Pumpkin Sloppy Joes

Hey there, pumpkin! Are we enjoying fall yet? I’m starting to think the hustle and bustle this time of year might be very near to the Christmas season. Do you ever wish there was time to just slow down and take a breath? I’m learning to say “no” to more things… it really is a hard task. I recently purchased “Growing Slow”- A bible study on learning to “unhurry” your heart. I’m excited to dig into it over fall break!

Speaking of hustle and bustle, that’s why we need more super easy meals! This one counts as that. You could very well meal prep a few pounds of these pumpkin sloppy Joes, and bake a batch of potatoes (sweet or white) at the beginning of the week and have a meal ready to go on busy weeknights.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 pounds lean ground chicken/turkey/or beef

• 1/2 to whole cup shredded carrot

• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce of choice

• 2 tsp. chili powder

• 1 tsp. onion powder

• 1/2 tsp. garlic powder

• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

• salt and pepper (desired amount)

• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree

• 1 tbsp. mustard

• Optional add ins- Diced bell pepper, diced onion (throw in while meat is browning)

We like to use G. Hughes Sugar Free Sauces, or Primal Kitchen has a good one as well. If you can get your hands on smoked paprika that is preferred, but don't stress, you won't ruin it if you use regular. The shredded carrot is also optional, but you know I like to throw extra veggies in wherever I can! They add a good element of texture too, in this case.

Steps-

1. Begin to brown your meat in your large skillet. Begin shredding carrots (I recommend a mini food processor- so quick and easy when you need smaller amounts)

2. Throw the carrots in with your meat as it continues to brown. *If you are adding diced onion or bell pepper throw them in early as well to get them cooked down with the meat.

3. Drain meat when it is cooked through and then begin to add the rest of your ingredients- all spices, pumpkin, and mustard and your first quarter cup of water.

4. Mix together and let simmer on medium to low heat.

5. Continue to add rest of water about 1/4 cup at a time.

6. After 20 minutes or so....

ENJOY! Top on a sweet potato, slider bun, or eat however you like. You can drizzle additional BBQ sauce if you like.