Name: Sweet Potato Sloppy Joe Bowls Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 medium sweet potatoes cut into 1/2 inch cubes (about 3 cups); 2 tablespoons avocado oil; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt or to taste; freshly ground black pepper to taste; 1 pound lean ground beef; 1/2 cup diced yellow onion; 8 ounces tomato sauce; 1/2 cup ketchup; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon dried mustard; 1/4 teaspoon celery seed; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt or to taste; Freshly ground black pepper to taste; Dill pickle slices; Sliced red onion

There's something so comforting about a meal that's both hearty and packed with vibrant flavors. The Sweet Potato Sloppy Joe Bowls Recipe takes the classic sloppy joe up a notch by swapping out the usual bun for sweet, roasted potatoes—it’s like a warm hug on a plate and perfect for any night of the week.

A close-up top view of a black frying pan filled with rich, reddish-brown cooked ground meat mixed with small, soft orange carrot pieces and a thick tomato-based sauce that covers the meat evenly. The pan is sitting on a white marbled textured surface with some steam rising lightly, showing warmth and freshness. The pan handle is angled to the right, white with small spots. The texture of the meat is crumbly but moist, with some sauce showing between the chunks, giving a hearty and savory look photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Sweet Potato Sloppy Joe Bowls Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Sweet Potato Sloppy Joe Bowls Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Sweet Potato Sloppy Joe Bowls Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I've fallen in love with this Sweet Potato Sloppy Joe Bowls Recipe because it’s an easy way to enjoy all the rich, saucy goodness of sloppy joes without the heaviness of bread. Plus, the roasted sweet potatoes bring a natural sweetness and texture that complements the meat perfectly.

A healthier twist: Using roasted sweet potatoes instead of bread adds fiber, vitamins, and just the right amount of sweetness.
Flavor-packed: The blend of spices in both the potatoes and meat makes every bite exciting without needing anything fancy.
Simple to prepare: You get a wholesome, satisfying meal on the table in under an hour — no fuss, no muss.
Super customizable: Easy to add your favorite toppings or switch up the protein to make it your own.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Everything in this recipe works together to create that perfect mix of savory, sweet, and tangy. Choosing good quality sweet potatoes and fresh spices really makes a difference, and knowing why each ingredient is there helps you tweak the recipe if you want.

Flat lay of fresh medium sweet potatoes cut into cubes, a small white bowl of vibrant red tomato sauce, a small white bowl of rich red ketchup, a neatly peeled yellow onion cut into small dice, a small white bowl of golden honey, a whole uncracked brown egg, fresh dill pickle slices arranged neatly, thin slices of bright red onion, a small white bowl of smooth avocado oil, and a small white bowl of mixed chili powder and garlic powder, all placed symmetrically on simple white ceramic bowls, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Sweet potatoes: Their natural sweetness softens as they roast, balancing the savory meat.
Avocado oil: A neutral oil with a high smoke point, ideal for roasting and flavorful without overpowering.
Chili powder & garlic powder: These spices add warmth and depth to the potatoes and the meat alike.
Kosher salt & black pepper: Essential seasonings for bringing out all the flavors.
Lean ground beef: Provides hearty protein—lean keeps it less greasy but still juicy.
Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and texture once cooked with beef.
Tomato sauce & ketchup: The base of the sloppy joe sauce, combining tanginess and a hint of sweetness.
Honey: Just a touch for balancing acidity with natural sweetness.
Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami and complexity you might not guess but won’t want to skip.
Dried mustard & celery seed: Little flavor boosters that make the sauce truly stand out.
Dill pickle slices & sliced red onion: Classic toppings that give crunch and a nice vinegary contrast.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One thing I love about this Sweet Potato Sloppy Joe Bowls Recipe is how flexible it is. I often tweak the spices or swap the beef for ground turkey to keep it lighter, and it never disappoints.

Variation: Once, I made this with plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian option, and it was practically indistinguishable—a crowd-pleaser for sure.
Spice it up: If you like heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños for an extra kick.
Cheesy top: Sometimes I sprinkle shredded cheddar or pepper jack on top and pop it under the broiler for a couple of minutes—pure comfort food magic.
Seasonal twist: In cooler months, a dash of smoked paprika and cinnamon in the sweet potatoes adds a cozy vibe that’s hard to beat.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Sweet Potato Sloppy Joe Bowls Recipe

The dish is in a white bowl with a light brown rim. It has three main parts: on the left side, bright orange roasted sweet potato cubes with a slightly charred texture; on the right side, a thick layer of cooked ground meat in a rich reddish-brown sauce, with a shiny and chunky texture, partially scooped by a fork; on top of the meat, a small pile of thin red onion slices, light purple in color, forming a semi-circle, and four slices of greenish-yellow pickles layered together on the left edge near the sweet potatoes. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep and Roast the Sweet Potatoes to Perfection

Start by cutting your sweet potatoes into evenly sized ½-inch cubes—this helps them cook through evenly. Toss them in avocado oil and season well with chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Spread them out on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment to prevent sticking. Pop them in a 425°F oven and roast for about 25-30 minutes, tossing halfway through. You want tender, slightly caramelized cubes that offer a bit of a crisp edge but aren’t mushy—this contrast is key!

Step 2: Cook the Sloppy Joe Meat Sauce

While the sweet potatoes roast, heat a bit of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add your lean ground beef and diced yellow onion, breaking up the beef with your spatula as it cooks. Once the meat is browned and the onions softened, sprinkle in your chili powder, dried mustard, celery seed, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine, then pour in the tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and honey. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer, stirring occasionally. This simmering step thickens the sauce and balances all those flavors for about 10-15 minutes.

Step 3: Assemble Your Bowls and Garnish

Once your sweet potatoes are tender and your meat sauce is thick and glossy, you’re ready to assemble. Scoop the sloppy joe mixture into bowls, add a generous helping of the roasted sweet potatoes, then top with dill pickle slices and thinly sliced red onions for that perfect crunch and tang. Serve immediately and enjoy the blend of textures and flavors.

Top Tip

From making this Sweet Potato Sloppy Joe Bowls Recipe several times, I’ve noticed a few simple tricks that really elevate the end result and make the process smoother.

Even Cubes: Cutting sweet potatoes into similar-sized pieces ensures they roast evenly, avoiding some pieces being undercooked while others burn.
Don’t Crowd the Pan: Give the sweet potatoes room on the baking sheet for roasting; crowding them steams the cubes instead of roasting, which means you lose that caramelized flavor.
Simmer Low and Slow: Letting the sloppy joe sauce simmer gently thickens it beautifully and melds the flavors better than rushing it on high heat.
Taste as You Go: Adjust salt and spices gradually—sometimes the Worcestershire and ketchup vary by brand, so tweaking helps you nail the perfect flavor balance.

How to Serve Sweet Potato Sloppy Joe Bowls Recipe

Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping my bowls with classic dill pickle slices and red onion slices—the crunch and acidity really brighten up the unctuous meat and sweet potatoes. Sometimes I toss on fresh chopped parsley or cilantro for a herby kick. If you’re into heat, a few jalapeño slices or hot sauce drizzle work wonders too.

Side Dishes

For sides, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness. Roasted Brussels sprouts or a simple coleslaw bring some freshness and texture that pairs nicely. If you want to keep it light, steamed green beans with lemon juice are a great choice.

Creative Ways to Present

When serving for guests, I like to dish out the bowls on a wooden board with mini jars of extra pickles, hot sauce, and even shredded cheese on the side so everyone can customize. For a cozy family dinner, I sometimes layer the ingredients in glass jars for a fun and colorful presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover sweet potato cubes and sloppy joe meat separately in airtight containers in the fridge. This keeps the sweet potatoes from getting soggy from the sauce. Usually, I eat leftovers within 3-4 days for best texture and flavor.

Freezing

I’ve frozen the sloppy joe meat before with great success—just cool it completely, pack tightly in freezer-safe bags or containers, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. I typically don’t freeze the sweet potatoes since their texture can get mushy after thawing.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I warm the meat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to prevent drying out. The sweet potatoes heat best in the oven or toaster oven to bring back some crispness. Avoid reheating everything together unless you want softer potatoes.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make Sweet Potato Sloppy Joe Bowls Recipe vegetarian?

Yes! You can swap the ground beef for a plant-based meat substitute, lentils, or crumbled tofu. Just cook it the same way and adjust the seasoning to your taste.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Separate the sweet potatoes and meat when storing. Reheat the meat gently on the stove or microwave, and warm the sweet potatoes in the oven or toaster oven to keep them from getting mushy.

Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?

You can, but sweet potatoes add a natural sweetness and creaminess that balances the smoky, tangy sloppy joe meat. Regular potatoes will offer more starch and less sweetness, so the flavor profile changes.

How do I prevent the sweet potatoes from getting mushy?

Make sure to cut the potatoes into uniform pieces, don’t overcrowd the pan while roasting, and roast at a high temperature for caramelization. Storing and reheating them separately from the sauce also helps maintain their texture.

Final Thoughts

This Sweet Potato Sloppy Joe Bowls Recipe is one of those dishes I keep coming back to whenever I want something comforting but a bit different. The blend of sweet, savory, and tangy with contrasting textures makes it such a satisfying meal — plus, it’s easy enough to whip up on a busy weeknight. I hope you give it a try and enjoy it as much as I do; it’s like giving a classic a fresh, tasty spin that your whole family will appreciate.