Keto Sloppy Joe Skillet is a classic low-carb dinner made with seasoned ground beef simmered in a rich, tangy sloppy joe sauce. This easy keto recipe delivers bold American comfort food flavor with no buns, bread, or added sugar and is perfect for quick weeknight meals.
About This Recipe
Keto Sloppy Joe Skillet is a low-carb take on a classic American comfort food favorite. Instead of serving sloppy joes on hamburger buns, this version keeps everything in one skillet and focuses on the saucy, savory beef mixture people love—without bread or added sugar.
Ground beef is browned until deeply flavorful, then simmered in a thick, tangy sauce made from tomato paste, sugar-free ketchup, and simple seasonings. Onion adds natural sweetness and texture, while Worcestershire sauce and mustard provide that unmistakable sloppy joe flavor profile. The sauce cooks down until rich and glossy, coating the beef rather than turning watery.
Unlike traditional sloppy joes, this keto version skips brown sugar and refined carbs entirely. The result is bold, nostalgic flavor that still fits cleanly into a low-carb or keto lifestyle. Everything cooks in one pan, making it ideal for busy weeknights and minimal cleanup.
This recipe is also great for meal prep. The flavor improves as it rests, reheats well, and can be served in multiple ways—over cauliflower rice, in lettuce cups, or simply on its own. Keto Sloppy Joe Skillet delivers all the comfort food satisfaction of the original without the carb crash.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic sloppy joe flavor without buns
- One-skillet dinner
- No added sugar
- Bold, saucy comfort food
- Keto and low carb friendly
- Great for leftovers
- Family-friendly flavor
Ingredients
- 1½ lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¾ cup sugar-free ketchup
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (sugar-free)
- 1 tsp yellow mustard
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup beef broth
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil if needed.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Add chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add sugar-free ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour in beef broth and stir well.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes until thick and saucy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: ~480
- Fat: ~34 g
- Protein: ~32 g
- Net Carbs: ~5 g
FAQ
- Is this recipe sweet like traditional sloppy joes?
It’s slightly sweet and tangy, without added sugar. - Can I use ground turkey?
Yes, but beef provides the most authentic flavor. - Does it reheat well?
Yes, it reheats very well and thickens slightly. - Can I freeze it?
Yes, cool completely and freeze in portions.
Variations & Substitutions
- Add chili powder for heat
- Use ground chicken or turkey
- Add diced bell pepper (optional)
- Thin with extra broth if needed
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over cauliflower rice
- Spoon into lettuce wraps
- Enjoy on its own
Keto Sloppy Joe Skillet
Ingredients
- 1½ lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
- 1 small yellow onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- ¾ cup sugar-free ketchup
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (sugar-free)
- 1 tsp yellow mustard
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup beef broth
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion and cook until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook briefly.
- Add ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire, mustard, and spices.
- Add beef broth and simmer until thick and saucy.
Did you make this recipe?
I’d love to hear from you — leave a comment below and tell me how it turned out, what you liked, or if you made any tweaks!
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