Easy Pumpkin Sloppy Joes (veggie packed & kid friendly)
These Pumpkin Sloppy Joes are a cozy, veggie-packed twist on the classic comfort food. With protein, iron, fiber, and vitamins A + C all in one skillet, this recipe makes weeknight dinners simple, nourishing, and toddler-approved. Serve them on buns, with toast dippers, or even turn the filling into a creamy pasta skillet for an easy all-in-one family meal!
Equipment
- spatula
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 small onion diced
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 2 teaspoon garlic minced
- 1 cup pumpkin purée
- 1 cup tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce or coconut aminos (ideally low sodium)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder optional, for mild heat
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- salt + pepper to taste
- buns, bread, or potatoes for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic; sauté 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add ground beef or turkey. Cook until browned, breaking into small crumbles. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in pumpkin purée, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire, and spices. Mix until well combined.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Season to taste and serve on buns, sliders, or over baked sweet potatoes.
Notes
Scroll up to see substitution options. Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on ingredients used.
- for picky eaters, finely dice or even grate the bell pepper so it blends right into the sauce
- the filling thickens as it cools, so add a splash of broth or water when reheating leftovers
- turn into pasta: stir in 2 cups cooked pasta with a splash of broth, ½ cup cream, and 1 cup shredded cheese for a creamy skillet meal
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