Sloppy Sweets

Every once in a while you stumble on to a brilliant meal when you're just goofing off in the kitchen and looking for a new twist on an old favorite. A few months ago, I was hungry for something sloppy joe-ish but without bread, ketchup, and I really didn't want beef. You may be thinking, okay you've taken out everything that makes it a sloppy joe, but remember, I said ish, sloppy joe-ish. In my opinion, I improved the dish immensely, mostly through the use of sweet potatoes. I LOVE sweet potatoes!! And they are crazy good for you. See HERE for a few of the ways they are good for you.

 

 Now the idea of a sloppy joe covered baked potato isn't new, the idea of alternate meats isn't new AND the idea of NO ketchup isn't new but combine them all with a little extra finessing and I give you sloppy sweets:

 

Sloppy Sweets

4 sweet potatoes

2T butter

1/2 C chopped onion
1/2 C carrot, small dice or shredded

1 stalk celery, chopped

1 lb ground turkey or chicken

1/4 C diced tomatoes

1/2 C tomato sauce

1/3 C sweet chili sauce

1 T dark red chili powder

1/2 t each garlic powder, onion powder

Dash of cumin
A couple grates of nutmeg

1/2 C shredded cheddar or mozzarella (both are awesome)

 

   Bake potatoes (prick a couple times with a fork) in 350 degree oven for about 30-45 minutes depending on size or microwave for about 15 minutes. I prefer the texture of a baked sweet potato but you can microwave if you're pinched for time. Melt half of the butter in the pan and cook the onion, carrot, and celery until tender about 7-8 minutes over medium heat. Add turkey or chicken, salt and pepper to taste. Cook until no longer pink. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili sauce, 1/4 C water, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and nutmeg. Cook until meat is cooked through, about 5 minutes. Split potatoes, dot with second half of butter, and top with meat mixture. Sprinkle cheese over the top and enjoy.      

Do yourself a favor, jump out to the store in the morning and make this for lunch. Your taste buds, and everyone in your house, will thank you.......and then ask when you're making it again!