sloppy joes

prep time: 5 minutes (not including time to make the buns) cook time: 28 minutes • yield: 4 servings

1 pound 80% lean ground beef

2 tablespoons chopped onions

1 stalk celery, chopped

1 clove garlic, minced

¾ cup water or beef bone broth, homemade ( see here ) or store-bought

¼ cup tomato paste

2 tablespoons Swerve confectioners’-style sweetener or equivalent amount of liquid or powdered sweetener ( see here )

1½ teaspoons coconut vinegar

½ teaspoon prepared yellow mustard

½ teaspoon fine sea salt

⅛ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

4 Keto Buns ( see here ), split and fried in fat until golden brown, or lettuce leaves, for serving

1. In a large sauté pan, brown the ground beef with the onions, celery, and garlic for about 8 minutes; drain the fat. Stir in the remaining ingredients. Simmer on low heat for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to open up and the sauce to thicken.

2. Serve on keto buns or in lettuce wraps. Store extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to a month.

note: Because this recipe is slightly sweetened, it’s best to avoid it while you’re adapting to the keto lifestyle and trying to curb your sweet tooth.

busy family tip: I usually make a double batch of this recipe and store the second batch in the freezer with a batch of keto buns for easy weekday meals.