These Tomato Free Sloppy Joes taste just like the classic you grew up with, minus the tomatoes that trigger your allergy or sensitivity. Unlike most tomato-free sloppy joe recipes that require making a separate "nomato" sauce first, this one comes together in one pan using sweet potato puree as the base. This recipe can also be made completely nightshade free and is ready in under 30 minutes. Gluten free, dairy free, refined sugar free, and sneaky enough that even picky eaters won't notice the hidden veggies.
You might be wondering how we are going to mimic delicious and messy sloppy joes without tomatoes, ketchup, or a special nomato sauce... well my recipe uses yummy spices to bring out the flavor, while utilizing sweet potato puree as the base for that creamy sauce texture. I've also packed in more veggies with the use of fennel (or onion) and bell pepper so you're basically getting a complete meal in one pan.
Why You'll Love These Tomato Free Sloppy Joes
- Allergy Friendly: this easy dinner recipe is completely gluten free, dairy free and can be made vegan, nightshade free, or paleo with modification options for nearly every dietary need.
- Refined sugar free: sweet potato and coconut aminos provide all the flavor and sweetness without any added sugar.
- No separate sauce needed: most tomato-free sloppy joe recipes require making a beet or "nomato" sauce first. This one skips that entirely, adding everything to one pan.
- One pan, 30 minutes: genuinely the easiest tomato-free sloppy joe recipe out there!
- Simple ingredients: this recipe is made with a handful of wholesome ingredients and no complex homemade sloppy joe sauce.
- Hidden veggies: fennel/onion and bell pepper add nutrients without anyone noticing, making this a great sneaky veggie meal for picky eaters. Talk about comfort food made healthy!
Why Sweet Potato Puree Instead of Tomato Paste?
For those with tomato allergies or sensitivities (or who can't have nightshades), we have to skip the tomato paste in sloppy joes. Sweet potato puree mimics the thick, slightly sweet texture of tomato paste in classic sloppy joes. Combined with coconut aminos for tang and a blend of warming spices, you get that same rich, saucy sloppy joe flavor you remember. I don't like using a beet-based "nomato" sauce because the beet flavor can be very strong and sweet, which doesn't truly taste like tomato sauce.
Tomato Free Sloppy Joes Ingredients
- Olive oil
- Fennel or onion: adds flavor and sneaky veggies. Fennel is a great low FODMAP and gut friendly option if you don't tolerate onion.
- Red bell pepper: to sneak in some extra veggies without anyone noticing!
- Ground beef: the base of these sloppy joes. Stick to lean ground beef for a healthier option or 80/20 for a richer, juicier texture.
- Sweet potato puree: instead of tomato paste, we're using sweet potato puree. I promise it's delish! I use canned to make life easier, but you're welcome to use fresh by cooking and blending fresh sweet potato. Just make sure it's blended super well.
- Coconut aminos: there is no soy sauce in this recipe, we use coconut aminos to add some tang and flavor to make up for the tomato. Between the sweet potato puree and coconut aminos, we don't need any added sugar, not even a little brown sugar. This recipe is fully refined sugar free!
- Sea salt, cayenne pepper, turmeric: the spices used to add flavor.
- Dijon mustard: a little mustard really boosts the flavor in this recipe. Yellow mustard should do in a pinch.
- Gluten-free buns: use your favorite burgers buns! I love the Canyon Bakehouse gluten free burger buns or opt for a grain free option or homemade paleo buns.
Tomato Free Sloppy Joes Instructions
- First, cook the veggies. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the fennel and cook for a few minutes, until starting to soften. Then add the bell pepper and cook for 5-7 more minutes until veggies are cooked through and soft. Set veggies aside.
- Next, brown the ground beef in the same pan over medium heat.
- Once beef is cooked, turn heat to low and add the veggies back in along with the remaining ingredients. Mix to combine well and cook over low until everything is warm.
- Serve on gluten free hamburger buns and enjoy!
Substitutions and Variations
- Ground beef: another ground meat will work! Ground turkey or even ground chicken would be a great sub. Since the sauce is full of flavor, I prefer to use leaner meats for this sloppy joe recipe.
- Sweet potato puree: pumpkin puree also works as a substitute if you don't have sweet potato on hand.
- Fennel: if you don't have an issue with FODMAP's, feel free to use white onion.
- Bell pepper: This recipe calls for red bell pepper, but you can use green bell pepper too. Sub with shredded carrots for a nightshade free option or use both veggies for an even more nutrient dense meal!
- Make this recipe vegan: if you're plant based, try using lentils instead. Cook up 1 cup of dry red or brown lentils to sub. I've use red lentils before and it's delicious!
- Make this recipe nightshade free: try adding some garlic powder and a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar for the kick. Leave out the bell pepper and/or sub in some shredded carrots.
- Make this recipe paleo: substitute the gluten free buns for a grain free bread alternative.
Tips for The Best Sloppy Joes without Tomatoes
- Dice veggies finely for picky eaters. Make sure you really get those veggie pieces small to look and feel like the ground beef for a kid-friendly dinner.
- Adjust the cayenne to your spice tolerance: start with ¼ teaspoon and add more to taste since spice tolerance varies widely.
- Let the sauce simmer a few extra minutes if it seems too thin. It will thicken slightly as it cooks down.
Toppings and Servings
Toppings:
- shredded cabbage or coleslaw
- pickles
- chips
- shredded cheese (if tolerated, or use dairy free)
- fried onions
Sides:
- roasted green beans or broccoli
- side salad
- coleslaw
- baked potato or potato chips
- onion rings or fries
Storage
Store leftover sloppy joe mix in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
You can freeze leftovers in portioned, airtight and freezer safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and warm in the oven or on the stove on low heat before serving. Just note, the texture might be slightly different after thawing. This is a great recipe to make for family dinner, meal prep, or when you need a quick and easy healthy dinner.
FAQ
Yes, the sloppy joe mixture itself is gluten free as written, just be sure to use gluten free buns.
Yes, there is no added sugar or ketchup.
Pumpkin puree will also work.
You sure can! Substitute the bell pepper for shredded carrots and use some garlic powder, mustard powder, and 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar instead of the cayenne.
Yup! Surprising, right? Just substitute the beef for lentils!
Yes! Just swap the gluten free buns for a grain free bread alternative, or serve it over a baked sweet potato instead of a bun.
Yes, you can. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Easy, Healthy Meals
These healthy sloppy joes are made in one pan and are super easy to make. This simple recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect meal for busy weeknights that the whole family will enjoy. If you're looking for more easy dinner ideas, check out these gluten free and dairy free recipes...
Honey Balsamic Chicken and Veggies
If you enjoyed this recipe, please leave a rating and review. I'd love to hear how you served these gluten free sloppy joes without tomato!
Tomato Free Sloppy Joes
Ingredients
- 1-2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 fennel or small white onion, diced
- 1 small red bell pepper, diced*
- 1 lbs ground beef **see notes for vegan option
- ¾ cup sweet potato puree
- 2 tablespoon coconut aminos
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼-1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric
- 2 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 4 gluten free buns
Instructions
- First, cook the veggies. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the fennel and cook for a few minutes, until starting to soften. Then add the bell pepper and cook for 5-7 more minutes until veggies are cooked through and soft. Set veggies aside.
- Next, brown your ground beef in the same pan over medium heat.
- Once beef is cooked, turn heat to low and add the veggies back in along with the remaining ingredients Mix to combine well and cook over low until everything is warm.
- Serve in gluten free buns and enjoy!
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