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 about the combo of sweet roasted potatoes with a rich, tangy meat sauce that just feels like a cozy hug in a bowl. This Sweet Potato Sloppy Joe Bowls Recipe is a fresh twist on a classic favorite, and once you try it, you’ll see why it’s become a go-to in my kitchen.

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

Honestly, I adore this recipe because it takes something familiar and makes it interesting with vibrant flavors and textures. It’s comforting but also packed with nutrients and colors that brighten up your plate—and your mood.

Balanced Flavors: The sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes pairs perfectly with the slightly tangy, savory sloppy joe meat, making every bite a delightful contrast.
Easy to Make: You don’t need to be a kitchen pro—this recipe is straightforward but feels fancy enough for casual dinners or a weekend treat.
Family Friendly: Kids and adults alike rave about the bowl format; it’s fun to customize with their favorite toppings.
Versatile & Nourishing: Packed with protein and vibrant veggies, it’s a hearty meal that keeps you satisfied without being heavy.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The beauty of this Sweet Potato Sloppy Joe Bowls Recipe lies in its simple, fresh ingredients that come together in harmony. Each has its role, whether it’s adding texture, flavor, or richness. Here’s a quick rundown:

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: These add natural sweetness and a creamy texture when roasted. Look for firm ones without bruises.
Avocado Oil: Perfect for roasting because of its high smoke point and mild flavor.
Chili Powder & Garlic Powder: These spices amp up both the sweet potatoes and the meat with warm, savory notes.
Ground Beef: Lean beef keeps things hearty but not greasy.
Diced Onion: Adds a sweet crunch as it cooks down in the meat sauce.
Tomato Sauce & Ketchup: These create the base of the sloppy joe sauce, balancing tanginess with a hint of sweetness.
Honey: A little touch of sweetness to deepen the flavor without overpowering.
Worcestershire Sauce: Adds umami depth and complexity.
Dried Mustard & Celery Seed: These subtle spices give character and a slight zing.
Pickle Slices & Red Onion: For garnishing, they add freshness and crunch that cut through the richness.

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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

I love experimenting with this recipe by swapping out the meat or adding in different veggies. It’s such a flexible dish—you can easily tailor it to fit whatever you have on hand or your preferred flavors.

Vegetarian Variation: I’ve made this with lentils instead of beef for a hearty meatless option that still satisfies.
Spice It Up: Sometimes I add a pinch of cayenne or chipotle powder if I’m craving a little heat.
Add Greens: Tossing some fresh spinach or kale into the mix towards the end adds color and extra nutrition.
Swap the Oil: Olive oil works fine if you don’t have avocado oil, but I find it changes the flavor slightly.

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

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F and lining a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper—this makes cleanup so much easier later. Cut your sweet potatoes into ½-inch cubes; this size ensures they roast evenly and get tender without drying out. Toss the cubes with avocado oil, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Use your hands here—it’s the best way to coat every delicious cube evenly. Roast them for about 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through so they brown nicely on all sides. You want them tender but with a little crispness on the edges—that contrast is what makes the bowl exciting.

Step 2: Cook the Sloppy Joe Meat

While the sweet potatoes roast, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and drizzle a bit of oil in to keep things from sticking. Add the ground beef and diced yellow onion right away. Break up the meat with your spatula as it cooks, stirring until the beef is browned and the onions have softened—usually around 6-8 minutes. Next, sprinkle in the chili powder, dried mustard, celery seed, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything well to blend those flavors. Then, add the tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and honey. Stir until the sauce is fully integrated. Turn the heat down to medium-low and let it cook and thicken for about 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally so it doesn’t stick, and watch how the mixture turns into this luscious, thick sauce that clings to every bite.

Step 3: Assemble Your Bowls

Now for the fun part: filling your bowls! Spoon a generous portion of the roasted sweet potatoes into each bowl, followed by a hearty scoop of sloppy joe meat. Top with dill pickle slices and some crunchy sliced red onions for that perfect bite every time. Serve right away for the freshest taste and texture—you don’t want to wait!

Top Tip

From my experience, small details make a big difference in your Sweet Potato Sloppy Joe Bowls Recipe. These tips help you get restaurant-quality flavors at home without fuss.

Roast with Care: Don’t overcrowd the sweet potatoes on the baking sheet—give each cube space so they roast instead of steam. This leads to better caramelization and flavor.
Cook Meat and Onions Together: Cooking the onions with the meat lets their flavors meld and makes the sauce richer.
Simmer Slowly: Lower the heat once you add the sauce and let it simmer; this thickens up the mix and intensifies taste without burning.
Pickles Are Crucial: Don’t skip the dill pickles! Their acidity cuts through the richness and adds a fresh crunch that transforms the dish.

How to Serve Sweet Potato Sloppy Joe Bowls Recipe

Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always go for a classic combo of dill pickle slices and thinly sliced red onions—they add brightness and that familiar sloppy joe zing. Sometimes, I sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of green, especially if I’m serving guests who like a little herbiness. A dollop of Greek yogurt on top can also add a nice tang and creamy texture if you want to mix it up.

Side Dishes

This recipe stands well on its own, but if I’m rounding out the meal, I like to serve simple sides like a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or roasted Brussels sprouts. Sweet cornbread muffins are a crowd-pleaser alongside, soaking up any extra sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun dinner party, I’ve served these bowls in small cast-iron skillets or mini mason jars—easy to hold and rustic-cool. Also, layering the components in a clear bowl showcases all those beautiful colors. You could even turn it into a taco night by serving the sloppy joe mix and sweet potatoes in soft tortillas with your favorite toppings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually refrigerate leftovers in separate airtight containers—one for the roasted sweet potatoes and one for the sloppy joe meat—for up to 3 days. Keeping them separate helps maintain their textures when reheating.

Freezing

I’ve frozen the meat portion alone successfully by letting it cool completely, then packing it in freezer-safe containers or bags. It keeps great up to 3 months. The sweet potatoes don’t freeze as well due to their texture but can be added fresh when you reheat the meat.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the sloppy joe meat gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally. Reheat the sweet potatoes separately in the oven or microwave to keep them from getting mushy. Then assemble your bowls and add fresh toppings for that just-made feel.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make Sweet Potato Sloppy Joe Bowls Recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the sweet potatoes and the sloppy joe mixture separately a day ahead and store them in the fridge. Reheat just before serving for best taste and texture.

What if I don’t have avocado oil?

You can substitute with olive oil or another neutral oil you have on hand. Avocado oil has a higher smoke point and a subtle flavor, but olive oil works well in a pinch.

Are there vegetarian alternatives to the beef in this recipe?

Absolutely! Lentils or plant-based ground 'meats' make great substitutions and soak up that delicious tomato sauce just as well. You might want to adjust cooking times slightly.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

Simmer the sloppy joe mixture on low heat for longer, stirring occasionally until most of the liquid evaporates and the sauce clings better to the meat. If it’s still thin, you can add a small sprinkle of cornstarch slurry for extra thickness.

Final Thoughts

This Sweet Potato Sloppy Joe Bowls Recipe has become one of those comforting meals I reach for whenever I want something tasty but a bit different from the typical weeknight dinner. It’s wholesome, filling, and genuinely delicious—with just the right balance of sweet and savory that keeps everyone coming back for more. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do. Give it a try and watch it become part of your favorite recipe rotation!