Keto Sloppy Joes (with keto buns) Recipe

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">For the Keto Buns:</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">175g almond flour</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">20g coconut flour</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">15g psyllium husk powder</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tsp baking powder</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">4 large eggs, separated</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">60ml warm water</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">30g butter, melted</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">15ml apple cider vinegar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional, for topping)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">For the Sloppy Joe Filling:</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">500g ground beef (80% lean)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 medium green bell pepper, finely diced (about 120g)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 small onion, finely diced (about 80g)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 garlic cloves, minced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">200g sugar-free tomato sauce</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp tomato paste</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp apple cider vinegar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp powdered erythritol (or monk fruit sweetener)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (sugar-free version)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp dijon mustard</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp smoked paprika</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp dried oregano</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp chili powder</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Salt and pepper to taste</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp olive oil</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">120ml beef broth (or water)</li></ul>

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Electric mixer with whisk attachment</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Hamburger bun molds or English muffin rings</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Baking sheet lined with parchment paper</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Large skillet or sauté pan</li></ul>

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Preheat your oven to 180°C and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. If using hamburger bun molds or English muffin rings, lightly grease them with butter or oil.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>For the keto buns, in a large bowl, whisk together the almond flour, coconut flour, psyllium husk powder, baking powder, and salt. The psyllium husk is crucial as it acts as a gluten substitute, helping to bind the ingredients and create an elastic texture.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Separate the eggs, placing the whites in a clean, dry bowl (any trace of fat will prevent proper whipping). Add the egg yolks, warm water, melted butter, and apple cider vinegar to the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly until well combined. The vinegar will react with the baking powder to help the buns rise.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>With an electric mixer, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form – this will take about 2-3 minutes. The air incorporated into the egg whites will provide lightness to the otherwise dense low-carb buns.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the batter, one-third at a time, being careful not to deflate the mixture. Continue folding until just incorporated – a few white streaks are fine.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Spoon the batter into your prepared molds, filling them about 3/4 full, or form 8 mounds on the baking sheet, leaving space between each. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The buns should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>While the buns are baking, prepare your sloppy joe filling. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, sautéing for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes, draining excess fat if necessary but leaving some for flavor.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Add the tomato paste and stir to coat the meat mixture, cooking for 1 minute to develop a deeper flavor. This brief caramelization of the tomato paste creates a richer base for your sauce.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4>Pour in the sugar-free tomato sauce, beef broth, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and stir in the dijon mustard, erythritol, smoked paprika, oregano, and chili powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 11</h4>Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens to your desired consistency. If it becomes too thick, add a splash more broth; if too thin, continue simmering uncovered.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 12</h4>Once the buns are ready, allow them to cool slightly before slicing horizontally with a serrated knife. For the best texture, lightly toast the cut sides in a dry skillet or under the broiler for 1-2 minutes.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 13</h4>To assemble, place a generous portion of the sloppy joe mixture on the bottom half of each bun, and top with the other half. The slightly crisp exterior of the toasted bun will help contain the saucy filling. Serve immediately while everything is warm.</li></ol>