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 incredibly comforting about the blend of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors in this Sweet Potato Sloppy Joe Bowls Recipe. Roasted sweet potatoes bring a natural sweetness that balances perfectly with the tangy and hearty sloppy joe mixture. It’s one of those dishes that wins over both kids and adults and feels like a warm, cozy hug on a plate.

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

I seriously love sharing this recipe because it’s just so easy to make and packed with flavor that feels fresh but familiar. You get that great meaty saucy sloppy joe, but with the added bonus of roasted sweet potatoes that add texture and a lovely sweetness you don’t always expect.

Balanced Flavors: The roasted sweet potatoes and the tangy, spiced meat create a perfect sweet-savory combo that’s irresistible.
Simple to Prep: Minimal ingredients with straightforward steps mean you can have this on your table on a busy weeknight without stress.
Customizable Comfort: You can easily swap in different toppings or heat levels depending on your mood and pantry staples.
Family Friendly: It hits the spot for both kids and grown-ups, which is always a win in my book.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient here plays a role to make this dish shine. The sweet potatoes aren’t just a side—they’re the base that brings warmth and sweetness, while the sloppy joe meat is punchy and saucy. Plus, a few choice seasonings that you might already have make all the difference.

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: Roasting them caramelizes their natural sugars, adding depth and a tender bite that contrasts nicely with the meat.
Ground beef: I go with lean beef to keep things a bit lighter, but you could use turkey or plant-based meat alternatives too.
Diced yellow onion: Adds sweetness and texture; make sure you cook it until soft for the best flavor release.
Tomato sauce & ketchup: Together they create a rich, tangy base for the sloppy joe sauce—ketchup adds a bit of sweetness and thickness.
Honey: Just a touch balances acidity and heat, making the sauce taste well-rounded.
Worcestershire sauce: This is a secret ingredient that adds umami and depth—you don’t want to skip it.
Chili powder, dried mustard, garlic powder, celery seed: These spices build that classic sloppy joe flavor profile with warmth, zing, and complexity.
Dill pickle slices and red onion: I love these crunchy, tangy garnishes that cut through the richness and freshen up every bite.

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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

One of the best things about this Sweet Potato Sloppy Joe Bowls Recipe is how flexible it is. I often change up the spices or toppings based on what I have on hand, so feel free to get creative and make this dish your own.

Switch up the protein: I’ve made this with ground turkey or even lentils when I want a veggie twist, and it works beautifully.
Add some heat: If you like a bit of spice, toss in a pinch of cayenne or some chopped jalapeños to the sloppy joe mix.
Top it differently: Avocado slices, shredded cheese, or even a dollop of sour cream make fantastic toppings to change things up.
Go green: Sometimes I stir in chopped spinach or kale near the end for a little color and nutrients.

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

Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. Toss your sweet potato cubes in avocado oil and season with chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. I like using my hands for this—makes sure every piece gets coated evenly. Roast for about 25-30 minutes, giving them a good toss halfway through so they cook evenly. You want them tender and a little caramelized on the edges.

Step 2: Cook the Sloppy Joe Meat Mixture

While those sweet potatoes are roasting, grab a large skillet and heat it over medium-high. Drizzle a touch of oil, then add the ground beef and diced onions. Crumble the beef as it cooks and stir until it’s browned and onions are soft—this usually takes about 6-8 minutes. Then, toss in your chili powder, dried mustard, celery seed, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is well mixed before adding the tomato sauce, ketchup, honey, and Worcestershire sauce. Turn the heat down to medium-low and let it simmer gently for 10-15 minutes. This slow simmer thickens the sauce beautifully and blends all those flavors together.

Step 3: Assemble Your Sweet Potato Sloppy Joe Bowls

Spoon the hot sloppy joe meat over a bed of those roasted sweet potatoes in your bowl. Top with a few dill pickle slices and a handful of sliced red onion for that crunch and tang that I always crave. Serve immediately and watch your family or friends dig in!

Top Tip

Making this Sweet Potato Sloppy Joe Bowls Recipe has become a regular in my kitchen, and I’ve learned a few little tricks that make it better every time.

Even Roasting: Cut your sweet potatoes into uniform pieces so they roast evenly — no one wants a mix of burnt and undercooked bites.
Low and Slow Simmer: Don’t rush the sloppy joe sauce—letting it simmer thickens it and deepens the flavor in a way quick cooking just can’t match.
Use a Good Pan: A heavy skillet distributes heat evenly and helps you brown the beef without steaming it, which I always prefer for better texture.
Don’t Skip the Pickles: These add a fresh, tangy crunch that cuts through the savory richness — I always keep dill pickles stocked just for this.

How to Serve Sweet Potato Sloppy Joe Bowls Recipe

sweet potato sloppy joes - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m all about simplicity when it comes to garnishing these bowls. I regularly throw on some dill pickle slices and thinly sliced red onions — they add that perfect crunch and punch of acidity. Sometimes I’ll sprinkle a little chopped fresh parsley or cilantro to brighten things up. If I’m feeling cheesy, a sprinkle of shredded sharp cheddar never hurts.

Side Dishes

This recipe is pretty filling on its own, but I often pair it with a simple green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or some steamed green beans for a fresh veggie side. On colder nights, a cup of tomato soup alongside works amazingly well and keeps things cozy.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party or family gathering, I like serving the sloppy joe mixture and roasted sweet potatoes in separate dishes, letting everyone build their own bowls with fun toppings laid out - kind of like a little DIY bar. It makes the meal interactive and lets everyone get creative, which is always a hit with my crew.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store any leftovers of the mixed sloppy joe and roasted sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 3 days. I like to keep them separate when possible, so the sweet potatoes don’t get mushy overnight.

Freezing

Freezing works best with the sloppy joe meat alone—I portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove. I don’t freeze the sweet potatoes because they lose texture when thawed and reheated.

Reheating

To reheat, I warm the sloppy joe mixture in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water if it’s too thick. Sweet potatoes warm nicely in the oven or microwave, but I prefer warming them in the oven to keep them slightly crispy around the edges.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Sweet Potato Sloppy Joe Bowls Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can swap the ground beef for a plant-based meat substitute or cooked lentils. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, but the spices and sauce work great with these alternatives.

How do I prevent the sweet potatoes from getting mushy?

Cutting the sweet potatoes into evenly sized cubes and roasting them at a high temperature ensures they caramelize and get tender without becoming mushy. Toss them halfway through cooking to roast evenly. Avoid overcrowding the pan.

Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can roast the sweet potatoes and make the sloppy joe meat a day ahead. Store them separately in the refrigerator and reheat gently before assembling your bowls.

What are good alternatives for toppings?

Feel free to get creative with toppings like avocado slices, shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped fresh herbs, or even jalapeño slices if you like a little spice.

Final Thoughts

This Sweet Potato Sloppy Joe Bowls Recipe has become one of those dishes I turn to when I want comfort food that’s a little different but still approachable. It’s hearty, flavorful, and simple enough to whip up after a busy day. I hope you’ll enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do—it’s like a cozy kitchen hug in every bite. Give it a try and make it yours with your favorite twists!