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 satisfying about a warm, savory bowl that brings comfort and a little twist — that’s exactly why I’m excited to share this Sweet Potato Sloppy Joe Bowls Recipe with you. It’s got rich, tangy sloppy joe meat paired with sweet roasted potatoes, creating a balanced, cozy meal that’s a real crowd-pleaser. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again.

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 fell for this Sweet Potato Sloppy Joe Bowls Recipe the first time I made it because it’s a little nostalgic but elevated, easy to make, and full of flavor. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or anytime you want something filling without fuss.

Flavor combo: Roasted sweet potatoes add a subtle sweetness that balances the tangy, savory sloppy joe meat beautifully.
Simple ingredients: You probably already have everything in your pantry, making it a no-stress recipe to pull off quickly.
Customizable bowls: You can easily swap toppings and sides to suit your family’s tastes or what’s in season.
Comfort food upgrade: The bowl format feels modern but still delivers that hearty “stick-to-your-ribs” satisfaction.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Sweet Potato Sloppy Joe Bowls Recipe thrives on simple, fresh ingredients that really bring out the best in each other. Here’s why the main players are essential and some tips for picking them out.

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 provide natural sweetness and a creamy texture; choose firm, medium-sized tubers without bruises for even roasting.
Avocado Oil: I prefer this for roasting since it has a high smoke point and a mild flavor that lets spices shine.
Chili Powder and Garlic Powder: These spices add warm, smoky depth with a little bite — key for that classic sloppy joe taste.
Ground Beef: Lean is best here (85% lean or higher) to keep the mix flavorful but not greasy.
Yellow Onion: Adds sweetness and aroma; dice finely so it cooks down nicely into the sauce.
Tomato Sauce and Ketchup: The tomato sauce gives body, while ketchup spices it up and adds a touch of sweetness.
Honey: Just a little balances acidity and rounds the flavors.
Worcestershire Sauce: This umami bomb elevates the meatiness with a tangy background note.
Dried Mustard and Celery Seed: They provide subtle complexity without overpowering the other flavors.
Dill Pickle Slices and Red Onion: A little crunch and sharpness on top brighten each bite, making the bowls sing.

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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 how forgiving this Sweet Potato Sloppy Joe Bowls Recipe is. One of my favorite tweaks is swapping ground turkey for beef when I want a leaner option or adding some black beans for a meatless twist that still feels hearty.

Vegetarian Variation: Try lentils or a plant-based ground meat substitute instead of beef; it soaks up the sauce beautifully, making an equally satisfying bowl.
Spice it Up: For a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne or jalapeño to the seasoning mix — I do this when I’m craving some extra kick.
Seasonal Swaps: In colder months, swapping red onions with caramelized shallots adds a sweet depth that’s incredible.

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: Roast the Sweet Potatoes to Perfection

Start by preheating your oven to 425° F — hot enough to get those edges nicely caramelized. I toss the cubed sweet potatoes in avocado oil and spices right on the baking sheet so there’s less cleanup. Using your hands to coat them evenly really helps; it’s quick and ensures every bite is flavorful. Don’t forget to stir or flip them halfway through — this keeps the roasting even and the texture just right: tender inside with a slight crisp outside.

Step 2: Cook the Sloppy Joe Meat

While the potatoes roast, heat a drizzle of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, breaking up the beef as it cooks. I like to get a little browning on the meat — it deepens the flavor. Once the beef is browned and the onions are softened, sprinkle in your chili powder, mustard, celery seed, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine, then pour in the tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and honey. Lower the heat and let everything simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring often so it thickens up nicely. The sauce should cling to the meat, creating that perfect sloppy joe texture.

Step 3: Bring It All Together and Serve

Once the sweet potatoes are tender and the meat mixture is thick and glossy, it’s time to assemble your bowls. I portion the meat and potatoes side by side in each bowl, then top with a few dill pickle slices and thin slivers of red onion for brightness and crunch. Serve them right away — the contrast between warm, savory meat and sweet, tender potatoes is simply irresistible.

Top Tip

Through my many attempts making this Sweet Potato Sloppy Joe Bowls Recipe, I’ve learned a few tricks that really make a difference in flavor and ease.

Even Sweet Potato Cubes: Cut your sweet potatoes into consistent ½-inch cubes to make sure everything roasts evenly and there aren’t any crispy or undercooked bites.
Don’t Skip Browning: Browning the ground beef well before adding sauce gives a deeper, richer flavor than just simmering it in sauce from the start.
Simmer Low and Slow: Letting the sloppy joe sauce simmer on low thickens it perfectly and melds the spices in, so be patient — it’s worth it.
Fresh Toppings: Adding pickles and red onions right before serving adds a freshness and crunch that lifts the whole dish.

How to Serve Sweet Potato Sloppy Joe Bowls Recipe

Sweet Potato Sloppy Joe - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of topping these bowls with fresh dill pickle slices and thin red onion rings. The acidity from the pickles cuts through the richness, and the onion adds crunch and a little sharpness. Sometimes I’ll toss on a handful of chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for a green, herbaceous note — it brightens up the whole bowl beautifully.

Side Dishes

Because these bowls feel like a complete meal, I usually keep sides simple. A crisp green salad or steamed broccoli pairs wonderfully. On days when I want something heartier, I’ll make roasted Brussels sprouts or garlic green beans. If you love a little extra indulgence, baked sweet potato fries on the side are always a fun match.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual dinner party, I’ve set up a “build-your-own bowl” bar with the roasted sweet potatoes, sloppy joe meat, and toppings like pickles, onions, shredded cheese, sour cream, and avocado slices. Everyone loves customizing their own, and it adds an element of fun and interaction to the meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover sloppy joe meat and roasted sweet potatoes separately in airtight containers in the fridge, which keeps both components fresh and prevents the potatoes from getting mushy. They’ll stay good for about 3-4 days.

Freezing

I've frozen the sloppy joe meat alone with great success — freeze it in portions, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. I don’t recommend freezing the roasted sweet potatoes since they can become watery when thawed.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat leftovers is to warm the sloppy joe meat gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. The sweet potatoes reheat nicely in the microwave or oven at low temperature for just a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Absolutely! You can roast the sweet potatoes and prepare the sloppy joe meat a day in advance. Just store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge and assemble the bowls when you’re ready to eat.

What can I use instead of ground beef?

Ground turkey, chicken, lentils, or plant-based meat alternatives work well in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time as needed and make sure to season well for the best flavor.

Can I prepare this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! This Sweet Potato Sloppy Joe Bowls Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free ketchup and Worcestershire sauce, since some brands contain gluten.

How spicy is the Sweet Potato Sloppy Joe Bowls Recipe?

It has a mild warmth from chili powder but is not very spicy. You can easily adjust the heat level by adding cayenne pepper or hot sauce according to your preference.

Final Thoughts

This Sweet Potato Sloppy Joe Bowls Recipe has become one of those dishes I turn to when I want something satisfying, flavorful, and just a little bit different from the usual. I love how easy it is and how the flavors come together in such a balanced, hearty way. I’m confident that once you give it a try, it’ll quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation too. So, grab your sweet potatoes and ground beef, and let’s get cooking!