Turkey Sloppy Joes are a delicious and easy meal that everyone can enjoy. This twist on the classic dish uses ground turkey for a lighter and healthier option while still delivering that hearty, satisfying taste. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe combines savory ingredients to create a flavorful filling that’s perfect for serving on toasted brioche buns.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Turkey Sloppy Joes is a great choice for several reasons. First, they are quick to prepare, taking less than 30 minutes from start to finish. Second, they are a healthier alternative to traditional Sloppy Joes, thanks to the use of ground turkey. Lastly, they are highly customizable. You can add your favorite toppings, like pickles and pickled onions, to make them even more enjoyable.
How to Make Turkey Sloppy Joes
Ingredients:
- 2 teaspoons yellow mustard
- 1/4 cup brown sugar or coconut sugar
- 6 oz canned tomato paste
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon avocado oil
- 1 pound dark meat ground turkey
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 brioche buns
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Pickles
- Pickled onions
Directions:
- Add all of the sauce ingredients to a mixing bowl and whisk together until well combined. Set aside.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the avocado oil, then add the ground turkey. Brown the ground turkey until no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Once the meat has browned, add the diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the skillet along with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Continue to cook for 3-5 minutes until the onion is tender and translucent.
- Next, lower the heat to low and pour in the sloppy Joe sauce. Stir until well combined and let simmer on low for 10-12 minutes. The sauce should thicken a bit as it simmers.
- While the sauce is simmering, toast the buns. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add the butter and swirl or push around until melted. Place the buns, cut side down, and toast for 30 seconds until golden brown.
- Top the toasted brioche buns with the sloppy Joe mixture, pickles, and pickled onions. Serve and enjoy!
How to Serve Turkey Sloppy Joes
Turkey Sloppy Joes are best served hot on toasted brioche buns. You can serve them with a side of chips, fries, or a fresh salad. Adding pickles and pickled onions enhances the flavor and adds a bit of crunch. They are perfect for casual dinners, gatherings, or even game days!
How to Store Turkey Sloppy Joes
Leftover Turkey Sloppy Joes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat until heated thoroughly. You can also store the sloppy Joe mixture in the freezer for up to three months. Just thaw and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy them again!
Tips to Make Turkey Sloppy Joes
- For added flavor, consider using a mix of ground turkey and ground beef.
- If you like a bit of heat, add more crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
- Don’t skip toasting the buns; it adds a nice texture and prevents them from getting soggy.
Variation
Feel free to add vegetables like mushrooms or carrots for extra nutrition. You can also substitute the ground turkey for ground chicken or plant-based meat alternatives for a different twist.
FAQs
1. Can I use leaner turkey?
Yes, you can use lean ground turkey, but it may result in a drier filling. Adding a little extra sauce can help with this.
2. What can I serve with Turkey Sloppy Joes?
They pair well with sides like sweet potato fries, coleslaw, or a simple green salad.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meat mixture in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
Turkey Sloppy Joes
Ingredients
For the sauce
- 2 teaspoons yellow mustard
- 1/4 cup brown sugar or coconut sugar
- 6 oz canned tomato paste
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the filling
- 1 teaspoon avocado oil
- 1 pound dark meat ground turkey
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced
For serving
- 4 pieces brioche buns
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Pickles
- Pickled onions
Instructions
Preparation
- Add all of the sauce ingredients to a mixing bowl and whisk together until well combined. Set aside.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the avocado oil.
- Add the ground turkey and brown until no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks.
Cooking
- Once the meat has browned, add the diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the skillet along with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Continue to cook for 3-5 minutes until the onion is tender and translucent.
- Lower the heat to low and pour in the sloppy Joe sauce. Stir until well combined and let simmer on low for 10-12 minutes.
- While the sauce is simmering, toast the buns. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add the butter and melt.
- Place the buns, cut side down, and toast for 30 seconds until golden brown.
- Top the toasted brioche buns with the sloppy Joe mixture, pickles, and pickled onions. Serve and enjoy!
