Why I Love This Recipe

Sloppy joes have always been one of those nostalgic dinners I come back to, and this version is a fun way to switch things up. The roasted sweet potatoes add a little natural sweetness that pairs so well with the saucy beef filling, and the melted mozzarella on top makes it feel just as comforting as the classic. It’s a balanced dinner that’s filling, easy to make, and one the whole family will love.

Enjoying The Leftovers

These are perfect for meal prep since everything reheats so well. Store the sweet potatoes and sloppy joe filling together or separately, then warm them up and add a fresh sprinkle of cheese if you’d like before serving. Leftover sloppy joe filling is also delicious over rice, on burger buns, or stuffed into baked potatoes.

Storing

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The sloppy joe filling can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat in the microwave until warmed through or bake at 350°F for about 15 minutes. If you’d like the cheese nice and bubbly again, place the boats under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes before serving.

A frying pan with sloppy Joe meat mixture inside of it.
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Sloppy Joe Sweet Potato Boats

Tender roasted sweet potatoes, homemade sloppy joe filling, and melted mozzarella come together in these Sloppy Joe Sweet Potato Boats for a comforting dinner with a balanced twist. They're an easy high-protein meal that's great for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or anyone looking for a healthier take on a nostalgic family favorite.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
US M
Servings 4

Ingredients

  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, sliced lengthwise into 1-inch slices
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 tbsp avocado oil
  • 1/2 small yellow onion, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 3/4 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 6-8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
Optional toppings
  • Pickle slices
  • Pickled red onion
  • Pickled jalapeños
US – M

Instructions

  • Start by preheating your oven to 400℉.
  • Poke holes with a fork into both of your sweet potatoes. Place in the microwave for 2 minutes. This will make the cutting process much easier.
  • Once out of the microwave, slice the sweet potato into 1-inch thick slices lengthwise. I usually get about 4-5 slices of each sweet potato. Add to a baking sheet, spray with some avocado oil, and season with some salt and pepper. Place in the oven for 20-25 minutes until they can easily be pierced with a fork.
  • Meanwhile, prep the sloppy joe meat mixture. Preheat a large pan to medium-high heat. Add the avocado oil and then the ground beef. Cook for 7-10 minutes until fully cooked.
  • Once the meat has cooked, add the diced bell pepper and onion. Saute for 3-5 minutes until soft.
  • Next, add the ketchup, worcestershire, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, dijon mustard, and seasonings. Mix well and bring to a low simmer. Simmer for 5-10 minutes until the sweet potatoes are ready. Taste the mixture and add salt and pepper as necessary.
  • Once the sweet potatoes are done, place the cooked meat mixture on top of the sweet potatoes and sprinkle with cheese. Put them back in the oven for about 5 minutes until the cheese melts.
  • Broil for the last minute or so until the cheese starts to get brown.
  • Serve immediately with your favorite toppings! I chose some pickled red onions and pickled jalapenos. Enjoy!

Equipment

saute pan
large baking sheet
cutting board
measuring cups

Nutrition Per Serving

Calories: 516kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 37g | Fat: 19g | Fiber: 5g