Blog - Inside BruCrew Life

Homemade Sloppy Joes

Our homemade sloppy joe recipe uses real ingredients and simmers in a thick, sweet, and spicy tomato sauce. Serve it on toasted buns for a quick and easy weeknight dinner the whole family will enjoy.

Looking for more easy sandwich ideas? Try our Buffalo chicken salad or slow cooker pulled pork.

A bun filled with a generous helping of sloppy joes.

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If you grew up eating sloppy joes, there is a good chance it came from a can or was made with ketchup, mustard, and brown sugar. That's exactly how we made them, too. No measuring, just a little of this, a little of that, and a whole lot of taste testing until it was just right.

Fast forward to now, and sloppy joes are still one of those nostalgic comfort foods that I love and remember from childhood. It's easy, budget-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd.

This past January, our small group made dinner for about 150 people at our church, and sloppy joes were on the menu. Our family loves this sweet and spicy Dr. Pepper chili, so I used those ingredients to jazz up that old-fashioned meat base.

The end result was a sweet and tangy sloppy joe recipe with a hint of spice. It was a huge hit at the group dinner and quickly became a new family favorite here, too.

Why You'll Love Sloppy Joes with Tomato Paste

Sweet and tangy, with a hint of spice. The brown sugar and balsamic vinegar provide sweetness and tang, while the chipotle pepper adds a touch of heat.
Made from scratch with real ingredients. Using pantry staples, you can create a homemade sauce that tastes way better than anything from the store.
Perfect for busy nights or feeding a crowd. The recipe comes together in about 30 minutes and can be easily doubled or tripled.

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Birthday Cake Banana Bread

Colorful rainbow sprinkles and a sweet glaze make this soft birthday cake banana bread a fun treat. It is perfect for birthdays, brunch, or any special occasion.

If you love sprinkles, check out our Funfetti cinnamon rolls and Funfetti bundt cake.

A loaf of birthday cake banana bread with two slices laying in front of it.

The post for Funfetti banana bread was first published in January 2020. It was updated and republished in January 2026.

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Lately, I have been really into making sweet breads, especially banana bread. A few weeks ago, I bought some bananas. I couldn't wait for them to ripen so I could try different banana bread recipes.

This sour cream banana bread is my go-to recipe when I want to try something new. It's soft, moist, and incredibly easy to customize with mix-ins and extracts. This time, I used cake batter extract and rainbow sprinkles to give it a classic Funfetti cake flavor.

Now let's talk about the glaze. Is it optional? Technically, yes. Is it necessary? Absolutely! After all, this is birthday cake banana bread.

It's like the banana loaf, and Funfetti cake had a baby. Honestly, now I want to add sprinkles to every loaf of sweet bread I make!

Why You'll Love Birthday Cake Banana Bread

Fun way to use overripe bananas. This recipe turns that spotty fruit into a treat that everyone will get excited about.
Birthday cake flavor in every bite. Cake batter extract is the secret ingredient to give the baked good a classic cake taste.
Loaded with sprinkles. The rainbow colors add fun, making this sweet bread perfect for a party or special occasion.
Frosting on top because why not. A sweet glaze transforms this from banana loaf into a "cake" you can eat for breakfast.
Great for any occasion. It's perfect for birthdays, brunch, or just because your bananas are silently judging you from the counter.

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Congo Bars

Congo bars are soft, chewy cookie bars loaded with buttery brown sugar flavor and lots of chocolate chips. Make this easy vintage dessert in one bowl and customize it with mix-ins like chopped pecans and coconut.

Try more cookie bar recipes like my monster cookie bars, chocolate chip cheesecake bars, and kitchen sink bars next.

A stack of chocolate chip congo bars on a blue towel.

The post for these Congo bars was originally published in August 2010. The pictures were updated in November 2018, and the post was republished in January 2026.

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What are congo bars? If you've never had one before, congo bars are rich, chewy blonde brownies filled with chocolate chips and brown sugar.

It's a retro recipe found in church cookbooks (one theory is that the name "congo" comes from "congregation"). I recently rediscovered my congo bars recipe in a box of old recipe cards. Of course, I had to make them right away!

In high school, I would make these soft, gooey congo bars for youth group events. Every time I showed up with a pan, they disappeared in no time. I can't wait for yours to have the same effect!

Why You'll Love Congo Bars

Soft, chewy, chocolatey. Eating a congo bar is like biting into a super soft-baked chocolate chip cookie. It's a texture similar to a fudgy brownie, flavored with brown sugar instead of chocolate.
One bowl. The cookie dough comes together in minutes in one bowl with simple ingredients. Mixer optional!
Any occasion. Congo bars are perfect for bake sales, potlucks, and holiday baking. Try a warm square with a scoop of ice cream on top. Cookie dough goodness with melty ice cream is the best.

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Sour Cream Blueberry Muffins

Try these sour cream blueberry muffins for a quick grab-and-go breakfast or snack. Juicy berries and warm chai spices give them the perfect sweet flavor. They are easy to make and great for mornings when you want a warm treat.

If you love blueberry treats, also try my orange blueberry cake and blueberry filled donuts.

Blueberry muffins on a white board and the front one has a bite out of it.

The post for blueberry chai muffins was first published in January 2017. It was updated and republished in January 2026.

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These sour cream blueberry muffins have been a favorite in our house for years. When our kids were teenagers, having a batch on the counter helped make busy school mornings easier.

Now they are grown and moved out, but they still get excited when I tell them I baked muffins. The only difference is that they have to drive over if they want some.

I really love the taste of chai. One day, while making another batch of blueberry muffins, I decided to mix things up a bit. Adding some chai spices to the batter made the soft, fluffy muffins feel extra special.

Everyone loves these muffins so much that I don't even bother making them the old way anymore. Pair one with a blueberry latte or a hot cup of coffee, and you're set for an awesome start to your day.

Why You'll Love Blueberry Cream Muffins

Super soft and fluffy. Sour cream makes these bites tender and moist every single time. They stay soft for days.
Loaded with blueberries. Every bite has a juicy pop of fresh blueberry flavor.
Warm taste. The addition of chai spices adds extra flavor and depth to the muffins.
Great for sharing. These are the kind of muffins everyone gets excited about when they see them on the counter.

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Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie

This protein-packed peanut butter banana smoothie is a delicious option for breakfast or a snack. It combines Greek yogurt and protein powder with frozen bananas and peanut butter to create a thick, smooth protein shake. The sweet and nutty flavor helps keep you feeling full for longer.

If you have extra frozen bananas, you might like our blueberry banana frozen yogurt. You could also try this raspberry frozen yogurt bowl.

Two cups filled with a peanut butter and banana smoothie, then topped with extra peanut butter.

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Peanut butter and banana have always been one of my favorite flavor combos. Years ago, I shared this peanut butter banana milkshake, and it's still one of my go-to treats. This smoothie is simply a high-protein twist on my classic favorite.

These days, I love turning dessert flavors into dishes that keep me full and use wholesome ingredients. This peanut butter banana protein smoothie tastes like a milkshake, but is good for me.

It works perfectly for a quick breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even a sweet treat when I'm craving something creamy and filling.

Why Make A Peanut Butter Banana Protein Shake

Tastes like a treat. The pb and banana combo is creamy, rich, and will make you think you are drinking a milkshake.
High in protein. Greek yogurt, milk, and protein powder give this shake a whopping 49g of protein.
Quick and easy. Everything goes into the blender and mixes in under 5 minutes.
Easy to change at any time of day. You can easily swap ingredients based on your needs for breakfast, lunch, or dessert.

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Chili Lime Cod

Infused with spices, you'll love this oven baked chili lime cod with roasted vegetables. The baked fish feels fancy but is actually simple enough for a busy weeknight. This easy sheet pan dinner is ready in 30 minutes and is fantastic served with pasta or rice.

If you enjoy seafood, try our healthy tuna salad or shrimp zucchini noodles.

Chili lime cod and roasted veggies on a white plate.

This post was first published in August 2017. It was updated and republished in January 2026.

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Lately, we have been making and enjoying meals loaded with vegetables and different proteins. I've been mixing things up each week by trying a new fish recipe. Honestly, I wasn't a big fan of seafood, but I'm starting to enjoy it more after trying baked white fish.

Cod is mild, flaky, and easy to work with, which makes it perfect for quick dinners. For this sheet pan dinner, I made a simple chili spice blend and rubbed it onto thawed cod with a bit of oil and lime juice. Then I baked it with a few veggies we had in the fridge.

Dinner came together so fast, and the flavor seriously surprised me! I love eating this baked cod with roasted vegetables and cauliflower rice or using it in fish taco bowls.

Why You'll Love Sheet Pan Cod

One pan dinner. The best part is that everything cooks together, so cleanup is quick and easy.
Big flavor. The homemade chili seasoning adds a bold flavor to the sheet pan meal.
Fast and simple. Dinner is on the table in 30 minutes.
Flexible. Use your favorite vegetables or spice blend to make it your own.

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Cabbage Vegetable Soup

This cabbage vegetable soup recipe has a hearty blend of cabbage, tomatoes, and root vegetables. It's a light and delicious meal that is easy to make and great for lunch and dinner.

Looking for more healthy dinners? This fish taco bowl and these cheeseburger zucchini boats are two of our favorites.

The post for lean mean veggie soup was originally published in January 2012. The pictures were updated in January 2022 and then republished in January 2026.

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Veggies are my favorite way to reset at the start of each new year. This cabbage vegetable soup has been a staple in our kitchen for years, even before cabbage became trendy. It's simple, comforting, and packed with flavor.

Back when the cabbage soup diet was popular, I tried it and thought it was pretty bland. However, after adding more veggies, herbs, and spices, I finally created a version I could enjoy all week.

Our low carb veggie soup is packed with tomatoes, cabbage, carrots, peppers, and kale. I love that it is colorful and full of texture. Eating lighter doesn't mean sacrificing flavor, and this simple soup recipe has definitely earned a permanent spot in our meal rotation.

If you're craving something light and delicious, this soup is a great choice. It comes together in 30 minutes, works perfectly for meal prep, and makes a big pot you can enjoy all week.

Why You'll Love This Cabbage Soup Recipe

Loaded with vegetables. Every bowl is packed with fresh veggies, making it a delicious way to enjoy more produce in one meal.
Great for using what you have. This soup is great for cleaning out the veggie drawer or adding your favorite protein.
Simple and flavorful. Basic ingredients come together with herbs and seasonings to create a dinner that tastes anything but boring.
Perfect for meal prep. Make a big batch once and enjoy easy lunches or dinners all week long.
Light but comforting. It warms you up without feeling heavy, so it is great any time of year.

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Pizza Zucchini Noodle Salad

If you like simple salads with classic flavors, this zucchini noodle salad is one you need to try. The raw zoodles, along with pizza toppings, are tossed in a light dressing. It's easy to make, so it's great for busy nights or last-minute cookouts when you want something fresh.

The post for pizza zucchini salad was first published in July 2018. It was updated and republished in January 2026.

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Pizza has always been one of our favorite meals. When our kids were growing up, Friday nights usually meant ordering takeout or making homemade pizza.

This year, I have been watching my carbs, so adding those pizza flavors to a simple salad sounded good. I also pulled my spiralizer out of the back of the pantry, and it's quickly become one of my favorite kitchen tools. It turns vegetables into fun curly noodles, which are the perfect low-carb swap for pasta.

I mixed my favorite toppings with zoodles to make a quick, fresh zucchini noodle salad. That fresh salad, along with pizza cauliflower nachos, satisfied my pizza cravings.

Why You'll Love Pizza Zucchini Noodles

Pizza without the carbs. All the classic pizza flavors you love, just tossed into a fresh, light salad.
Quick and easy to make. A few simple ingredients and 15 minutes are all you need to get this cold salad on the table.
Easy to customize. Add olives, peppers, or your favorite pizza toppings to make it your own.
Perfect for summer meals. This no-cook zoodle salad is refreshing and perfect for hot days, picnics, or backyard barbecues.

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Banana Chocolate Protein Cookies

Enjoy dessert for breakfast with these banana chocolate protein cookies. Loaded with wholesome ingredients and chocolate flavor, these breakfast cookies are a great way to start the day or satisfy your sweet tooth.

If you are a fan of chocolate for breakfast, you will love these chocolate protein pancakes or this mocha chia pudding.

A couple of banana chocolate protein cookies on a lined pan.

The post and recipe for banana chocolate chip breakfast cookies were first published in January 2018. It was updated and republished in January 2025.

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I always buy too many bananas each week. Usually, we turn them into banana protein pancakes or a cherry smoothie. This week, I sweetened a batch of chocolate protein cookies with the extra bananas. They satisfied my chocolate cravings while giving me a little extra protein, which feels like a win.

Chocolate protein powder and dark cocoa give these cookies a rich flavor, while oats and mashed banana keep them hearty and sweet. I added chia seeds for an extra boost, but you can skip them if you want.

A few mini chocolate chips on top make them even better because chocolate on cookies just makes sense. I love that I can stick to my health goals and still enjoy cookies!

Why You'll Love These Protein Oatmeal Cookies

These wholesome treats are soft and hearty. Think breakfast cookie meets protein snack. They go so well with coffee or a morning smoothie.

Cookies for breakfast. They taste like a treat but are made with real ingredients, making them great for morning or snacks.
Filled with chocolate and protein. Cocoa powder and chocolate protein powder give each cookie its chocolate flavor and 6 grams of protein each.
Perfectly sweet. These cookies are lightly sweetened with bananas, which is great if you are cutting back on refined sugar.

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Cherry Smoothie

This banana cherry smoothie is a sweet treat you can make in under 5 minutes. It's thick, creamy, and packed with fruit and Greek yogurt, making it a delicious meal or dessert.

Two glasses filled with a cherry banana smoothie and a paper straw.

The post and recipe for this cherry banana smoothie were originally published in January 2014. It was updated and republished in January 2026.

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As a dessert lover with a serious sweet tooth, I'm always looking for food that won't make me feel like I'm missing out.

Right now, dessert-inspired smoothies have my attention. They satisfy my sweet cravings but completely fit with my nutrition goals.

This cherry smoothie is one of my favorites because it reminds me of dessert. The combination of frozen cherries, cinnamon, and almond extract makes it taste like cherry pie, but it's a creamy protein smoothie you can enjoy anytime.

Why You'll Love A Smothie With Frozen Cherries

It's great for busy mornings, quick lunches, or those mid-afternoon cravings for something sweet. This recipe is a perfect way to change up your daily routine.

Dessert inspired. The almond extract and cinnamon give this smoothie its classic cherry pie flavor. You are going to love it!
Thick and creamy texture. Frozen fruit and Greek yogurt combine to make a sweet, protein-packed treat.
So easy to make. You throw everything into the blender at once, making it quick and fun to prepare.

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