roast Sweet Potatoes: Roast the sweet potatoes in the oven for 25-30 minutes, tossing halfway through, until they are tender inside and caramelized on the edges.
- Cook the Beef Mixture: While the sweet potatoes are roasting, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion is softened and translucent.
- Add Sauce Ingredients: Stir in ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer the mixture, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes until thickened and flavorful.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the roasted sweet potatoes equally among serving bowls. Spoon the sloppy joe mixture generously over the sweet potatoes.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle sliced green onions and shredded cheddar cheese on top, if using. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, swap the ground beef with cooked lentils or a plant-based meat substitute.
- Adjust the spice level by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the sloppy joe mixture.
- Leftover sloppy joe mixture can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Use sweet potatoes with similar sizes for even roasting.
- For extra crispiness, broil sweet potatoes for 2-3 minutes at the end of roasting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American