Free Printable: Low Carb & Keto Food List

  • Why You Need My Keto Sloppy Joes Recipe
  • Ingredients & Substitutions
  • How To Make Keto Sloppy Joes
  • My Recipe Tips
  • Serving Ideas
  • Keto Sloppy Joes Recipe card
  • Recipe Reviews

I have to admit, sloppy joes always take me back to school lunch days — but this version is way better than anything from a cafeteria tray. My keto sloppy joes are sweet, saucy, smoky, and totally satisfying… all without any sugar. I tested the recipe on my kids and a few picky eaters (you know the type), and they all cleaned their plates. It’s one of those dinners that feels nostalgic, but actually tastes amazing. Make them with me!

Why You Need My Keto Sloppy Joes Recipe

Maya in the kitchen. - 1
  • Tastes like the real deal – Thanks to Besti Brown, it has that deep, sweet brown sugar flavor that gives regular sloppy joes their signature taste — and honestly, it reminds me a lot of my keto pork chops (in the best way!).
  • Thick and saucy – I tweaked the ingredients until the meat was perfectly saucy without being watery — thick enough to pile high on a bun and not fall apart.
  • Simple Ingredients – Nothing fancy here — just everyday staples you probably already have. No obscure sauces or specialty items required.
  • Fast and easy – These low carb sloppy joes come together in one pan and about 20 minutes. On busy nights, this is one of my favorite go-to keto dinners .
Maya's signature. - 2 Perfectly chunky and sauce keto sloppy joes in a skillet. - 3

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the best ingredients for my healthy sloppy joes recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card .

  • Ground beef – I usually make these with ground beef, but ground pork or ground turkey work great too if that’s what you have. Just use whatever you like best — I’ve tried them all and they still turn out delicious.
  • Sugar-Free Ketchup – I like to make my own to keep the ingredients super clean, but store-bought works too! Just double-check the label — you’ll want one that’s sugar-free and has 2g net carbs or less per serving.
  • Besti Brown Monk Fruit Allulose Blend – I really recommend using Besti Brown here — it has that rich brown sugar flavor and blends so smoothly into the sauce. I’ve tested other brown or golden sweeteners, and honestly, they just don’t melt in the same way or taste as deep. If you have to use something else, go for a powdered sweetener to keep the texture right, but just know it won’t have quite the same flavor. You can always check my keto sweetener guide if you need help picking one.
  • Yellow Mustard – I add a splash of yellow mustard for a little tang to balance the sweetness — it gives the sauce that classic sloppy joe flavor. If you don’t have any, Dijon or spicy brown mustard will work too, just know they’ll add a bit more bite.
  • Spices – I used garlic powder , onion powder , and chili powder to give the keto sloppy joes a smoky, savory kick. You can swap chili powder for paprika or add cayenne for heat.
  • Sea Salt
  • Water
VARIATION: Want it chunkier? - 4

VARIATION: Want it chunkier?

If you like your sloppy joes with more texture, try adding some diced tomatoes and bell peppers when you cook the beef. It gives the sauce a heartier feel and adds a little extra flavor and color to every bite.

Labeled keto sloppy joe ingredients. - 5

How To Make Keto Sloppy Joes

I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card .

  1. Brown the beef. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Season it with a little salt and cook, breaking it apart as you go, until it’s nicely browned.
  2. Make the sauce. Stir in the ketchup, a splash of water, sweetener, mustard, and all the spices.
  3. Simmer & thicken. Let it bubble for a bit, then turn the heat down and let it simmer until the sauce thickens up. Enjoy your keto sloppy joes on bun or in a lettuce wrap!
Browned ground beef in a skillet. - 6 Sloppy joe sauce in a skillet with a spatula. - 7 Finished keto sloppy joe recipe. - 8 My Recipe Tips - 9

My Recipe Tips

  • Make the buns first (if you’re using them). If you’re making my keto buns , start with those since they take the longest. I’ve made the mistake of timing it wrong and ended up with cold meat and warm buns — not ideal. 😅
  • Nonstick skillet = less mess. I love using this nonstick fry pan for this recipe. It makes cleanup easy and the beef browns evenly without sticking.
  • I recommend using a meat chopper. This one breaks up the beef perfectly so you don’t end up with a mix of big chunks and tiny bits — just the even, crumbled texture you want in a sloppy joe.
  • Don’t rush the simmering step! Letting the sauce reduce a bit helps it cling to the meat better and keeps it from being too runny.
  • I always give the sloppy joe mixture a taste at the end. If it’s not sweet enough, I just add a little more Besti Brown and stir until it melts in. If it’s too sweet, a splash of mustard helps balance it out. It’s all about finding the flavor that works for you!
  • Double the batch for meal prep. These reheat so well. I often double it and use the leftovers in lettuce wraps, over roasted veggies , or even stuffed into keto cabbage rolls .
Keto sloppy joes on a plate with slaw. - 10

Serving Ideas

Wondering what to serve with this keto sloppy joe recipe? Here are some of my favorite sides to round out the meal:

  • Buns – I used my keto hot dog buns shaped like burgers for this, but my keto hamburger buns work just as well if you want that classic look.
  • Salads – I usually serve these with my keto coleslaw — it’s great on the side or piled right on top. Cauliflower potato salad also makes a super easy, refreshing match.
  • Starches – Cauliflower mac and cheese adds a creamy contrast to the smoky meat, but sometimes I go full burger mode with rutabaga fries or mashed cauliflower instead .
  • Veggies – Air fryer brussels sprouts add the perfect crispy contrast, and if I have extra sauce, I love soaking it up with a side of sauteed cabbage .

Recipe Video

Ingredients

Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.

  • 1 lb Ground beef ▢
  • 1 tsp Sea salt ▢
  • 1 cup Sugar-free ketchup ▢
  • 1/4 cup Water ▢
  • 2 tbsp Besti Brown Monk Fruit Allulose Blend (packed, to taste) ▢
  • 1 tsp Yellow mustard ▢
  • 1 tsp Garlic powder ▢
  • 1/2 tsp Onion powder ▢
  • 1/2 tsp Chili powder ▢

Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.

  1. Optional step: If you want the buns pictured, make this keto hot dog bun recipe in burger shapes. (Do this first as it takes the longest.)
  2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef. Season with salt. Cook, breaking apart with a spatula, for 8-10 minutes , until browned.
  3. Stir in sugar-free ketchup, water, Besti Brown Sweetener, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder.
  4. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes , until thickened. Adjust sweetener to taste if desired.

Did You Like It?

Leave a rating to help other readers (this also helps me continue to provide free recipes on my site), or get the recipe sent to your inbox.

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1/4 lb beef, or 1/4 entire recipe

  • Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you avoid soggy buns, get that perfect saucy texture, and make dinner even easier (and tastier) the next day.
  • Store: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge — they’ll stay good for 2–3 days.
  • Meal prep: This is one of those recipes that gets even better the next day. I like to make a full batch (or double it!) and keep extras in the fridge or freezer for easy meals later.
  • Reheat: Warm in the microwave or a hot skillet until heated through.
  • Freeze: Let it cool, then stash it in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. I thaw it in the fridge overnight when I’m ready to use it.
  • Note on nutrition info: I use my homemade sugar-free ketchup in these keto sloppy joes, which has just 2g net carbs per serving. If you’re using a different brand, the carb count might vary a bit.

📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Keto Freezer Meal System !

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

Add Your NotesYour Notes

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.

Keto Sloppy Joes

Sugar-free keto sloppy joe recipe pin - 11

Free Printable: Low Carb & Keto Food List

  • Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
  • The Basic Keto Meal Formula
  • Understanding Macros
  • Keto Food Swaps
  • Keto Food List
  • Electrolyte Basics
  • Keto Diet Types
  • Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
  • Recipe Reviews

Even though I have a great guide to starting a keto diet , people often ask me for a quick keto cheat sheet they can use. That’s why I created this simple keto diet cheat sheet , so that you can have all the info you need handy. We’ll cover the basic keto formula for building meals, foods to eat and to avoid, delicious keto swaps for high-carb foods, electrolyte basics, and 4 ways to follow the keto lifestyle.

You can keep reading to view this info, or download my keto cheat sheet printable pdf to print out or save ad-free on any device (plus the pdf has more details!).

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Keto Cheat Sheet System - printable pdf's and ebooks - 12

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

  1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
  2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
  3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
  4. Keto food swaps (60+ foods) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
  5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
  6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
  7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
  8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
  9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System + EBooks (Only $37)

The Basic Keto Meal Formula

Eating keto doesn’t have to be complicated! While there are plenty of delicious easy keto recipes to choose from, you don’t even have to cook from a recipe to get started.

Simply follow the keto cheat sheet formula of protein + veggie + fat for your meals.

Be sure to choose a moderate amount of protein, only low carb vegetables (mostly ones that grow above ground), and generous fat to attain an optimal macro ratio. That’s approximately 60-75% of calories from fat, 20-25% protein, and 5-10% from carbohydrates. The table below will give you ideas for what to choose.

Pick A ProteinPick A VeggieAdd Fat
Beef Chicken Pork Eggs Lamb Turkey Fish Shellfish Protein powder VenisonCauliflower Broccoli Zucchini Leafy Greens Cucumbers Brussels Sprouts Cabbage Asparagus Radishes Bell Peppers Jicama CeleryButter Avocado Oil Cheese Bacon Avocado Lard Ghee Mayo Nuts MCT Oil

Understanding Macros

Macros are macronutrients for short. They include fat, protein, and carbohydrates.

You can calculate your own macros using the macro calculator , but the macro keto cheat sheet below will explain how to look at macros when following a keto lifestyle.

Carbs Are A Limit.

Keeping carbs low is what gets you into ketosis and keeps you there. Ketosis means that you’re using fat as your primary energy source instead of sugar, and requires keeping carbs very low.

A good starting point is 20-25 grams net carbs per day, but you can experiment after a few weeks to see if your body stays in ketosis at higher levels. People who are very active may be able to do more and stay in ketosis, up to around 50 grams per day.

“Carbs are a limit” means that you set a limit for how many carbs to eat per day and don’t exceed it. You don’t have to hit that limit, so if you’re under that’s okay, just don’t go over. Ideally most of your carbs would come from low carb vegetables, and if you’re eating enough veggies, you’ll usually get close to the limit naturally.

A common misconception is that reaching ketosis requires a certain macro ratio, but it’s really only restricting your carb intake that gets you there [ * ]. In the absence of sufficient carbs to use as energy, the body will switch to using fat as fuel. This is called the metabolic state of ketosis.

Protein Is A Goal.

Protein is made up of amino acids, the building blocks of all our cells. It’s a crucial for keeping our muscles strong and for many cellular functions [ * ].

“Protein is a goal” means that you always want to eat enough protein to reach the goal each day, but not exceed it too much. You want enough for your needs, but excess protein can trigger gluconeogenesis, which is protein being converted to sugar [ * ] and can kick you out of ketosis.

Fat Is A Lever.

Fat is the primary macronutrient in a keto lifestyle, because being in ketosis means that fat is your primary fuel source. Fat as a fuel source will come from your food, and if you are losing weight, from your body.

A big advantage of a keto lifestyle is the high fat intake. It keeps you full and satisfied, making it easier to stick to, and using it as the primary fuel source makes it easier on your body to burn body fat, with a lower chance of breaking down your muscle (provided you get enough protein).

Aside from reaching your protein goal and limiting your carbs, the remainder of your calories on a keto diet comes from fat.

Don’t fear fat – it’s your main energy source on keto, and getting enough of it trains your body to use fat for fuel instead of sugar. That means that as long as you are not overdoing your overall calorie intake, you’ll efficiently burn your body fat for fuel as well.

“Fat is a lever” means that you can increase or decrease your fat intake depending on your goals and hunger levels. Increase it (along with exercise) to gain muscle, or decrease it to lose weight.

Keto Food Swaps

One of my favorite challenges is creating recipes, or just discovering, keto food swaps. These are delicious keto replacements for traditionally high-carb or high-sugar foods.

So, I created this keto diet cheat sheet with all the swaps in one place! I also have more keto food swaps in my Easy Keto Cookbook .

Keto Swaps For Breakfast

Instead Of This…Eat This
PancakesAlmond flour pancakes or coconut flour pancakes
OatmealKeto oatmeal with hemp seeds
Cinnamon rollsFathead cinnamon rolls
CerealKeto nut granola
MuffinsAlmond flour muffins or coconut flour muffins
DonutsAlmond flour donuts
SconesAlmond flour scones
High-sugar smoothiesSmoothie with berries or avocado
Hash brownsCauliflower hash browns
Breakfast casseroleBreakfast casserole with no potatoes
Egg whitesWhole eggs
Turkey baconBacon
WafflesChaffles
Keto food swaps - breakfast - 13

Keto Swaps For Bread

Instead Of This…Eat This
BagelsFathead bagels
English muffinAlmond flour English muffin
White breadKeto white bread
Multigrain breadCoconut flour bread with seeds
Tortillas for wrapsCoconut flour tortillas
Corn taco shellsCheddar cheese taco shells
Burger bunsOopsie rolls , portobello mushroom caps
BreadsticksCauliflower breadsticks
BiscuitsAlmond flour biscuits
CornbreadAlmond flour cornbread
CroutonsParmesan crisps
RiceCauliflower rice , konjac rice
Keto food swaps - bread and grains - 14

Keto Swaps For Meals & Side Dishes

Instead Of This…Eat This
Breaded wingsCrispy air fryer wings (unbreaded)
Low-fat meat & poultryHigh-fat cuts, or cook low-fat cuts with fat
Mashed potatoesMashed cauliflower
Roasted potatoesRoasted or fried radishes
TacosTaco salad
PizzaFathead crust , chicken crust , or cauliflower crust pizza
LasagnaEggplant lasagna
Potato saladCauliflower “potato” salad
French friesJicama , rutabaga , or zucchini fries
Tater totsCauliflower tots
WrapsLettuce wraps , almond flour tortillas
SushiNaruto-style or homemade rice-free sushi
Breaded chicken or fishBreaded cuts with almond flour or pork rinds
SpaghettiZoodles , spaghetti squash , shirataki noodles, kelp noodles
Keto food swaps - meals and sides - 15

Keto Swaps For Snacks & Sauces

Instead Of This…Eat This
NachosCheese crisps
High-sugar fruitBerries & other keto fruits
CrackersAlmond flour crackers
HummusCauliflower hummus
Soft pretzelsFathead pretzels
PopcornPuffed cheese
Granola barsGrain-free granola bars
JamSugar-free berry chia jam
Sweet fruity yogurtFull-fat plain Greek yogurt with berries
Sweet salad dressingRanch , blue cheese , or plain vinaigrette
KetchupMustard and/or sugar-free ketchup
BBQ sauceSugar-free BBQ sauce
Sweetened peanut butterNatural, sugar-free nut butters
Light mayoAvocado oil mayo
Maple syrupSugar-free, maple flavored syrup
Potato chipsZucchini chips , pepperoni chips , pork rinds
Keto food swaps - snacks and sauces - 16

Keto Swaps For Cooking & Baking

Instead Of This…Eat This
SugarMonk fruit or allulose
Powdered sugarPowdered monk fruit or allulose
White flourAlmond or Coconut flour (use in tested recipes)
Making baked goods soft/chewyXanthan gum, flax seed meal, psyllium husk powder
BreadcrumbsPork rinds or almond flour
MargarineButter, coconut oil, or ghee
Vegetable oilOlive or avocado oil
BananasBanana extract
Chocolate chipsSugar-free chocolate chips
Cornstarch or flour rouxXanthan gum or gelatin powder (used at the end)
Simple syrupDissolve monk fruit allulose blend in water over heat
Keto food swaps - baking and cooking - 17

Keto Swaps For Drinks

Instead Of This…Eat This
LemonadeWater with lemon
SodaFlavored sparkling water
MilkAlmond milk, coconut milk, heavy cream
LatteButter coffee
Coffee creamerHeavy cream
Sweet wineDry wine
BeerUltra light beer
Mixed drinksHard liquor with soda + lemon

If you’re looking specifically for keto alcohol options, browse the full keto alcohol guide .

Keto food swaps - drinks - 18

Keto Food List

When looking for a keto cheat sheet printable, the most-requested information is a keto food list.

The great thing is that keto doesn’t have to feel restrictive. It’s incredibly satisfying and there’s such a wide variety of foods you can eat!

Keto foods to eat and avoid summary - 19

Foods To Eat On Keto

  • Leafy greens – Such as spinach, chard, and lettuce.
  • Above-ground veggies – Such as peppers, zucchini, and cauliflower.
  • Full-fat cream & cheese – Such as heavy cream, sour cream, and full-fat hard cheeses.
  • Natural meats – Such as beef, lamb, and pork.
  • Berries – Such as raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries.
  • Avocados
  • Unsweetened nut milks – Such as almond milk and coconut milk.
  • Almond flour and coconut flour
  • Eggs
  • Healthy fats – Such as coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil and butter.

Foods To Avoid On Keto

  • White flour & sugar
  • Rice & grains – Such as barley, wheat, and corn.
  • Milk & yogurt – Such as fruit on the bottom yogurt, sweetened Greek yogurt, and all milk.
  • Cereal
  • Processed food – Such as granola bars, candy
  • Most fruit – Such as apples, bananas, and grapes
  • Hydrogenated fats – Such as vegetable oil, soybean oil, and margarine
  • Sweetened beverages & condiments – Such as soda, ketchup, and sweet dressings
  • Starchy veggies – Such as peas, carrots, and beets.
  • Potatoes – Such as sweet potatoes and white potatoes.

That’s the short keto diet cheat sheet version of all the keto food categories, but I recommend downloading the full Keto Cheat Sheet System. It includes a super detailed printable keto food list with over 100 items, including 2 color-coded pages with net carb counts, along with 6 more pages of keto cheat sheets:

Keto Cheat Sheet System - printable pdf's and ebooks - 20

Get The Keto Cheat Sheet System PDF (Only $37)

Electrolyte Basics

Getting enough electrolytes is crucial for anyone, but especially so on a keto diet. The reason is that ketosis has a diuretic effect, which increases excretion of water and electrolytes, especially sodium [ * ]. This is often the cause of the keto flu.

For more details on electrolytes and avoiding keto flu, check out the full keto flu guide here .

The important thing to know about electrolytes is that replenishing them will keep keto flu away and keep your body functioning well. I always recommend an electrolyte drink and whole food sources of anything your body needs before resorting to supplements, so I made a list of what to eat to get each of the 3 major electrolytes – sodium, magnesium and potassium.

Here’s your keto diet cheat sheet for getting electrolytes from food:

SodiumMagnesiumPotassium
Bone broth Boullion cubes Bacon Salted nuts PicklesSeaweed Seeds Nuts Avocado Leafy greensPotassium chloride Avocado Bone broth Spinach Broccoli Mushrooms Beef Pork

Keto Diet Types

People follow a keto lifestyle for different reasons. Some do it just to lose weight, others are after better overall health, increased energy, and reduced inflammation.

Strictly speaking, the defining factor of a keto diet is the metabolic state of ketosis, which is achieved by restricting carbs. However, many people (myself included) also reduce or eliminate processed, inflammatory, or low-nutrient foods.

Below is your keto cheat sheet summary of the different ways that people follow keto. You choose what works best for your goals and lifestyle!

  • Strict Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, count all calories and macros, and eat clean, unprocessed foods.
  • Lazy Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, and track only net carbs OR eat keto foods without tracking.
  • Dirty Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, with “if it fits your macros” approach including processed foods.
  • Low Carb – Up to 50-100g net carbs daily, less strict.

For a more detailed listing of these different types of keto with pros and cons, grab the Easy Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF below!

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

  1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
  2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
  3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
  4. Keto food swaps (60+ swaps) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
  5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
  6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
  7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
  8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
  9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.
Keto Cheat Sheet System - printable pdf's and ebooks - 21

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System (75 pages, Only $37!)

Keto Sloppy Joes

Keto sloppy joes on a plate. - 22

My keto sloppy joes are saucy, sweet, and super easy to make — all the flavor you love, without the sugar or carbs.

Scan this QR code with your phone’s camera for the full recipe, including tips, step-by-step photos, and storage, or to save it to your account. You can also find it at: https://www.wholesomeyum.com/keto-sloppy-joes/

Keto Sloppy Joes - 23 Keto Sloppy Joes - 24 Keto Sloppy Joes - 25

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Ground beef
  • 1 tsp Sea salt
  • 1 cup Sugar-free ketchup
  • 1/4 cup Water
  • 2 tbsp Besti Brown Monk Fruit Allulose Blend (packed, to taste)
  • 1 tsp Yellow mustard
  • 1 tsp Garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp Onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp Chili powder

Instructions

  1. Optional step: If you want the buns pictured, make this keto hot dog bun recipe in burger shapes. (Do this first as it takes the longest.)
  2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef. Season with salt. Cook, breaking apart with a spatula, for 8-10 minutes , until browned.
  3. Stir in sugar-free ketchup, water, Besti Brown Sweetener, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder.
  4. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes , until thickened. Adjust sweetener to taste if desired.

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1/4 lb beef, or 1/4 entire recipe

  • Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you avoid soggy buns, get that perfect saucy texture, and make dinner even easier (and tastier) the next day.
  • Store: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge — they’ll stay good for 2–3 days.
  • Meal prep: This is one of those recipes that gets even better the next day. I like to make a full batch (or double it!) and keep extras in the fridge or freezer for easy meals later.
  • Reheat: Warm in the microwave or a hot skillet until heated through.
  • Freeze: Let it cool, then stash it in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. I thaw it in the fridge overnight when I’m ready to use it.
  • Note on nutrition info: I use my homemade sugar-free ketchup in these keto sloppy joes, which has just 2g net carbs per serving. If you’re using a different brand, the carb count might vary a bit.

📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Keto Freezer Meal System !

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead. :)

Free Printable: Low Carb & Keto Food List

  • Why You Need My Keto Sloppy Joes Recipe
  • Ingredients & Substitutions
  • How To Make Keto Sloppy Joes
  • My Recipe Tips
  • Serving Ideas
  • Keto Sloppy Joes Recipe card
  • Recipe Reviews

I have to admit, sloppy joes always take me back to school lunch days — but this version is way better than anything from a cafeteria tray. My keto sloppy joes are sweet, saucy, smoky, and totally satisfying… all without any sugar. I tested the recipe on my kids and a few picky eaters (you know the type), and they all cleaned their plates. It’s one of those dinners that feels nostalgic, but actually tastes amazing. Make them with me!

Why You Need My Keto Sloppy Joes Recipe

Maya in the kitchen. - 26
  • Tastes like the real deal – Thanks to Besti Brown, it has that deep, sweet brown sugar flavor that gives regular sloppy joes their signature taste — and honestly, it reminds me a lot of my keto pork chops (in the best way!).
  • Thick and saucy – I tweaked the ingredients until the meat was perfectly saucy without being watery — thick enough to pile high on a bun and not fall apart.
  • Simple Ingredients – Nothing fancy here — just everyday staples you probably already have. No obscure sauces or specialty items required.
  • Fast and easy – These low carb sloppy joes come together in one pan and about 20 minutes. On busy nights, this is one of my favorite go-to keto dinners .
Maya's signature. - 27 Perfectly chunky and sauce keto sloppy joes in a skillet. - 28

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the best ingredients for my healthy sloppy joes recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card .

  • Ground beef – I usually make these with ground beef, but ground pork or ground turkey work great too if that’s what you have. Just use whatever you like best — I’ve tried them all and they still turn out delicious.
  • Sugar-Free Ketchup – I like to make my own to keep the ingredients super clean, but store-bought works too! Just double-check the label — you’ll want one that’s sugar-free and has 2g net carbs or less per serving.
  • Besti Brown Monk Fruit Allulose Blend – I really recommend using Besti Brown here — it has that rich brown sugar flavor and blends so smoothly into the sauce. I’ve tested other brown or golden sweeteners, and honestly, they just don’t melt in the same way or taste as deep. If you have to use something else, go for a powdered sweetener to keep the texture right, but just know it won’t have quite the same flavor. You can always check my keto sweetener guide if you need help picking one.
  • Yellow Mustard – I add a splash of yellow mustard for a little tang to balance the sweetness — it gives the sauce that classic sloppy joe flavor. If you don’t have any, Dijon or spicy brown mustard will work too, just know they’ll add a bit more bite.
  • Spices – I used garlic powder , onion powder , and chili powder to give the keto sloppy joes a smoky, savory kick. You can swap chili powder for paprika or add cayenne for heat.
  • Sea Salt
  • Water
VARIATION: Want it chunkier? - 29

VARIATION: Want it chunkier?

If you like your sloppy joes with more texture, try adding some diced tomatoes and bell peppers when you cook the beef. It gives the sauce a heartier feel and adds a little extra flavor and color to every bite.

Labeled keto sloppy joe ingredients. - 30

How To Make Keto Sloppy Joes

I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card .

  1. Brown the beef. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Season it with a little salt and cook, breaking it apart as you go, until it’s nicely browned.
  2. Make the sauce. Stir in the ketchup, a splash of water, sweetener, mustard, and all the spices.
  3. Simmer & thicken. Let it bubble for a bit, then turn the heat down and let it simmer until the sauce thickens up. Enjoy your keto sloppy joes on bun or in a lettuce wrap!
Browned ground beef in a skillet. - 31 Sloppy joe sauce in a skillet with a spatula. - 32 Finished keto sloppy joe recipe. - 33 My Recipe Tips - 34

My Recipe Tips

  • Make the buns first (if you’re using them). If you’re making my keto buns , start with those since they take the longest. I’ve made the mistake of timing it wrong and ended up with cold meat and warm buns — not ideal. 😅
  • Nonstick skillet = less mess. I love using this nonstick fry pan for this recipe. It makes cleanup easy and the beef browns evenly without sticking.
  • I recommend using a meat chopper. This one breaks up the beef perfectly so you don’t end up with a mix of big chunks and tiny bits — just the even, crumbled texture you want in a sloppy joe.
  • Don’t rush the simmering step! Letting the sauce reduce a bit helps it cling to the meat better and keeps it from being too runny.
  • I always give the sloppy joe mixture a taste at the end. If it’s not sweet enough, I just add a little more Besti Brown and stir until it melts in. If it’s too sweet, a splash of mustard helps balance it out. It’s all about finding the flavor that works for you!
  • Double the batch for meal prep. These reheat so well. I often double it and use the leftovers in lettuce wraps, over roasted veggies , or even stuffed into keto cabbage rolls .
Keto sloppy joes on a plate with slaw. - 35

Serving Ideas

Wondering what to serve with this keto sloppy joe recipe? Here are some of my favorite sides to round out the meal:

  • Buns – I used my keto hot dog buns shaped like burgers for this, but my keto hamburger buns work just as well if you want that classic look.
  • Salads – I usually serve these with my keto coleslaw — it’s great on the side or piled right on top. Cauliflower potato salad also makes a super easy, refreshing match.
  • Starches – Cauliflower mac and cheese adds a creamy contrast to the smoky meat, but sometimes I go full burger mode with rutabaga fries or mashed cauliflower instead .
  • Veggies – Air fryer brussels sprouts add the perfect crispy contrast, and if I have extra sauce, I love soaking it up with a side of sauteed cabbage .

Recipe Video

Ingredients

Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.

  • 1 lb Ground beef ▢
  • 1 tsp Sea salt ▢
  • 1 cup Sugar-free ketchup ▢
  • 1/4 cup Water ▢
  • 2 tbsp Besti Brown Monk Fruit Allulose Blend (packed, to taste) ▢
  • 1 tsp Yellow mustard ▢
  • 1 tsp Garlic powder ▢
  • 1/2 tsp Onion powder ▢
  • 1/2 tsp Chili powder ▢

Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.

  1. Optional step: If you want the buns pictured, make this keto hot dog bun recipe in burger shapes. (Do this first as it takes the longest.)
  2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef. Season with salt. Cook, breaking apart with a spatula, for 8-10 minutes , until browned.
  3. Stir in sugar-free ketchup, water, Besti Brown Sweetener, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder.
  4. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes , until thickened. Adjust sweetener to taste if desired.

Did You Like It?

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Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1/4 lb beef, or 1/4 entire recipe

  • Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you avoid soggy buns, get that perfect saucy texture, and make dinner even easier (and tastier) the next day.
  • Store: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge — they’ll stay good for 2–3 days.
  • Meal prep: This is one of those recipes that gets even better the next day. I like to make a full batch (or double it!) and keep extras in the fridge or freezer for easy meals later.
  • Reheat: Warm in the microwave or a hot skillet until heated through.
  • Freeze: Let it cool, then stash it in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. I thaw it in the fridge overnight when I’m ready to use it.
  • Note on nutrition info: I use my homemade sugar-free ketchup in these keto sloppy joes, which has just 2g net carbs per serving. If you’re using a different brand, the carb count might vary a bit.

📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Keto Freezer Meal System !

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

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Keto Sloppy Joes

Sugar-free keto sloppy joe recipe pin - 36