These Loaded Sweet Potato Sloppy Joe Bowls pair caramelized, Parmesan-tossed sweet potato cubes with a classic, tangy ground-beef sloppy Joe sauce—and let you top each serving with pickles, jalapeños, or chives.
It’s a fun, bowl-meal twist on two favorites!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Dual textures—crispy-tender sweet potatoes meet saucy, savory beef
Simple prep—roast potatoes and simmer sauce in parallel
Customizable toppings—pickled onions, jalapeños, or fresh herbs
Balanced flavor—sweet, tangy, savory, and a hint of cheese
Meal-prep friendly—prepare components ahead for quick assembly
Ingredient Highlights
Sweet potatoes—diced and tossed with oil, seasoning salt, parsley, pepper, and Parmesan
Lean ground beef—browned then simmered in ketchup, mustard, and spices
Ketchup & mustard—create the classic sloppy Joe base
Vinegar & sugar—balance sweet and tang
Toppings—pickles, pickled onions, jalapeños, chives, or green onions
Pro Tips Before You Start
Preheat the baking sheet—hot sheet gives crispy potato edges.
Uniform dice—1″ cubes ensure even roasting.
Drain beef well—removing excess fat prevents oily sauce.
Stir halfway—rotate potatoes for consistent caramelization.
Prep toppings while meat cooks—to streamline service.
How to Make Loaded Sweet Potato Sloppy Joe Bowls
Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) with a rimmed sheet inside.
In a bowl, toss diced sweet potatoes with avocado oil, seasoning salt, parsley, pepper, and Parmesan.
Spray the hot sheet, spread potatoes in one layer, and bake 20–25 minutes—stirring once—until tender and caramelized.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
While potatoes roast, heat oil in a pan over medium-high.
Add ground beef and cook 8–10 minutes, breaking it up until no longer pink. Drain fat.
Step 3: Simmer the Sloppy Joe Sauce
Return pan to heat, stir in ketchup, water, sugar, mustard, vinegar, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Simmer 5 minutes until thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Step 4: Assemble Bowls
Divide roasted sweet potatoes among bowls. Spoon the sloppy Joe mixture over top.
Add optional toppings: pickled red onions, pickles, jalapeños, chives, or green onions.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a crisp green salad or coleslaw
Offer warm tortillas for lettuce-wrap style bowls
Pair with corn on the cob or roasted broccoli
Variations & Substitutions
Swap ground turkey or plant-based meat for beef
Use smoked paprika or chipotle powder for extra heat
Replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast for vegan bowls
Top with shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese
Storage & Leftovers
Refrigerate components separately in airtight containers up to 3 days
Reheat potatoes in a 375°F oven or air fryer to restore crispness; warm sauce on stovetop
Freeze sloppy Joe sauce (without potatoes) up to 2 months; thaw overnight
FAQs
Can I peel the sweet potatoes?
Yes—peel if you prefer, though the skin adds texture and nutrients.
How do I prevent soggy potatoes?
Roast on a preheated pan and avoid crowding to allow moisture to evaporate.
What’s the best way to reheat halves?
Rewarm potatoes in the oven or air fryer; microwave sauce gently to avoid drying.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes—most ingredients are gluten-free; just verify your seasoning salt and ketchup.
How spicy is the dish?
Mild by default—add jalapeños or a pinch of chili flakes for heat.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of ketchup?
You’d need to cook them down with sugar and mustard to mimic the ketchup base.
Final Thoughts
These Loaded Sweet Potato Sloppy Joe Bowls elevate simple ingredients into a fun, flavor-packed meal.
The sweet, cheesy potatoes and tangy beef sauce complement each other—and the endless topping options make every bowl your own.
