Enhanced High-Protein Cuban Sloppy Joes Lettuce cups

Name: Enhanced High-Protein Cuban Sloppy Joes Lettuce cups
Cuisine: Latin American, American, Cuban
Ingredients: 2 tbsp avocado oil (lower saturated fat than canola); 600g lean ground pork; 300g extra-firm tofu, crumbled (adds protein, reduces cholesterol); 200g cooked black beans, drained and rinsed; 4 slices reduced-fat Swiss cheese (half the previous amount); 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tsp brown sugar (reduced further); 1 tsp ground allspice; 2 tsp ground coriander; 0.5 tsp kosher salt (reduced by half); 0.25 tsp black pepper; 2 tsp paprika; 2 tsp low-sodium Worcestershire sauce; 2 limes, zested and juiced (doubled for more flavor); 240ml low-sodium chicken broth; 245g no-salt-added tomato sauce; 4 large butter lettuce cups; 200g shredded purple cabbage (more fiber); 50g cucumber, diced (adds volume, reduces sodium per bite); 30g pickles (reduced by half); Dijon mustard (lower sodium than regular)

5 steps

Updated at: Thu, 12 Jun 2025 16:37:02 GMT

Nutrition balance score

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Instructions

Step 1

Prepare proteins: Heat avocado oil over medium-high heat. Add ground pork tenderloin, cooking and crumbling for 5-6 minutes. Add crumbled tofu and cook 2-3 minutes more.

Step 2

Layer flavors: Reduce heat to medium. Add garlic, brown sugar, all spices, low-sodium Worcestershire, and lime zest/juice. Cook 2-3 minutes until aromatic.

Step 3

Build sauce: Add low-sodium broth and no-salt-added tomato sauce. Simmer 8-10 minutes until thickened.

Step 4

Boost fiber: Fold in black beans and cook 2 minutes to heat through.

Step 5

Assemble clean: Layer cabbage and cucumber in lettuce cups, top with protein mixture, add 1 slice cheese per serving, finish with minimal pickles and Dijon mustard.