Gluten-Free Sloppy Joes

Classic comfort food gets an easy gluten-free makeover with these hearty Gluten-Free Sloppy Joes. Made with lean ground beef, a rich homemade sauce, and served on soft Schär Multigrain Ciabatta Rolls, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a hungry family. It's simple to make, packed with flavor, and comes together using everyday ingredients.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredient Breakdown

Ground Beef

Ground beef is the hearty foundation of this recipe, creating a rich, satisfying filling that's perfect for piling onto gluten-free rolls. For a lighter alternative, try ground turkey or ground chicken instead.

Red Onion

Red onion adds natural sweetness and texture as it cooks down into the sauce, balancing the savory flavors.

Barbecue Sauce

Barbecue sauce gives these sloppy joes their signature smoky-sweet flavor while creating a thick, rich sauce.

Ketchup

Ketchup adds classic tomato flavor along with just the right amount of sweetness and tang to balance the savory ingredients.

Liquid Aminos

Liquid aminos add deep umami flavor while keeping this recipe gluten-free. Tamari is another excellent gluten-free option, while traditional soy sauce can be used if you don't need the recipe to be gluten-free.

Worcestershire Sauce

Worcestershire sauce adds another layer of savory richness that brings all of the flavors together. Always read labels carefully to ensure your Worcestershire is Gluten Free, if needed.

Tomato Paste

Tomato paste adds concentrated tomato flavor while helping thicken the sauce into the perfect sloppy joe consistency.

Garlic

Fresh garlic provides a wonderful aromatic flavor that complements the beef and sauce beautifully. I typically use jarred garlic for the convenience. Garlic powder can be used but the flavor won't be as robust.

Schär Multigrain Ciabatta Rolls (Optional)

These gluten-free rolls are soft, sturdy, and hold up beautifully to the saucy filling, making them my favorite choice for serving. Of course, your favorite gluten free roll will do or ANY roll if you're not following a gluten free lifestyle.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground beef

• 1 red onion, chopped

• ⅔ cup barbecue sauce

• ½ cup ketchup

• ¼ cup liquid aminos

• 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

• 3 tablespoons tomato paste

• 1 tablespoon minced garlic

Pantry Seasonings

• Salt

• Black pepper

• Chili powder

Optional

• Schär Multigrain Ciabatta Rolls

Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of vegetable broth, extra virgin olive oil, or water along with the chopped onion. Season with salt, black pepper, and chili powder and sauté for about 6 minutes, or until the onions become translucent.

2. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Stir in half the tomato paste and cook for another 30–60 seconds, stirring constantly to caramelize it slightly.

3. Add the ground beef to the skillet. Season again with salt, black pepper, and chili powder and cook until no pink remains, breaking the meat apart as it cooks. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

4. Stir in the rest of the tomato paste, barbecue sauce, ketchup, liquid aminos (or tamari), and Worcestershire sauce until everything is well combined.

5. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and all of the flavors have come together.

6. Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto Schär Multigrain Ciabatta Rolls, if using, and serve warm.

Notes

• Liquid aminos and tamari are both excellent gluten-free alternatives to traditional soy sauce.

• If you don't need the recipe to be gluten-free, regular soy sauce works perfectly as well.

• The sloppy joe filling stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it an excellent meal prep option.

• The filling also freezes beautifully. Simply thaw and reheat for a quick weeknight dinner.

• Serve on Schär Multigrain Ciabatta Rolls or your favorite gluten-free bread.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. The flavor actually deepens overnight, making it even better the next day.

Can I use a different protein instead of ground beef?
Absolutely. Ground turkey or ground chicken both work well as lighter alternatives.

Is Worcestershire sauce gluten-free?
Some brands are not gluten-free, so always check the label or use a certified gluten-free version.

Can I make this less sweet?
Yes. Reduce the ketchup slightly or use a lower-sugar barbecue sauce.

What are the best toppings?
Try shredded lettuce, pickles, dairy-free cheese, or even a sprinkle of chopped green onions for extra freshness.

Contact

Questions or recipe ideas? Reach out anytime.

8simpleingredients@gmail.com

Phone

908-456-4288

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