Whole30 Classic Sloppy Joe Sauce

Transform your weeknight dinner with this flavorful Whole30 Classic Sloppy Joe Sauce—a wholesome twist on a nostalgic favorite! This recipe is packed with rich, bold flavors from caramelized tomato paste, savory coconut aminos, and zesty apple cider vinegar, all complemented by aromatic garlic, onion, and red bell pepper. It’s not only Paleo and Whole30-compliant but also completely free of added sugars, making it a guilt-free option for the whole family. Ready in just 35 minutes, this naturally gluten-free sauce pairs perfectly with ground beef, turkey, or chicken, and can even top roasted veggies for a plant-based twist. Ideal for meal prep, this versatile sauce stays fresh in the fridge for up to five days, ensuring you’re always just minutes away from a hearty, satisfying meal.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup yellow onion, finely chopped
• 0.5 cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 6 ounces tomato paste
• 8 ounces canned tomato sauce
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons coconut aminos
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and the pepper softens.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the tomato paste to the skillet and stir well, allowing it to caramelize slightly for about 2 minutes.

Step 5

Pour in the tomato sauce and water, stirring until the mixture is smooth.

Step 6

Add the apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and coconut aminos. Stir well to combine.

Step 7

Add the chili powder, paprika, sea salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure even seasoning.

Step 8

Lower the heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until it thickens.

Step 9

Adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.

Step 10

Serve the sauce over your choice of cooked ground beef, turkey, or chicken, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(991.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	600.4

Total Fat 22.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 2.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 4612.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 90.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 22.3g	0%
Total Sugars 46.0g
Protein 12.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 179.2mg	0%
Iron 10.4mg	0%
Potassium 2967.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 32.4%

Protein: 8.3%

Carbs: 59.3%