sloppy joe turkey recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best sloppy joe turkey recipe

I’m so excited to share this sloppy joe turkey recipe with you all. I’ve been making it for years, and it’s always a hit with my family.

The dish originated from the American South, where it was known as a ‘loaf’ or ‘meatloaf’. However, over time, it evolved into the sloppy joe we know today.

The key to this recipe is the way the ground turkey is cooked with a mixture of spices and then topped with a tangy ketchup-based sauce. It’s a game-changer for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.

My kids love helping me prepare it, and they’re always eager to taste the finished product. I love how easy it is to make and how versatile it is – you can serve it on its own or with some crusty bread or even over rice.

The best part is that it’s relatively healthy, too – we’re talking lean turkey, veggies, and whole wheat buns. As an added bonus, leftovers reheat beautifully for lunch the next day.

My family has grown up on this recipe, and I’m confident your family will love it just as much as mine does.

Sloppy Joe Turkey

Sloppy Joe Turkey

4.8 from 608 votes

A lighter twist on the classic sloppy joe, made with lean ground turkey in a tangy, sweet tomato sauce. This quick and easy meal comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time20 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time30 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Sloppy Joe Mixture

1 lb ground turkey (93% lean)
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion
1/2 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp yellow mustard
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

For Serving

4 hamburger buns, split and toasted

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes.
3Reduce heat to medium and add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic.
4Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes.
5Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, tomato paste, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
6Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
7Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and the flavors meld, about 8 to 10 minutes.
8The mixture should be thick enough to hold its shape on a spoon.
9Toast the hamburger buns under the broiler or in a toaster until golden brown.
10Spoon the sloppy joe mixture generously onto the bottom half of each bun, then top with the other half and serve immediately.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet or frying pan
Wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring spoons
Measuring cups
Knife
Cutting board

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 3g❤️Cholesterol: 70mg🧂Sodium: 780mg🌾Total Carbs: 35g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 12g🥩Protein: 28g

📝Notes

For a gluten-free option, serve the sloppy joe mixture over rice or baked potatoes instead of buns. You can also add a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.

Watch Video Of How Sloppy Joe Turkey Works

I always keep a batch of this sloppy joe turkey mixture in the fridge or freezer because it is so versatile. For storage, let it cool completely and then put it in an airtight container.

It stays good in the fridge for about four days, and you can reheat it in a skillet over medium heat with a little water to loosen it up. I also like to serve it over baked potatoes or even on a bed of rice for a different twist.

This recipe works for everything from a quick lunch to a family dinner, and it always disappears fast.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Sloppy Joe Turkey

Q: What is the difference between sloppy joes and meatloaf?

Sloppy joes are typically made with ground meat that’s been cooked in a sweet and tangy sauce, whereas meatloaf is often formed into a loaf shape and served with ketchup or gravy.

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