Fall Vegetable Sloppy Joes
I make this dish in the fall and sneak grated vegetables into the sloppy joe mixture. It’s especially good when children don’t like to eat their vegetables! Just walk away until the end of the day and let the slow cooker do all the work. Also delicious: Top the filling with a little shredded cheese before serving.
I make this dish in the fall and sneak grated vegetables into the sloppy joe mixture. It’s especially good when children don’t like to eat their vegetables! Just walk away until the end of the day and let the slow cooker do all the work. Also delicious: Top the filling with a little shredded cheese before serving.
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 1-1/4 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1-1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 8 pieces
- 2 pounds lean ground beef (90% lean)
- 2 medium carrots peeled and shredded
- 1 can (12 ounces) cola
- 18 hamburger buns split
- 2 cups shredded peeled butternut squash
- 2 medium parsnips peeled and shredded
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato paste
- 1/3 cup honey mustard
- Carbohydrate 37.519273326055 g
- Cholesterol 35.5594489444444 mg
- Fat 9.77516392963784 g
- Fiber 1.77378021921947 g
- Protein 17.9698524691813 g
- Saturated Fat 3.02449333693069 g
- Serving Size 1 1 servings. (145g)
- Sodium 464.261746920012 mg
- Sugar 35.7454931068355 g
- Trans Fat 1.1377315302162 g
- Calories 312 calories
Step-by-step
- In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp, stirring occasionally. Remove with a slotted spoon; drain on paper towels. Discard drippings.
- In the same skillet, cook beef, onion and garlic over medium heat until beef is no longer pink and onion is tender, 10-12 minutes, breaking up beef into crumbles; drain.
- Transfer to a 5- or 6-qt. slow cooker.
- Stir in squash, parsnips, carrots, cola, tomato paste, water, mustard and seasonings.
- Cook, covered, on low until vegetables are tender, 4-5 hours.
- Stir in bacon.
- Serve on buns.
My Fall Secret Weapon: Sneaky Vegetable Sloppy Joes
As a busy mom, finding time to cook healthy, delicious meals for my family is always a challenge. My kids, like many, can be picky eaters, and getting them to eat their veggies is often a battle. That's why I developed this recipe for Fall Vegetable Sloppy Joes – a sneaky way to incorporate a ton of healthy vegetables into a meal they actually love. Forget the battles over broccoli; this recipe transforms nutritious fall vegetables into a comforting, flavorful classic.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. I use my trusty slow cooker, which allows me to simply throw everything in, set it, and forget it. While the slow cooker works its magic, I can focus on other things – work, errands, even a little "me time" before the kids get home. By the time dinner rolls around, a hearty, delicious meal is ready, practically without any effort on my part. The slow cooking process creates an incredibly tender, flavorful filling; the vegetables melt into the meat mixture, making them virtually undetectable to even the most discerning (and picky) palates.
The key to these Sloppy Joes is the balance of flavors. The sweetness of the butternut squash and carrots pairs perfectly with the savory ground beef and the subtle spice of the cumin and allspice. A touch of honey mustard adds a delightful tang, and the cola adds a surprising depth of flavor that elevates the dish beyond your average Sloppy Joe. Don't underestimate the power of the bacon – it adds a smoky richness that ties all the flavors together beautifully.
I've experimented with different variations, and I find that the best results come from using a blend of vegetables. Butternut squash offers a creamy texture and subtle sweetness, while parsnips add a slightly earthy note. Carrots provide a touch of sweetness and vibrant color. Feel free to experiment with other fall vegetables, such as sweet potatoes or Brussels sprouts, but I find this combination to be a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Serving these Sloppy Joes is always a hit. My kids love them, and they often ask for seconds (or thirds!). It's a heartwarming moment for me, knowing that I’ve managed to sneak in a significant portion of their daily vegetable intake without any complaints. Often, I will top the filling with a little shredded cheese before serving – it adds a creamy, melty texture that kids especially seem to love. The addition of cheese elevates the already delicious Sloppy Joes to a whole new level.
Beyond the sheer deliciousness, this recipe offers convenience and flexibility. It's easy to make ahead of time and store in the freezer for those busy weeknights when you simply don't have the time to cook from scratch. This is a lifesaver for me, especially when I have a packed schedule. The simple act of meal prepping has taken a tremendous weight off my shoulders, ensuring a stress-free and healthy approach to family dinners. If you're looking for a simple yet satisfying dish that's both healthy and delicious, these Fall Vegetable Sloppy Joes are a must-try.
The recipe is also incredibly versatile. You can adjust the spice levels to your liking. For those who prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of cumin and allspice. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños. You can also experiment with different types of buns; brioche, pretzel buns, or even gluten-free options can all work well. You can even serve it as a bowl if you prefer a lower-carb option. The possibilities are endless! Get creative and make this recipe your own.
This Fall Vegetable Sloppy Joe recipe is more than just a meal; it's a testament to the power of simple, wholesome ingredients and the joy of family dinners. It's a reminder that even the pickiest eaters can be tricked into eating their vegetables, and that healthy eating doesn't have to be a chore. This recipe has become a staple in our household, a comforting and delicious dish that everyone looks forward to.
So, this fall, try this recipe and witness the magic of sneaky vegetables transforming a classic dish into a wholesome and satisfying family favorite. You'll wonder why you haven't been making them all along!
