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Turkey Sloppy Joes

Turkey Sloppy Joes - Easy Comfort Food Recipes

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.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 421
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 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
  • 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
For serving:
  • 4 hamburger buns
  • Fresh jalapeño slices for garnish
  • 2-4 ounces shredded pepper jack cheese about 1/2-1 cup

Method
 

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
  1. 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
  1. 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
  1. 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
  1. 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
  1. 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)
  1. 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
  1. 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.

Notes

  • 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.