Meal prepping doesn’t have to be complicated, and this Hidden Veggie Sloppy Joe recipe is the perfect example. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a healthy, flavorful freezer meal that’s ready to cook when you are. Whether you’re meal planning for the week or preparing for a busy night, this recipe has got you covered. Plus, it’s packed with hidden veggies your kids won’t even notice!

Why You’ll Love This Freezer Meal:

• Easy prep – Simply mix and freeze.
• Nutrient-packed – Sneak in extra veggies without sacrificing flavor.
• Quick & convenient – Ready to heat and eat when you need it.

Let’s dive into how to get this delicious, freezer-friendly meal into your kitchen!

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Ingredients

For this Hidden Veggie Sloppy Joe recipe, you’ll need:

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken for a leaner option)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 bell pepper, finely chopped (any color)
• 1 small zucchini, grated
• 1 small carrot, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3/4 cup tomato sauce (or spaghetti sauce)
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (or honey)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon mustard (yellow or Dijon)
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• 4-6 hamburger buns (pair it with these Sourdough Sweet Hawaiian Rolls)

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How to Prepare Hidden Veggie Sloppy Joes for the Freezer

The best part of this recipe is that it’s super easy to prepare ahead of time! No need to cook anything before freezing. Simply assemble all the ingredients, package them up, and freeze for later. When you’re ready to enjoy, just heat and serve.

Step 1: Assemble the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine:

• Ground meat (beef, turkey, or chicken)
• Chopped onion, bell pepper, zucchini, and grated carrot
• Minced garlic
• Tomato sauce
• Apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, paprika, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes.

Mix everything together well. This is your base for the sloppy joe filling!

Step 2: Package for Freezing

Transfer the mixture into reusable freezer-safe zip-top bags or airtight containers. Be sure to press out any excess air from the bags before sealing to avoid freezer burn. If using containers, leave a little room at the top to allow for expansion as the sauce freezes.

Label the bags or containers with the contents and date. This meal will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Step 3: Freeze

Lay your frozen sloppy joe mixture flat in the freezer to save space and freeze until you’re ready to cook.

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How to Cook Your Freezer Hidden Veggie Sloppy Joes

Once you’re ready to enjoy your freezer meal, you can cook the sloppy joe mixture in a variety of ways. Here’s how to do it:

Stovetop Method (Recommended)

1. Thawing: If you have time, thaw the mixture overnight in the refrigerator. If not, don’t worry—you can cook it directly from frozen, just allow a bit more time.
2. Cooking: Heat the mixture in a skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally and cook for 10-15 minutes until heated through and the meat is fully cooked. If the mixture is too thick, add a splash of water or tomato sauce to loosen it up.
3. Serve: Serve the sloppy joe mixture on hamburger buns or lettuce wraps for a low-carb alternative. Enjoy!

Slow Cooker or Instant Pot Method

• Slow Cooker: Place the frozen mixture in your slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours until heated through.
• Instant Pot: Add the frozen mixture to the Instant Pot and cook on manual or pressure cook for 10 minutes. After the cook time, allow for a natural release, then stir and check if it’s hot.

Serve hot on buns or lettuce wraps, and dinner is ready!

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Why Freezer Meals Make Your Life Easier

Freezer meals are a lifesaver for busy families! Here’s why making hidden veggie sloppy joes ahead of time will change the way you cook:

• Save Time: Prep the ingredients in advance, freeze, and cook when you’re ready. No need to spend hours in the kitchen during the week!
• Reduce Stress: Meal prepping eliminates the daily question, “What’s for dinner?” You’ve already done the work, now just heat and eat.
• Healthy & Convenient: Stock your freezer with wholesome, homemade meals that are ready in minutes. No more relying on takeout or unhealthy processed foods!
• Budget-Friendly: Prepare in bulk, save money, and avoid food waste by using what you already have.

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Key Takeaways

• Freezer meals save time and reduce stress, especially when you’re trying to get a wholesome dinner on the table during busy weeks.
• This Hidden Veggie Sloppy Joe recipe is the perfect meal prep hack—simple to make, nutritious, and easy to reheat.
• By preparing meals ahead of time, you save money, reduce meal planning stress, and always have a homemade, veggie-packed dinner ready to go!

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At The Simple Pursuit, we believe in making healthy eating easy, even on the busiest days. With just a little prep work, you can enjoy nutritious meals with your family without the stress of last-minute cooking. This hidden veggie sloppy joe recipe is a great example of how simple ingredients and a little planning can make a big difference in your family’s health.

With a batch of these sloppy joes in your freezer, you’ll always have a quick, healthy, and delicious meal at the ready.