Cocoa Sloppy Joes
Upgrade your sloppy joes and get the health benefits of chocolate with this easy, delicious recipe.
30 min
About 30 minutes to prep and cook
561 cal
561 calories per serving
Serves 4
Serves about 4 people
Overview
Sloppy Joes are already an easy crowd-pleaser but just imagine them with the added benefits and delicious taste of cocoa. Study after study reinforces the idea that eating chocolate, especially dark chocolate, is good for you (in moderation, of course). One reason is that cocoa, the main ingredient in chocolate, is packed with antioxidants called polyphenols. This recipe, made with cocoa powder, will let you reap the health benefits of dark chocolate, plus enjoy a variety of nutritious veggies.
To make this recipe you will need a large skillet, a bowl and sharp knife for mincing and dicing.
To make this recipe you will need a large skillet, a bowl and sharp knife for mincing and dicing.
Ingredients
1 lb. lean ground beef
½ cup chopped onion
½ cup chopped green bell pepper
2 Tbsp. cocoa powder
½ cup ketchup
1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
2 Tbsp. tomato paste
2 cups premixed coleslaw
4 whole-grain buns
Calories: (561 ); Fat: (26.7g); Carbohydrates: (47g); Sodium: (1420mg); Sugar: (27g); Fiber: (8g); Cholesterol: (103g); Protein: (36g)
Directions
Step One
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook ground beef, onion, carrot and mushrooms until beef is browned and vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
Step Two
Stir in garlic and bell pepper; cook 2 minutes more.
Step Three
In a bowl, stir together tomato paste and sauce, cocoa powder, vinegar, honey, cumin, salt, chili powder, Worcestershire, if desired, and ¼ cup water. Add to beef.
Step Four
Simmer 10 minutes or until thickened. Serve on buns and top with coleslaw.
Chef's Notes:
- Premade coleslaw, canned sauces and tomato paste make life easier and cooking more do-able. They can also be packed with excess salt, sugar and calories. Just make sure to check the labels of the items you buy and do the seasoning yourself when possible to cut back on sodium, sugar and fat.
- Carrot and bell pepper share plant pigments that also supply them with antioxidants. They get their bright colors from carotenoids like beta-cryptoxanthin. Some research suggests eating more foods rich in this compound could reduce your risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other inflammatory conditions.
- Garlic and onion not only add extra flavor to your recipes they’re arthritis-friendly too. These pungent vegetables are all members of the allium family, which are rich in a type of antioxidant called quercetin. This antioxidant may have the potential to relieve inflammation in conditions like RA. They also contain a compound called diallyl disulphine, which may reduce the enzymes that damage cartilage.
*Disclaimer: All nutritional information provided is approximate and based on USDA measurements. Actual amounts may vary based on exact ingredients used, how they are prepared and serving size.
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