Experience the ultimate comfort food with a healthy, low-carb twist! This Pumpkin Chili Sloppy Joe Skillet offers a unique blend of savory and subtly sweet flavors, perfect for anyone following a ketogenic or low-carb lifestyle. Naturally sweetened by pumpkin and balanced with a hint of heat, this hearty skillet meal is incredibly versatile. Enjoy it piled high on a keto-friendly bun, spooned over Palmini noodles, or simply savored with a fork straight from the skillet. It’s a deliciously satisfying dish that proves healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or comfort.
Mastering the Low-Carb Sloppy Joe Skillet
Don’t let the seemingly long list of ingredients intimidate you; this low-carb sloppy joe skillet is surprisingly simple to prepare. In approximately 30 minutes, you’ll have a wholesome and filling meal ready to delight your taste buds. This recipe shines with a perfect harmony of sweet and spicy notes, primarily thanks to the inclusion of fresh jalapeños and fire-roasted tomatoes. The best part? All these vibrant flavors—from the underlying sweetness and savory depth to the gentle heat—are easily adjustable to suit your personal preference. Whether you prefer a milder version or an extra kick, this skillet is your canvas for culinary creativity.
Throughout this article, we’ll dive deeper into essential recipe tips, smart ingredient substitutions, and creative serving suggestions for dinner. We’ll also explore the unique role pumpkin plays in this dish, elevating a classic comfort food into a gourmet low-carb experience. Prepare to revolutionize your weeknight meal rotation with this quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful sloppy joe skillet.
The Unexpected Delight: Pumpkin Chili
Incorporating pumpkin into savory dishes, especially chili, might sound unconventional, but it’s a game-changer. I’ve previously explored the versatility of pumpkin chili, creating two distinct versions before perfecting this sloppy joe rendition. My first attempt was a keto pumpkin chili with zucchini, packed with an array of colorful vegetables, making it exceptionally hearty and satisfying. It laid the groundwork for understanding how pumpkin contributes a natural sweetness and creamy texture without overpowering other ingredients.
Following that, I developed a lighter keto pumpkin chili using ground beef and fresh parsley, focusing on a more refined flavor profile. This current recipe takes inspiration from those experiences, resulting in a spicier, creamier concoction that truly mimics the beloved texture and taste of traditional sloppy joes. Each generous serving contains approximately 7 grams of net carbs, and the entire recipe yields six ample servings, making it an ideal choice for meal prepping or feeding a family. Most of these carbohydrates come from the nutrient-dense ingredients that deliver incredible flavor, such as jalapeños, rich tomato paste, and, of course, the pumpkin puree itself. It’s an indulgence that’s absolutely worth every single bite, offering a wholesome and flavorful meal without the carb overload.
Savory and Sweet: Pumpkin Sloppy Joes
Given the thoughtful balance of flavors and ingredients in this dish, each serving boasts a moderate net carb count. To keep your meal as low-carb as possible, I highly recommend opting for zero-carb alternatives if you prefer to enjoy your sloppy joes on a bun. Excellent choices include lettuce wraps, sturdy bell pepper halves, or even homemade keto cloud bread, which provides a light and airy texture. However, the skillet mixture is so wonderfully thick and hearty on its own that it’s perfectly satisfying eaten with just a fork – which is often my preferred method!
A crucial tip when adding the pumpkin is to carefully check the label on the can. Always ensure you are using pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. These two products are often placed side-by-side in grocery stores, leading to easy confusion. Pumpkin pie filling contains added spices and sugars, rendering it unsuitable for a keto-friendly diet. Pure pumpkin puree, on the other hand, is simply cooked and mashed pumpkin, providing the natural sweetness and creamy texture without unwanted carbohydrates or artificial ingredients.
Customizing Your Sloppy Joe Skillet
For those who enjoy a hands-on approach, making your own pumpkin puree is a rewarding experience. Start by selecting a whole pumpkin, carefully remove the seeds and fibrous strands, then cut it into manageable slices. Roast these slices until the flesh becomes wonderfully soft and tender. Once cooled, simply scoop the cooked pumpkin out of its skin and pulse it in a food processor or blender until smooth. This homemade puree offers an incredibly fresh flavor that elevates any dish.
This recipe is also incredibly adaptable, allowing you to tailor it to your exact preferences. If you crave more heat, consider adding a dash of habanero pepper, extra jalapeños, or a few drops of your favorite hot sauce. For a milder flavor profile, you can reduce the amount of jalapeños or omit them entirely. If you’re looking for a touch more sweetness without the carbs, a small amount of Swerve brown sugar substitute can enhance the dish beautifully. Experiment with these adjustments to create your perfect low-carb pumpkin sloppy joe skillet.
Creative Sides for Your Sloppy Joes
When you’re committed to a ketogenic lifestyle and aiming for weight loss, the goal is often to keep carbohydrate intake minimal. In this scenario, accompanying your pumpkin sloppy joe skillet with sides that are low in carbs, high in protein, or rich in healthy fats is ideal. Think along the lines of cheesy vegetables, a crisp green salad, or perhaps some steamed green beans tossed with butter.
However, if you’ve meticulously tracked your macros and have room for a few extra additions, there are plenty of delicious low-carb options to complement this hearty meal. Consider starting your dinner with a warm and comforting bowl of low-carb Shepherd’s pie soup for an extra layer of flavor and nourishment. The richness of the soup pairs wonderfully with the savory sloppy joes.
Not in the mood for soup? No problem! If you have some keto green bean casserole bundles on hand, simply heat them up. Alternatively, treat yourself to some delightful keto copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks alongside your skillet sloppy joes for a satisfying and familiar experience. For a more substantial side, whip up some Low-Carb Crispy Chicken Pot Pie Roll-Ups. And don’t forget dessert! Finish your meal with a sweet and seasonal treat like Keto Fall Candy Bark – a guaranteed hit with both adults and children alike.
Low-Carb Pumpkin Sloppy Joe Skillet Recipe
Here’s everything you need to know to prepare this irresistible low-carb pumpkin sloppy joe skillet recipe. Below, you’ll find a detailed list of ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful nutritional information. The images provide visual guidance for each stage of the cooking process, making it easy to follow along.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Net Carbs: 7 net carbs per serving
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs Ground Beef
- 1/2 Onion, chopped
- 1 Green Bell Pepper, chopped
- 2 Jalapeños, finely chopped
- 2 tsp Minced Garlic
- 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
- 1 cup Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes
- 1 cup Beef Broth
- 1 cup Pumpkin Puree
- 1 tbsp Chili Powder
- 2 tsp Cumin
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1 tsp Oregano
- Pinch Nutmeg
- Pinch Cinnamon
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions:
Place the ground beef, chopped onion, and chopped bell pepper into a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté the mixture, breaking up the meat as it cooks, until the ground beef is completely browned and the vegetables are softened. Once browned, carefully drain any excess grease from the skillet to ensure a less oily, more flavorful dish. Reduce the heat to medium.
Stir in the minced garlic, tomato paste, finely chopped jalapeños, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, beef broth, pumpkin puree, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined and the spices are evenly distributed throughout the beef mixture. This step ensures every bite is packed with flavor.
Cover the skillet with a lid and allow the mixture to simmer over medium-low heat for 15 minutes. This simmering time is crucial as it allows all the distinct flavors to meld together, creating a rich and complex taste profile characteristic of the best sloppy joes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Low-Carb Pumpkin Chili Sloppy Joe Skillet
Naturally sweet from the pumpkin, this low-carb sloppy joe skillet can be piled on a bun or eaten with a fork.
Main Course
pumpkin sloppy joes
Ingredients
-
2
lbs
Ground Beef -
1/2
Onion
chopped -
1
Green Bell Pepper
chopped -
2
Jalapenos
finely chopped -
2
tsp
Minced Garlic -
2
tbsp
Tomato Paste -
1
cup
Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes -
1
cup
Beef Broth -
1
cup
Pumpkin Puree -
1
tbsp
Chili Powder -
2
tsp
Cumin -
1
tsp
Paprika -
1
tsp
Oregano -
pinch
Nutmeg and Cinnamon -
Salt and Pepper
to taste
Instructions
Place the ground beef, onion and bell pepper into a skillet over medium high heat. Saute until the meat is completely browned. Drain the excess grease, and reduce the heat to medium.
Stir in the garlic, tomato paste, jalapenos, diced tomatoes, beef broth, pumpkin puree, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, nutmeg, cinnamon and salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine.
Cover, and simmer over medium low heat for 15 minutes.
Recipe Notes
Calories: 475 Net Carbs: 7 Net Carbs Per Serving
The nutritional information for this recipe is calculated as a courtesy and is an approximate only. I cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipes on this site.
Explore More Keto Pumpkin Recipes
Pumpkin’s versatility extends far beyond savory dishes, offering a delightful and nutrient-rich ingredient for a variety of keto-friendly meals and desserts. If you loved this low-carb pumpkin sloppy joe skillet, you’re in for a treat! Here are more of my popular pumpkin recipes that showcase its incredible range, from breakfast bakes to decadent desserts and hearty entrees. Embrace the autumn flavors year-round or discover new ways to enjoy pumpkin in your low-carb journey.
- Keto Pumpkin French Toast Bake
- Low Carb Turtle Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
- Keto Pumpkin Rumchata Pudding
- Keto Pumpkin Lasagna Roll-Ups
- Keto Pumpkin Pecan Gingerbread Loaf