Sweet and Tangy Sloppy Joes (Low Carb, High Protein, Optavia Lean & Green)

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These Sweet & Tangy Sloppy Joes are a healthier twist on a classic comfort food favorite. Made with lean ground beef, a sugar-free sweet and tangy sauce, and simple pantry ingredients, this recipe is low carb, high protein, and Optavia Lean & Green friendly.

The bold flavor comes from yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, and sugar free syrup creating a sauce that tastes like a Carolina-style mustard BBQ. Serve these sloppy joes as lettuce wraps, over cauliflower rice, or on cauliflower sandwich thins for an easy weeknight dinner that fits your weight-loss goals.

What Makes These Sloppy Joes Different?

The sweetness in this recipe comes from sugar free Pancake Syrup, a great alternative to honey or maple syrup when you’re watching sugar and calories. The tang comes from yellow mustard and apple cider vinegar, giving the sauce that bold, crave-worthy kick.

I originally discovered this recipe on MasonFit and made a few tweaks to better fit my low-carb and Optavia-friendly lifestyle. If you’re looking for more healthy comfort food ideas, definitely check out his site!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Big comfort-food flavor without added sugar
  
  

• Low carb & high protein, perfect for weight-loss focused eating
  
  

• Quick and easy – ready in under 15 minutes
  
  

• Flexible serving options (lettuce wraps, bowls, sandwich thins)

• Optavia Lean & Green friendly with simple swaps
  
  

If you love Carolina mustard BBQ flavors, this one’s calling your name.

How to Make Sweet & Tangy Sloppy Joes

I start by browning the ground beef in a skillet, then mix together the sauce and let everything simmer for just a few minutes. That’s it. Super simple, super satisfying.

They’re amazing as lettuce wraps.

But let’s be real… they’re even better with a little cheese on top.

Or eaten straight from the bowl. No judgment here.

Also try it with Outer Aisle Gourmet Sandwich Thins! They make great taco shells! 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this without sugar free pancake syrup?

Yes! You can substitute a small amount of sugar-free honey or maple-style syrup, but this may change the condiment count.

Can I meal prep this recipe?

Absolutely. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

What’s the best way to serve this low carb?

Lettuce wraps, cauliflower rice, or a salad bowl are all great options.

Is this recipe family-friendly?

Yes! If your family prefers a sweeter sauce, you can add an extra teaspoon of syrup.

Sweet and Tangy Sloppy Joes

Ingredients:

8.75 oz 93% lean ground beef, cooked and drained of fat

1/4 cup reduced fat sharp cheddar cheese 

Or use 10 oz of lean ground beef if omitting cheese

For the Sauce:

3 tbsp reduced sugar ketchup

1 tbsp yellow mustard

1/2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

1 tbsp sugar free pancake syrup

1/2 tsp chili powder

1/8 tsp salt

Directions:

Brown ground beef in a medium skillet over medium high heat. Drain fat and measure out 8.75 oz. Return to skillet. Save the rest for another use.

Combine sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Pour sauce over ground beef. Heat skillet over low heat. Stir until combined. Continue cooking for 4 to 5 min or until heated thoroughly stirring often.

Divide mixture in half and top each portion with 2 tbsp cheese.

Makes 2 Servings

Each serving provides

1 Lean and 3 Condiments

(Add 3 Greens to make a complete Lean and Green meal)

Calories: 265, Protein: 32 g, Fat: 11 g, Carbs: 8 g

Nutrition Disclaimer:

Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on brands used, ingredient substitutions, and serving size.

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Want to serve these with the Outer Aisle Sandwich Thins?

Divide the recipe into 3 servings instead of 2 servings. Each serving will provide 2/3 Lean with 2 Condiments. The sandwich thins count as 1/3 Lean and 2/3 of a Green so add 2 and 1/3 more Green to complete your Lean and Green meal!

Don't want cheese? 

Use 10 oz of cooked 93% lean ground beef as 2 Leans.

Want to enjoy a Chobani zero sugar yogurt later in the day? 

Leave out the cheese. Use 8.3 oz cooked 93% lean ground beef which counts as 1 and 2/3 Lean while the yogurt counts as 1/3 leanest.