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Free Printable: Low Carb & Keto Food List
Get It NowI have to admit, sloppy joes always take me back to school lunch days — but this version is way better than anything from a cafeteria tray. My keto sloppy joes are sweet, saucy, smoky, and totally satisfying… all without any sugar. I tested the recipe on my kids and a few picky eaters (you know the type), and they all cleaned their plates. It’s one of those dinners that feels nostalgic, but actually tastes amazing. Make them with me!
Why You Need My Keto Sloppy Joes Recipe
- Tastes like the real deal – Thanks to Besti Brown, it has that deep, sweet brown sugar flavor that gives regular sloppy joes their signature taste — and honestly, it reminds me a lot of my keto pork chops (in the best way!).
- Thick and saucy – I tweaked the ingredients until the meat was perfectly saucy without being watery — thick enough to pile high on a bun and not fall apart.
- Simple Ingredients – Nothing fancy here — just everyday staples you probably already have. No obscure sauces or specialty items required.
- Fast and easy – These low carb sloppy joes come together in one pan and about 20 minutes. On busy nights, this is one of my favorite go-to keto dinners.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for my healthy sloppy joes recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
- Ground beef – I usually make these with ground beef, but ground pork or ground turkey work great too if that’s what you have. Just use whatever you like best — I’ve tried them all and they still turn out delicious.
- Sugar-Free Ketchup – I like to make my own to keep the ingredients super clean, but store-bought works too! Just double-check the label — you’ll want one that’s sugar-free and has 2g net carbs or less per serving.
- Besti Brown Monk Fruit Allulose Blend – I really recommend using Besti Brown here — it has that rich brown sugar flavor and blends so smoothly into the sauce. I’ve tested other brown or golden sweeteners, and honestly, they just don’t melt in the same way or taste as deep. If you have to use something else, go for a powdered sweetener to keep the texture right, but just know it won’t have quite the same flavor. You can always check my keto sweetener guide if you need help picking one.
- Yellow Mustard – I add a splash of yellow mustard for a little tang to balance the sweetness — it gives the sauce that classic sloppy joe flavor. If you don’t have any, Dijon or spicy brown mustard will work too, just know they’ll add a bit more bite.
- Spices – I used garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder to give the keto sloppy joes a smoky, savory kick. You can swap chili powder for paprika or add cayenne for heat.
- Sea Salt
- Water
VARIATION: Want it chunkier?
If you like your sloppy joes with more texture, try adding some diced tomatoes and bell peppers when you cook the beef. It gives the sauce a heartier feel and adds a little extra flavor and color to every bite.
How To Make Keto Sloppy Joes
I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card.
- Brown the beef. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Season it with a little salt and cook, breaking it apart as you go, until it’s nicely browned.
- Make the sauce. Stir in the ketchup, a splash of water, sweetener, mustard, and all the spices.
- Simmer & thicken. Let it bubble for a bit, then turn the heat down and let it simmer until the sauce thickens up. Enjoy your keto sloppy joes on bun or in a lettuce wrap!
My Recipe Tips
- Make the buns first (if you’re using them). If you’re making my keto buns, start with those since they take the longest. I’ve made the mistake of timing it wrong and ended up with cold meat and warm buns — not ideal. 😅
- Nonstick skillet = less mess. I love using this nonstick fry pan for this recipe. It makes cleanup easy and the beef browns evenly without sticking.
- I recommend using a meat chopper. This one breaks up the beef perfectly so you don’t end up with a mix of big chunks and tiny bits — just the even, crumbled texture you want in a sloppy joe.
- Don’t rush the simmering step! Letting the sauce reduce a bit helps it cling to the meat better and keeps it from being too runny.
- I always give the sloppy joe mixture a taste at the end. If it’s not sweet enough, I just add a little more Besti Brown and stir until it melts in. If it’s too sweet, a splash of mustard helps balance it out. It’s all about finding the flavor that works for you!
- Double the batch for meal prep. These reheat so well. I often double it and use the leftovers in lettuce wraps, over roasted veggies, or even stuffed into keto cabbage rolls.
Serving Ideas
Wondering what to serve with this keto sloppy joe recipe? Here are some of my favorite sides to round out the meal:
- Buns – I used my keto hot dog buns shaped like burgers for this, but my keto hamburger buns work just as well if you want that classic look.
- Salads – I usually serve these with my keto coleslaw — it’s great on the side or piled right on top. Cauliflower potato salad also makes a super easy, refreshing match.
- Starches – Cauliflower mac and cheese adds a creamy contrast to the smoky meat, but sometimes I go full burger mode with rutabaga fries or mashed cauliflower instead.
- Veggies – Air fryer brussels sprouts add the perfect crispy contrast, and if I have extra sauce, I love soaking it up with a side of sauteed cabbage.
Keto Sloppy Joes
My keto sloppy joes are saucy, sweet, and super easy to make — all the flavor you love, without the sugar or carbs.
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Instructions
Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.
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Optional step: If you want the buns pictured, make this keto hot dog bun recipe in burger shapes. (Do this first as it takes the longest.)
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Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef. Season with salt. Cook, breaking apart with a spatula, for 8-10 minutes, until browned.
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Stir in sugar-free ketchup, water, Besti Brown Sweetener, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder.
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Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, until thickened. Adjust sweetener to taste if desired.
Did You Like It?
Leave a rating to help other readers (this also helps me continue to provide free recipes on my site), or get the recipe sent to your inbox.
Maya’s Recipe Notes
Serving size: 1/4 lb beef, or 1/4 entire recipe
- Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you avoid soggy buns, get that perfect saucy texture, and make dinner even easier (and tastier) the next day.
- Store: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge — they’ll stay good for 2–3 days.
- Meal prep: This is one of those recipes that gets even better the next day. I like to make a full batch (or double it!) and keep extras in the fridge or freezer for easy meals later.
- Reheat: Warm in the microwave or a hot skillet until heated through.
- Freeze: Let it cool, then stash it in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. I thaw it in the fridge overnight when I’m ready to use it.
- Note on nutrition info: I use my homemade sugar-free ketchup in these keto sloppy joes, which has just 2g net carbs per serving. If you’re using a different brand, the carb count might vary a bit.
📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Keto Freezer Meal System!
I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy.
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Keto Sloppy Joes
80 Comments
Debbi
0My husband’s friend asked when was the last time he had Sloppy Joes & he said before Keto (almost 9 years!) so I said I’d find a Keto recipe & tried yours, Maya. My husband raved over it and told his friend I made the best Sloppy Joes. I used Grass-Fed beef, Swerve Brown Sugar, Yo’ Mama’s Ketchup with Monk Fruit & added a few things to spice it up! I LOVE Sloppy Joes & thankful to find a recipe we can enjoy without guilt! Thank YOU!!!
Wholesome Yum D
0I love to hear stories like that, Debbi! So glad you found a way to bring Sloppy Joes back after all that time! Love the tweaks you made too. Sounds like a total win!
Debbie
0My husband loves this. I’ve been making it for a couple years now. It’s great to know we can have our cake and eat it (in a way).
Wholesome Yum D
0That’s wonderful to hear, Debbie! I love that it’s become a go-to for you both. Always nice to enjoy a treat that fits your lifestyle!
Melissa M
0This was delicious. Thank you so much for posting this super easy recipe. I added more mustard to cut the sweetness a little and it was perfect.
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Thank you so much, Melissa! I’m so glad you liked these.
Rebekah Collins
0I made this as the recipe directed and it was delicious. I used the mission zero tortillas for the bread. Next time I will add onions and green peppers and eliminate the chili powder.
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0I’m glad you liked these, Rebekah! Thanks for sharing the variation you plan to try.
Joe D.
0Why is there 8 G of carbs in the nutritional facts when in your ingredients I don’t see anything that would be carbohydrates?
Thank You
Melissa M
0If you use Hughes SF ketchup it’d be 4g of carbs. That ketchup has 1g carbs per 1 tbsp serving. 1c=16tbsp 16tbsp÷4 (this recipe is for 4 servings) servings= 4g carbs per serving.
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Hi Joe, Sugar-free ketchup adds carbs from the tomatoes in it. You can read more about how I calculate nutrition facts in my nutrition policy.
Debbie
0Love this. My husband asks me to make it all the time
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0I’m so happy you and your husband love it, Debbie! Thank you.
Angie
0Soooo good! We needed a keto BBQ recipe that would mimic my MIL’s and this did that and MORE! I may be switching to this one for all my BBQ needs!
Linda Dreher
0Excellent flavorful recipe. I used a sandwich thin for my bun. Wasn’t sure how it would taste but it tastes like the original recipe.
I like that it was keto approved.
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Thank you, Linda! I’m happy you liked this recipe.
Stephanie
0I have been craving sloppy Joe’s, but didn’t want all the sugar. This recipe is perfect!!! I added a little onion and Bell pepper. This is a quick easy and delicious meal. Thank you for the recipe!!
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0I’m so glad you liked these, Stephanie, and you’re very welcome! Those sound like yummy additions.
Jill
0Best recipe!! I used less ketchup because I ran out and added bell peppers and onions so we’d have some veggie content. The whole family loves it and I’ll be making this regularly.
Donna Woods
0We camp and wanted an easy keto recipe! Well this one is so good! We will use keto buns! I did add half an onion and bell pepper because I grew up with those in them. Thanks so much!
Debbie
0Very good! I’ve made this several times & served on keto hamburger buns. This time I added a little Worcestershire sauce and a pinch of red pepper flakes! This was perfect! My husband will eat this once a month with leftovers for lunch another day! Thank you!
Jeannette
0Loved the Sloppy Joe recipe. I will try it again with a few adjustments. I would like more Chili powder and less brown sugar. Will let you know how it works out.
gubisehayala
0Haven’t made it yet, but it sounds so Keto that I want to make it soon. Thank you for this recipe.
Debbie
0Super easy and quick. I omitted the brown sweetener at first, as the sugar free ketchup I use makes things really sweet. I tasted it as I made it. Glad I didn’t add the brown sweetener as it was plenty sweet. But I think it needed more depth (which the brown sweetener would’ve given me) so I added some soy sauce. Perfect! Thanks for a great quick recipe!!
Janet Murray
0Coconut flour hamburger bun recipe says 2 Cups egg whites. I think they mean 2 egg whites? your friend’s recipe.
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Janet, 2 cups is correct.
Kimberly Szalay-Mowery
0I am re-entering my opinion. Yesterday i said the recipe was *okay*. I let it sit overnight and ate the rest today. It was fantastic! I just had to let the flavors come together! I now give this a 5-star rating!
Kim
0I used ground pork. Recipe was okay bit it was missing something to give it more depth.
Katy Waugh
0There is so much FLAVOR in these Sloppy Joe’s!!! I am SO glad I found you and your recipes! I made this exactly as you have written it and would not change a thing. Thank you so much for what you do!! Katy
Andrea
0Tons of flavor. Very good.
Mimi
0Absolutely yummy! I had some ground beef left over and hub asked for Sloppy Joes. It has his stamp of approval and that is saying something. Nice combo of spices and easy to make.
Chris
0Can stevia or splenda be used rather than Besti Brown Monk Fruit Allulose Blend???
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Chris, I don’t think those sweeteners will give the rich flavor of brown sugar that Besti Brown will give. You can find info on all Besti sweeteners here.
Elyce
0Oh My Goodness!!!!
This was absolutely delicious. Here in Australia, we don’t really have Sloppy Joe’s but I have always wanted to try them. Now that I am on a low carb diet, as I have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, this was the perfect recipe. I did substitute some of the ketchup (tomato sauce as we call it here in Aus) with Tomato Paste and it was perfect. I also made my own buns using the Keto Fathead Dough. *Chef’s Kiss* .Thank you for this recipe. I will 100% be making these again.
Gabriele
0Hello Maya! Can I make that recipe (Keto Sloppyjoe) with out the sweetener? This be my next recipe I will try. I cooked the other day out of your Cookbooks, the Cauliflower “Potato ” Salad. It was so delicious and good. Thanks for you all great recipes. Sincerely, Gabriele
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Gabriele, Yes, you could omit the sweetener.
Lynn
0Hard to believe this is low carb keto while being so hearty and flavorful. I decided to add a bit of green and red pepper for a dash of color and crunch. Yum. Going to try your keto bun with it next time to actually enjoy a sandwich. Thank you for all your hard work and sharing it. Time to make another of your recipes.
Bob
0It is good but I would shorten up on the sweetener. It gets a little bit overbearing and begins to give that cheap taste that too sweet food does. Great though for quick dinner and like anything you can try it and adjust to what you like.
Betsy
0My whole family really likes this recipe. I have made it a number of times this year.
Michael
0This is the bomb! Great taste and low carb!!! Made twice now
Niki
0This was absolutely delicious!! Used some toasted “cauliflower thins”…. so pretty sloppy..but it sure tasted good!
Julia
0Loved it, made a 3 lb batch, and did add a small can of diced green chiles and a couple of teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce!
MOD
0This recipe was so delicious! My husband has been keto for over 15yrs and hasn’t had a sloppy joe in that time. It tasted just like Mamwhich! He was like a kid in a candy shop! Even my 11yr old son LOVED it!!
Jamie G
0Very good! We scaled up for 25 people (8lbs of meat) and it was amazing. I used store-bought no sugar added ketchup and needed only about 1/2 to 2/3 of the recommended sugar. No one could tell it was keto!
(By the way, the Best Brown Sugar is the best brown sugar ‘substitute’ I’ve tasted!)
Karen
0Loved this recipe! Easy to follow- had all ingredients at home. Keto (me) and non-keto (husband) loved it! A new favorite!
Arden Vaughn
0I just saw this recipe and would like to try it but I have a question about the nutritional breakdown. One serving would mean consuming 4 tbsp of ketchup. The French’s no sugar added ketchup I use has only 1 gram of carbs per tbsp. Where would the other 5 grams of carbs per serving come from? Certainly mustard and seasonings wouldn’t account for that much!! I’d appreciate hearing back from you.
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Arden, This recipe calls for the Wholesome Yum ketchup recipe that has 2g net carbs per tablespoon.
Teresa
0Just tried this recipe. Thumbs Up! We love it. Found Keto Burger buns at the store to serve them on. YUM!
Linda
0So delicious! Wish I had found your recipe sooner! Hubby loved it also!
Donna
0I have made this a number of times and absolutely love it!! The only change I make is to lessen the chili powder and use just a pinch of chipotle powder. But it’s excellent as written. Thank you so much for this awesome recipe!!
Jeanette
0I made this for the second time today. It is delicious. Everyone in the house, even the non-keto eaters love this sloppy Joe recipe. Thanks for all the help in the kitchen. You make my life so much easier.
Jan
0I didn’t have any of the Besti Brown sweeteners so I used a Monk Fruit blend and it came out great. Hubby loved it too so another yummy recipe to add to my list!
Jan
0The BESTI Brown Keto Sweetener has been out of stock for a bit. Is there something else I can use to make this recipe?
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Jan, Besti Brown is now in stock with limited quantities available.
Gina
0EXCELLENT! I can always gauge a recipe by how my family responds to it. Two thumbs up!
I did use SWERVE brown sugar (still 2 tbls). Also, I use 2 lbs. of ground beef but there’s enough sauce from the 1lb recipe. I don’t have to double it.
Emily Garrett
0Does the recipe account for the roll or is it just the amount of Ketchup that is making the carbs that high?
Wholesome Yum M
0Hi Emily, This recipe is just for the sloppy joe filling, it does not include the nutrition from keto burger buns. Yes, the carb count comes mostly from the ketchup. Tomatoes are naturally sweet, so even sugar-free ketchup will have carbs.
Melanie
0This is such a good recipe! I use an 8 ounce can of tomato sauce (no sugar in the brand I use) instead of sugar free ketchup. It tastes almost like ketchup and it’s less expensive, and lets me save my ketchup for hot dogs and burgers. The Besti Brown Sweetener, which I bought specifically to use for this recipe is perfect for it. It smells and tastes just like real brown sugar. The sloppy joes taste so yummy!
Debby
0I did not care for it. Too much brown sugar.i followed recipe to a T. Ended up adding more ketchup, mustard and onion powder. I wint make again. Ty
Phyllis Dufrene
0Love love love. By far the best Keto sloppy joe recipe I have cooked to date. Delish.
Wholesome Yum M
0Hi Debby, Sorry this recipe didn’t turn out as expected. Feel free to scale back or omit the brown sweetener if the recipe was too sweet.
Phyllis Dufrene
0Debbie. I’m wondering what kind of SF ketchup you used. I made sloppy Joe’s one time and used Heinz SF and it tasted awful, way too sweet. Most ketchups put artificial sweeteners, like Sucralose, in it. I now use a keto ketchup and it comes out great.
Larry
0This recipe was delicious. I didn’t change one thing with this other then I used ground turkey. I can’t wait to make it again.
Teri
0How would it be without ketchup? What would be a good substitute that would give it some sweetness but more savory than sweet? ALSO tomatoey?
Melanie
0I used an 8 ounce can of Hunts Tomato Sauce in my batch and it tastes almost like ketchup right out of the can. The ingredients just show tomato paste, water, salt , onion powder, garlic powder, and red pepper.
Wholesome Yum M
0Hi Teri, I don’t recommend skipping the ketchup in this recipe. The ketchup provides a lot of flavor to this recipe. If you don’t have sugar-free ketchup on hand, you can try using a small amount of tomato paste and water, or canned tomato sauce. Just double-check the canned tomatoes don’t have any added sugars.
Teri
0Thanks. I am not a cook so would you be able to recommend quantities of tomato paste/sauce? Appreciate it
Wholesome Yum M
0Hi Teri, Here is a recipe for Sugar-Free Ketchup. It will include the amounts you are looking for, even if just wanting to use tomato paste. This will just take a few minutes to whip up, then you can add it to your Sloppy Joes recipe.
Eileen J Turner
0I enjoyed this recipe very much. It was delicious. My husband even commented to me, “Is this really sugar-free?” I also made the keto fathead rolls. What a great combination. Give it a try!
Elaine
0This was the first time trying a Keto/low carb sloppy joe recipe. It is super good. I used Swerve brown sugar as that is what I had. I used Heinz sugar free catsup. Thank you for the receipe that I will me making for many years to come.
Melanie
0Delicious!! Me and my hubby both loved it!
Melanie Adair
0This is so good! It really nails the flavor of sloppy joes. I ladled it over a cheddar almond flour chaffle, and it was so satisfying!
Rayna Jenkins
0I haven’t had a sloppy joe in years. Stumbled across this recipe & sure glad I did. My husband, who is not keto loved it as much as I did. Told me to keep the recipe around for future dinners! Thanks for sharing.
Whitney
0I tweaked this recipe a little to make it vegan and used canned crushed tomatoes instead of ketchup- it was STILL delicious so I can’t imagine how much better the unmodified recipe is! Yummm.