Easy Keto Sloppy Joes (No Ketchup, 30-Minute Dinner)

Servings: 4

Cals: 218

Fat: 8

Carbs: 9

Fiber: 2

Protein: 25

Time: 25

These keto sloppy joes are one of the easiest low carb dinners I make on repeat. Made with a simple homemade sauce instead of sugary ketchup, they have that classic sweet and tangy flavor without the carbs. You can have them ready in about 30 minutes using simple, everyday ingredients.

The Way I Make Keto Sloppy Joes at Home

I make this recipe as a double batch most of the time because it’s one of those meals that just works. It’s simple, filling, and everyone will eat it without complaining, which is honestly the goal most nights. Having extra in the fridge means lunch is already taken care of or I can reheat it the next night without starting from scratch.

I stopped using ketchup a long time ago and started making my own sauce with tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire, and vinegar. It gives you that same sloppy joe flavor, just without all the sugar. Once you make it this way, it’s hard to go back.

I usually serve this with my 90 second bread, cloud bread, or any low carb hamburger buns to make this a full meal. If I have tortillas on hand, I’ll even turn it into a quick quesadilla.

What you'll need

These are simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.

1 pound of Ground beef - I like to use lean ground beef for this.
1 tablespoon McCormick Montreal Steak Seasoning - This adds a ton of flavor with no extra work. You can use your favorite steak seasoning if you prefer.
½ Onion, diced - Frozen diced onion works great here and saves time.
1 Red bell pepper, diced - I like red for the flavor and color, but green works too. You can also leave it out if needed.
1 tablespoon Apple cider vinegar - Adds that classic tangy sloppy joe flavor. You can also use red wine vinegar or white vinegar.
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
8 ounces tomato sauce (tomato puree) - I use this instead of ketchup and build the flavor with tomato paste, Worcestershire, and vinegar so you still get that classic taste without the sugar.
1 tablespoon Tomato paste

Keto sloppy Joe's in under 30 minutes

Brown the meat - Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up as it browns. Drain any excess fat.
Cook the vegetables - Season the beef with the steak seasoning, then add the onion and bell pepper. Cook until the meat is fully browned and the vegetables are soft.

adding bell pepper and onion to sloppy Joe meat in a skillet

Make the sauce - Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and vinegar. Mix everything together, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed before serving.

Tips from Jennifer's Kitchen

Don’t skip the simmer time - Letting the mixture simmer for about 20 minutes is what brings everything together. It thickens the sauce and gives you that classic sloppy joe texture instead of something watery.
Use lean ground beef (or drain well) - If you’re using higher fat beef, make sure to drain it well so the sauce doesn’t get greasy. Lean ground beef works best for this recipe.
Taste before adding salt - The steak seasoning and Worcestershire already add salt, so taste first and adjust at the end.
Double it if you want leftovers - This reheats really well, so I often double the recipe and use it for meal prep.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, this is a great make ahead recipe. The flavor actually gets better after it sits, and it reheats really well for lunches or an easy dinner the next day.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover sloppy joe meat in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.

Can I freeze keto sloppy joes?

Yes, the meat mixture freezes well. Let it cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to use.

What can I serve with keto sloppy joes?

You can serve them with low carb buns, 90 second bread, or even over a bowl with a side of vegetables. They also work well in low carb tortillas for a quick wrap or quesadilla.

How I Prep This for Easy Meals All Week

I don’t do traditional meal prep where everything is portioned out for the week. I just make this once and use it a few different ways so I don’t have to keep cooking.

I’ll keep the sloppy joe meat in the fridge and reheat it for quick lunches or dinners. One day I’ll have it on low carb buns, the next day I might throw it into a tortilla for a wrap or quesadilla, or just eat it in a bowl with cauliflower rice.

This is the kind of recipe that makes eating easier because it takes one decision off your plate for the next few days.

More easy ground beef recipes I make on repeat

If you’re looking for more simple dinners like this, here are a few ground beef recipes I make on repeat. Nothing complicated, just meals that my whole family will eat.

Keto Taco Casserole – One of the easiest dinners to throw together
Keto Meatballs – Great for meal prep and easy to reheat
Keto Chili (Double Meat) – Extra hearty and perfect for leftovers
Ground Beef and Zucchini Skillet – A fast one-pan meal for busy nights
Keto Lasagna – Feels like comfort food without the noodles