Lunch & Dinner

Turkey Sloppy Joes – Easy Comfort Food Recipes

Name: Turkey Sloppy Joes – Easy Comfort Food Recipes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; 1 small white onion, finely chopped; 3 garlic cloves, finely minced; 1 red bell pepper; 1 pound 1 of 94% lean ground turkey or chicken; 1 teaspoon kosher sea salt; Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste; 1/2 cup tomato ketchup; 1/4 cup of your preferred BBQ sauce; 1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce; 1 1/2 teaspoons red wine vinegar; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1/2 cup filtered or spring water; 1/8 teaspoon smoked cayenne pepper; 1 tablespoon maple syrup; A pinch of garlic powder; 4 hamburger buns; Fresh jalapeño slices for garnish; 2-4 ounces shredded pepper jack cheese

Kathleen Looney May 2, 2025

Servings: 4 Total Time: 30 mins Difficulty: Intermediate

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Before we dive into the delightful world of turkey sloppy joes, let’s explore what sides pair perfectly with this bold and satisfying dish. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a casual get-together, these pairings can elevate the experience.

Classic coleslaw is a fantastic side, offering a tangy, crunchy contrast to the savory sloppy joes. The freshness and texture balance the richness of the meat. For a crunchy touch, crispy potato chips or seasoned fries are a great option, adding that extra layer of crunch to your meal.

Pickles or fresh jalapeños bring a refreshing acidity, cutting through the richness of the meat with every bite. On the sweeter side, corn on the cob, especially if chargrilled, complements the savory sloppy joes without overpowering the flavors.

Finally, a light garden salad with fresh greens and a simple vinaigrette balances the heartiness of the dish, with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or radishes adding extra crunch. Now, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into the main attraction!

What Are Turkey Sloppy Joes?

Turkey sloppy joes are a modern twist on the traditional sloppy joe. Instead of ground beef, they use lean ground turkey, which is lower in fat and calories.

The meat is cooked with onions, garlic, and some vibrant spices, then mixed with a luscious sauce that packs a punch. It’s served hot on a bun and is typically garnished with cheese and jalapeños.

What’s great about turkey sloppy joes is their versatility. You can adjust the spices to suit your taste or even add other ingredients to make them your own. Want it spicier? Add more peppers. Looking for a sweeter sauce?

Tweak the amount of ketchup or barbecue sauce. This dish is a canvas for your culinary creativity.

What is the Flavor Profile of This Dish?

Turkey sloppy joes are an explosion of flavors. The ground turkey lends a mild, savory foundation. When you add in the onions and garlic, you introduce a subtle sweetness and depth. The spices, including smoked cayenne, bring a gentle heat.

The sauce, a blend of ketchup, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and maple syrup, gives it that sweet and tangy kick. The smoky notes from cayenne pepper complement this balance, creating a rich and memorable flavor profile that will leave you craving more after the first bite.

Why You’ll Love This!

You’ll adore turkey sloppy joes for many reasons:

Quick to Make: The whole preparation can take under 30 minutes.
Healthy Option: Using lean turkey makes this meal lighter without skimping on taste.
Kid-Friendly: They’re fun to eat and perfect for little hands. Kids love them!
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the meat mixture in advance, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
Customizable: Add your favorite ingredients, cheeses, or spices for a personal touch.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these delicious turkey sloppy joes:

– 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

– 1 small white onion, finely chopped

– 3 garlic cloves, finely minced

– 1 red bell pepper (or green bell pepper), chopped into small pieces

– 1 pound of 94% lean ground turkey or chicken

– 1 teaspoon kosher sea salt

– Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

– ½ cup tomato ketchup

– ¼ cup of your preferred BBQ sauce

– 1 ½ teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

– 1 ½ teaspoons red wine vinegar

– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

– ½ cup filtered or spring water

– ⅛ teaspoon smoked cayenne pepper

– 1 tablespoon maple syrup

– A pinch of garlic powder

For serving:

– 4 hamburger buns

– Fresh jalapeño slices for garnish

– 2-4 ounces shredded pepper jack cheese (about 1/2-1 cup)

Step by Step Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Here’s how to create turkey sloppy joes that will impress your family and friends.

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent. Next, toss in the minced garlic and continue to sauté for an additional minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning.

Step 2: Cook the Bell Pepper

Once your garlic is fragrant, add the chopped bell pepper into the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the pepper softens slightly. This will introduce a fresh and colorful element to the mix.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Turkey

Next, it’s time to add the ground turkey. Break it up with a spatula and ensure it cooks evenly. Stir frequently for about 5-7 minutes, seasoning it with kosher salt and black pepper. You’re looking for the meat to turn a nice golden brown.

Step 4: Mix in the Sauce Ingredients

Now, reduce the heat to low and pour in the ketchup, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and water. Stir until everything is well combined. This is where the magic happens!

Step 5: Add Seasoning

Sprinkle the smoked cayenne pepper, maple syrup, and garlic powder over the mixture. Stir gently again. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing those flavors to meld together—this is where the deliciousness brews!

Step 6: Toast the Buns (Optional)

While the mixture simmers, you can toast the hamburger buns if you like a bit of crunch. Just pop them in a toaster oven or under the broiler for a minute or two, keeping an eye on them to prevent burning.

Step 7: Assemble and Serve

Spoon generous amounts of the turkey mixture onto the bottom half of each bun. Top with jalapeño slices and sprinkle shredded pepper jack cheese on top.

Place the top half of the bun on and—voila! Enjoy your delicious turkey sloppy joes.

Tips & Tricks

Choose lean turkey: Opt for 94% lean turkey to keep it flavorful but healthy.
Add spice: If you like heat, mix in some chopped jalapeños directly into the meat mixture.
Make a double batch: These keep well, so double the recipe and enjoy them later.
Try different sauces: Experiment with different BBQ sauces for varied flavor notes.
Serve with love: Don’t forget the potato chips or coleslaw on the side for added crunch.

How Can You Store This Turkey Sloppy Joes?

Storing leftovers is easy. Place the meat mixture in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. When reheating, you can warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave. Just ensure it’s heated thoroughly before enjoying again.

Alternative Choices for Ingredients

Sometimes, you may not have everything on hand. Here are a few substitutions to consider:

Ground Beef or Pork: If turkey isn’t available, lean ground beef or pork can replace it. They’ll offer a different flavor and texture but still delicious.
Vegetarian Option: For a meat-free alternative, use textured vegetable protein (TVP) or lentils. Both absorb flavors well and provide substance.
Gluten-Free Buns: Use gluten-free bread to make it suitable for those with gluten intolerance. Many brands offer delicious options now.

Conclusion

Turkey sloppy joes offer a delicious and satisfying meal that’s a breeze to prepare. With the perfect balance of flavors, a quick cooking time, and flexibility for customization, it’s a recipe that every home cook should have in their arsenal. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet night in or throwing a backyard barbecue, these sloppy joes are sure to be a hit.

From the first savory bite to the last crumb, you’ll see why this dish remains a favorite through the ages. So gather your ingredients, revisit that joyful nostalgia, and dig into these turkey sloppy joes. Happy cooking!

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Print Recipe

Turkey Sloppy Joes – Easy Comfort Food Recipes

Author: Kathleen Looney Cuisine: American Courses: Lunch & Dinner

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 20 mins Total Time 30 mins

Servings: 4 Calories: 422 kcal

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

Imagine a messy, delicious sandwich that takes you back to childhood. That’s what turkey sloppy joes do for me. Growing up, I cherished those days when my mom would whip up this meal.

The savory scent of sautéed onions and garlic wafting through the house was like an invitation to gather around the dining table. Today, I want to share my take on this classic, with a bit of a twist—using ground turkey for a lighter yet flavorful option.

Turkey sloppy joes are a wonderful choice for busy weeknights, entertaining friends, or family gatherings. They’re straightforward to make, taste fantastic, and provide you with the nostalgia of those childhood meals, but with a healthier profile.