Hello, autumn! I have got to tell you, it is so much fun to be back in a part of the country that really allows you to celebrate the changing of the seasons. As the leaves change and the weather cools, our farmer’s markets are still in full swing and busier than ever. The last of the summer squash mingles with the first of the winter squash, eggplant sits next to okra, and big bunches of kale sway in the cool breeze. Homemade scarecrows, hand poured candles, and big barrels of hay get me excited for everything that October has to offer. For awhile now, I have been interested in developing a healthified version of the sloppy joe. To me, it is the ultimate fall comfort food (no more cold sandwiches, yay!). Traditional sloppy joe recipes call for up to two cups of ketchup per one pound of hamburger meat. That is a lot of sugar! I decided to think outside the box and add a bit of tomato paste to my favorite jarred pasta sauce instead. In an attempt to take this savory goodness to the next level, I combined the first butternut squash of the season with the last of the summer’s basil. This allowed me to stretch my food dollar and to turn this sandwich into a complete one-dish meal, no separate veggie required. I added a bit of celery for the crunch factor and a new family favorite was born. I’ll have to admit, I was a little nervous that this wouldn’t be “meaty” enough for Darren. I was wrong, he gobbled it down! (Seriously, when we retested this recipe, we didn’t change one thing. These are that good!)
As far as the nutrient factor, butternut squash gets its bright orange color from vitamin A in the form of beta carotene. Beta carotene boosts the immune system (perfect for this time of year), supports the reproductive organs, and helps repair cells from the damage caused by our daily exposure to toxins. Using grass-fed ground beef is a great way to boost your family’s intake of heart healthy, obesity fighting omega-3’s, and fresh basil is a natural anti-bacterial. Simmering the whole thing in your favorite jarred tomato sauce provides lycopene and an extra dose of vitamin C. Throw in some immunity boosting onion and garlic and this sandwich just screams, “I’m going to get you germs!” It is over the top packed with all of the nutrients you need to keep the cold and flu away. Try it once and I am sure that you will be throwing this recipe into your family's regular fall dinner rotation!
Keep in mind that this recipe easily makes enough filling for six to eight generously portioned sloppy joes. If your family is small like ours, feel free to freeze half of the filling and the extra four hamburger buns for a future dinner. (I wonder who made the decision that buns should always be sold in packs of eight anyways?) Reheated in a covered saucepan over medium-low to medium heat, this satisfying dinner will taste just as fabulous up to three months down the road!
Quick tip: If you have young children, I strongly recommend stripping them down before you feed them. In our home, we have officially changed the name to “sloppy girls”.
Ingredients (Serves 6 – 8):
Grass-fed ground beef, 1 pound
Butternut squash, 2 – 3 cups, ½ average, peeled, seeded, and grated
Celery, 3 ribs, diced
Onion, 1 average, diced
Garlic, 3 cloves
Jarred tomato pasta sauce, 3 cups (one standard jar), your favorite brand
Tomato paste, 2 tbsp
Fresh basil, ¼ to ½ cup
Extra virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp
100% whole grain buns, 1 per person
For the seasonings:
Dried thyme, 1 tsp
Dried oregano, 1 tsp
Dry mustard, 1 tsp
Sea salt, 1 tsp
Freshly ground black pepper, 1 tsp
Cayenne, ¼ tsp
Preparations (10 minutes):
Dice 1 onion, 3 cloves garlic, and 3 ribs celery. Use a potato peeler to peel ½ of an average butternut squash. Slice squash lengthwise, scoop out seeds, and grate on the medium side of a box grater (like you were shredding cheese). Tear basil into small pieces.
In a small bowl or ramekin, combine all ingredients listed under “for the seasonings”.
Instructions (30 minutes, 10 minutes active.):
Heat a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes. Add 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil and heat an additional 30 seconds, until oil shimmers. Add ground beef, onion, and garlic to skillet. Brown for about 5 minutes, until beef is no longer pink.
Add grated squash, celery, and combined seasonings to skillet and saute for 3 minutes, stirring often to prevent spices from burning. Pour 3 cups jarred pasta sauce and 2 tbsp tomato paste into skillet. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, until squash is tender.
Turn off heat. Stir in torn basil. Let sloppy joe’s thicken (uncovered) for about 10 minutes.
Serve sloppy joe’s on your favorite whole wheat bun. Serve and enjoy!
Notes: This meal rocks! Even your smallest family members will be able to enjoy this dinner! Just a reminder, if your baby or toddler ever begins to experience yellowing of the skin or orange colored cheeks, it is a sign that they may be getting too much beta carotene. Lay off the orange colored fruits and veggies until their skin tone is back to normal. My butternut squash sloppy joe’s are naturally free of nuts and any nut products. Vegetarians can simply omit the beef. To optimize the flavor, I suggest adding a tablespoon of butter to the oil you saute the onion and garlic in. When served on gluten-free bread, this dish is naturally free of gluten. As always, double check the ingredients on your jar of pasta sauce for high fructose corn syrup and allergens.
No lid for your skillet? Turn a pizza baking sheet upside down.
Does this sound delicious?!? You may also enjoy...
i’ve been drinking bird nest soup every night (i only get the homemade kind back at home). the only reason why i drink it is because it’s supposed to be good for complexion.
ReplyDeletei’ve been taking the store-bought kind online (e.g. http://www.geocities.jp/hongkong_bird_nest/index_e.htm of famous branded only of course) which is directly mailed from Hong Kong. this would be at a more affordable price.
This is such a brilliant idea. I never in a million years would have thought to make something like this. What a great idea!
ReplyDeleteAngela- Very interesting! I have never heard of bird nest soup, but I will look into it. I am always excited about beautiful skin!
ReplyDeleteKristin -- Thank you so much! The responses I have received from people that have tried this is incredible. I have to admit, the idea came from my hubby. He wanted sloppy joe's, I wanted something tasty and healthy! We collaborated and...perfection was born!
ReplyDelete