Ground Turkey Sloppy Joes bring a healthier twist to a classic comfort food, packed with bold, savory flavors in just 25 minutes. Juicy ground turkey simmers in a tangy-sweet tomato sauce, creating a hearty filling that’s perfect for piling onto soft buns. The dish is a satisfying blend of textures, from the tender meat to the slightly crisp edges of the sauce. With 23g of protein and only 3g of fat, it’s a guilt-free way to enjoy a family favorite.
Each bite delivers a burst of smoky, slightly spicy, and subtly sweet notes, balanced by a hint of freshness from diced veggies. Ready in under half an hour, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. The rich aroma of simmering sauce will fill your kitchen, promising a meal that’s as comforting as it is quick. Serve it up and watch everyone come back for seconds!
What You’ll Need for Ground Turkey Sloppy Joes
- 1 pound ground turkey (or substitute with ground chicken or beef)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced (green or yellow bell peppers work too)
- 1 red onion, diced (yellow or white onion can be used as a substitute)
- 3 Tablespoons brown sugar (adjust to taste for sweetness)
- 3 Tablespoons red wine vinegar (apple cider vinegar is a good alternative)
- 1 Tablespoon steak seasoning (or use a mix of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika)
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (soy sauce or coconut aminos can be used in a pinch)
- 15 ounces tomato sauce (1 can, or substitute with crushed tomatoes for a chunkier texture)
- 6 hamburger buns (toasted for extra flavor, if desired)
How to Make Ground Turkey Sloppy Joes
- Brown the turkey: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground turkey until fully browned, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks (about 5-7 minutes).
- Add veggies: Stir in the diced red bell pepper and onion. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are softened.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, red wine vinegar, steak seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato sauce until well combined.
- Combine and simmer: Pour the sauce into the skillet with the turkey and veggies. Reduce the heat to medium and let the mixture simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavorful.
- Serve: Spoon the Sloppy Joe mixture onto hamburger buns and serve warm. Enjoy!
Creative Sauce and Topping Ideas
Take your Ground Turkey Sloppy Joes to the next level with fun toppings! Try adding a slice of melted cheddar or pepper jack cheese for extra richness. For a fresh twist, top with pickled jalapeños, avocado slices, or a handful of crispy coleslaw. If you love a tangy kick, drizzle with sriracha mayo or a squeeze of lime juice. These small additions can make a big difference!
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions
These Sloppy Joes are a crowd-pleaser on their own, but they’re even better with sides! Serve them with a simple green salad, sweet potato fries, or a side of roasted veggies. For a classic combo, pair them with crunchy dill pickles and a handful of kettle chips. Don’t forget napkins—this meal is delightfully messy!
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover Sloppy Joe mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or tomato sauce to keep it moist. You can also freeze the mixture for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat when ready to enjoy.
Quick Time-Saving Hacks
Short on time? Use pre-diced onions and peppers from the grocery store to cut down on prep. You can also brown the ground turkey ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, simply add the pre-cooked turkey and follow the rest of the recipe. Easy and efficient!
Recipe Variations to Try
Switch things up by using ground chicken or beef instead of turkey for a different flavor profile. For a vegetarian twist, try crumbled tofu or lentils. If you prefer a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño to the mix. The possibilities are endless—make it your own!
Ground Turkey Sloppy Joes
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 red onion, diced
- 3 Tablespoons brown sugar
- 3 Tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 Tablespoon steak seasoning
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 15 ounces tomato sauce, 1 can
- 6 hamburger buns
Instructions
- Brown ground turkey in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add pepper and onion and cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
- In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, vinegar, steak seasoning, Worcestershire sauce and tomato sauce.
- Add sauce to skillet, reduce heat to medium and let simmer, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes.
- Serve warm on hamburger buns.