• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Recipe Index
  • About
  • Contact Me

Beyond The Chicken Coop logo

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipe Index
  • About
  • Contact Me
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipe Index
  • About
  • Contact Me
×
Home » Main Dish

Published: Jun 12, 2023 · Modified: Nov 25, 2024 by Kathy

Sloppy Joes With Ground Turkey

Jump to Recipe

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read the full disclosure here.

A sloppy joe on a toasted bun.

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.

A sloppy joe sandwich on a white plate.

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

Ingredients for making sloppy joes.

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
Ground turkey and chopped onions in a pan.
Chopped bell pepper in a pan with browned burger.
  • 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
Making a sauce in a pan with ground turkey.
Sloppy Joe meat in a pan.

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

How long do leftover sloppy joes last?

Cover and refrigerate the sloppy joe filling and use it within 3-4 days.

Can I freeze sloppy joe filling?

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
Sloppy Joe sandwich on a plate with cucumber spears.

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!

  • A ladle filled with crock pot spaghetti sauce.
    Crock Pot Spaghetti Sauce
  • Baked Flatbread Pizza topped with mushrooms, pepperoni, and olives.
    Flatbread Pizza
  • Pecan Crusted Chicken breast on a white plate with a salad.
    Pecan Crusted Chicken
  • Wedges of Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas on a white piece of parchment paper.
    Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas
A sloppy joe sandwich on a white plate.

Turkey Sloppy Joe

Kathy Berget
Delicious sloppy joes made with ground turkey and a tasty tomato sauce.
5 from 11 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Saved!
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 30 minutes mins
Total Time 40 minutes mins
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 128 kcal

Equipment

  • Measuring Cups
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Saute Pan
Prevent your screen from going dark

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 soften
    1 cup finely diced red bell pepper
  • Move burger off to one side and add garlic directly to the pan and cook for about 30 seconds
    2 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 bun
    ¼ 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.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.5cupCalories: 128kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 21gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 0.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 47mgSodium: 434mgPotassium: 446mgFiber: 1gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 994IUVitamin C: 28mgCalcium: 22mgIron: 1mg
Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @BeyondTheChickenCoop or tag #beyondthechickencoop!

More Main Dish

  • Creamy Tuscan Chicken with spinach and tomatoes on a white plate.
    Creamy Tuscan Chicken
  • Easy baked spaghetti casserole in a white baking dish.
    Baked Spaghetti
  • A steak quesadilla cut into wedges and stacked on a wooden board.
    Steak Quesadilla
  • Sheet Pan Shrimp with butter, garlic, parsley and lemon.
    Sheet Pan Shrimp

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Lori says

    October 04, 2024 at 11:39 am

    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

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      October 04, 2024 at 2:54 pm

      Thanks so much! I like how you adjusted with a few squirts and a bloop! 🙂

      Reply
5 from 11 votes (11 ratings without comment)

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

The author holding a chicken.

I'm Kathy, and I love to create delicious recipes from scratch utilizing many ingredients that we grow and raise. I'm a recipe creator, food photographer, and cookbook author!

More about me →

Grilling Time

  • Skewered shrimp on a plate.
    Honey Lime Shrimp
  • Grilled ribs on a bed of lettuce.
    Smoked Baby Back Ribs
  • Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers on a white dinner plate.
    Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
  • Grilled chicken thighs on a white plate.
    Italian Dressing Chicken
  • Flatbread rounds on a brown paper bag.
    Grilled Flatbread
  • Grilled lemon chicken breast on a plate with baby potatoes and a green salad.
    Honey Lemon Chicken
  • A glass jar filled with an orange glaze with jalapenos.
    Jalapeno Apricot Sauce
  • A whole chicken on a can of beer on the grill.
    Beer Can Chicken on Grill

Popular Recipes

  • A single muffin topped with a crumbly topping on a plate.
    Banana Oatmeal Muffins
  • Breakfast sausage cooked in the oven.
    Breakfast Sausage in Oven
  • Crispy fish fillets topped with lemon wedges.
    Pan Fried Walleye
  • Gravy pouring over a pile of mashed potatoes.
    Homemade Brown Gravy
  • Crispy fish cakes on a white platter with lemon wedges.
    Fish Cakes
  • Pasta twirled around a fork and in a large white bowl.
    Garlic Butter Pasta

Cookbooks

Two cookbooks piled on a counter.

Featured In...

Beyond the Chicken Coop recipes have been featured in many different sites.

Footer

↑ back to top

Beyond the Chicken Coop recipes have been featured in many different sites.

About

  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Disclosure Policy

Newsletter

  • Sign Up! for emails and updates

Contact

  • Contact

Copyright © 2025 Beyond the Chicken Coop LLC ®

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.