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Turkey sloppy joes are a flavorful twist on the classic sandwich, using ground turkey instead of the more traditional ground beef. This easy-to-make recipe combines seasoned turkey with a tangy tomato-based sauce, creating a delicious and healthier alternative.
Turkey Sloppy Joes
Sloppy joes are a classic American dish that has been enjoyed for decades. The name "sloppy joes" perfectly captures this sandwich, as it is known for its deliciously messy nature. Just grab some extra napkins and you're good to go!
I grew up loving sloppy joes and often made them for my kids. Up until recently though, I always used a packet of sloppy joe seasoning. It was easy and I knew exactly what I was getting each time.
When I decided to make homemade sloppy joes, I want to make certain that it replicated my packets as much as possible. This recipe is easy to make and is full of delicious flavors.
While Sloppy Joes can be made with just about any type of ground meat, I've opted for ground turkey in this recipe. You can substitute whatever type of meat you prefer.
Turkey Sloppy Joes Recipe Ingredients
This section reviews the best ingredients and substitutions for this recipe. For an exact list of ingredients and quantities, check the recipe card below.
- Ground Turkey - You can use any type of group meat including ground chicken, ground beef, or wild game
- Onion - Finely chopped yellow or white onion
- Bell Pepper - I like to use a red bell pepper that's finely chopped. Many versions of this recipe use a green bell pepper. I like the sweeter taste of the red pepper.
- Tomato Sauce - This is the base for the sauce. Use one can of tomato sauce or use a jar of your homemade tomato sauce.
- Tomato Paste - Is used to add a deeper flavor and help thicken the sauce
- Brown Sugar - Just a bit to help mellow all the acidic flavors and add just a touch of sweetness
- Worcestershire Sauce - Adds a depth of flavor
- Seasoning - Smoked paprika, chili powder, dried mustard, dried oregano, ground cumin, and salt and pepper
How to Make Ground Turkey Sloppy Joes
In this section, I share step-by-step photos, cooking methods, techniques, and a general overview. For detailed instructions, temperatures, and timing, check the printable recipe card below.
- Brown turkey along with onions in a large pan
- Once the turkey is cooked through, add the peppers
- Cook for 2-3 minutes allowing peppers to soften
- Add garlic and cook for about 30 seconds
- Add remaining ingredients and stir well
- Simmer for 10-15 minutes and then serve on a toasted bun
Turkey Sloppy Joe Recipe Variations
- Chicken - Ground chicken works well in this recipe.
- Beef - Use your favorite lean ground beef for a traditional version of Sloppy Joes.
- Wild Game - We often use ground venison or ground elk in this recipe.
- Spice - Want a spicier version? Double the amount of chili powder or add some finely chopped jalapenos along with the bell peppers.
- BBQ Flavor - Add 2 tablespoon of your favorite BBQ sauce.
Turkey Sloppy Joe Recipe Tips
- Finely chop veggies - Chop the onions and bell pepper into small dice. I prefer the taste they both offer without having large chunks or pieces. With a small dice, both the onions and bell pepper almost disappear in the sloppy joe mix.
- Simmer to meld flavors: Once you've added the sauce ingredients, allow the mixture to simmer for a while. This helps the flavors marry together and the sauce to thicken.
- Adjust the consistency: If the sauce is too thick, you can add a bit of water to thin it out. On the other hand, if it's too thin, continue simmering until it reaches your desired thickness. Adjust the consistency according to your preference.
- Toast the buns: To add an extra layer of flavor and texture, lightly toast the hamburger buns before assembling the sloppy joes. This helps prevent them from becoming too soggy when the filling is added.
What to Serve With Turkey Sloppy Joes
Serve your favorite side with these Turkey Sloppy Joes. Some options to try include deviled eggs, roasted fingerling potatoes, Italian pasta salad, or garlic green beans.
Frequently asked questions
Cover and refrigerate the sloppy joe filling and use it within 3-4 days.
Yes, the cooked filling can be frozen. Place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 6 months.
More delicious dinner recipes
- Enchilada Casserole
- Blackened Fish
- Pasta with Tomatoes and Basil
- Chicken Alfredo Bake
- Easy Pan Fried Shrimp
- Turkey Tacos
If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment below and snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @beyondthechickencoop
Check out all my delicious main dish recipes!
Turkey Sloppy Joe
Equipment
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Saute Pan
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon oil (vegetable, canola or olive)
- 1½ pounds ground turkey
- 1 cup finely diced onion (white or yellow)
- 1 cup finely diced red bell pepper
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 15 ounce can tomato sauce (about 1 ½ cups)
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ cup water
Instructions
- Heat a large pan over medium heat. Add a bit of oil and then brown turkey along with onions.1 tablespoon oil, 1½ pounds ground turkey, 1 cup finely diced onion
- Once the meat has cooked through, strain off any excess liquid or grease (if usig ground beef)
- Add the peppers and cook for 2-3 minutes allowing peppers to soften1 cup finely diced red bell pepper
- Move burger off to one side and add garlic directly to the pan and cook for about 30 seconds2 cloves garlic
- Create a large well in the center of the pan and add remaining ingredients. Stir well to combine.1 15 ounce can tomato sauce, ¼ cup tomato paste, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon dry mustard, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, ¼ teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper
- Add water and simmer for 10-15 minutes and then serve on a toasted bun¼ cup water
Notes
- Finely chop veggies - Chop the onions and bell pepper into small dice. I prefer the taste they both offer without having large chunks or pieces. With a small dice, both the onions and bell pepper almost disappear in the sloppy joe mix.
- Simmer to meld flavors: Once you've added the sauce ingredients, allow the mixture to simmer for a while. This helps the flavors marry together and the sauce to thicken.
- Adjust the consistency: If the sauce is too thick, you can add a bit of water to thin it out. On the other hand, if it's too thin, continue simmering until it reaches your desired thickness. Adjust the consistency according to your preference.
- Toast the buns: To add an extra layer of flavor and texture, lightly toast the hamburger buns before assembling the sloppy joes. This helps prevent them from becoming too soggy when the filling is added.
Nutritional Disclaimer:
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and should only be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. To obtain the most precise nutritional information in a provided recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the exact ingredients you are using when preparing the recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.
Lori says
I made this recipe last night for company. When I tasted it I thought the tomato paste and tomato sauce were a little powerful for our family so added a sprinkle of garlic powder, a couple squirts of ketchup and a bloop of bbq sauce. Bullseye.
Company had seconds.
Hubby liked it and ate extra after the add ins. He said. Now that’s what was missing, he tasted it before adding the above ingredients and thought something was missing. Lol
Kathy says
Thanks so much! I like how you adjusted with a few squirts and a bloop! 🙂