Turkey Sloppy Joes
A traditional favorite, these easy turkey sloppy Joes are made with ground turkey, and include lots of veggies to make your sandwiches a bit healthier.
Do you ever substitute ground turkey for ground beef? Don’t get me wrong, as I mentioned before, I have no beef with beef. Love a thick juicy steak! I just try to cut down on fat and calories whenever possible, and using ground turkey instead of beef is an easy way to accomplish that.
This recipe for turkey sloppy Joes definitely fits into the “go-to” category in my house. I make this recipe a lot. It’s easy, and I almost always have all the ingredients in my pantry and fridge.
On weeks when I am slacking on my meal planning (this happens often), you’ll find me picking up a package of ground turkey at the store. It usually ends up in spaghetti with meat sauce, these sloppy joes, or tacos. If you’re looking for a really, really easy sloppy Joe, check out this recipe with only 5 ingredients.
I like to make this mix heavy on the vegetables, but if that isn’t your cup of tea, start with 1/4 cup of green peppers and 1/4 cup of onions. I put in over a cup of mixed bell peppers, and a heaping half cup of onions. Sometimes I add diced tomatoes as well.
The sauce is pretty basic, easy to make with ingredients that you have on hand. If you like a little spice, throw in some red pepper flakes or cayenne. I was tempted this time, but refrained for hubby’s sake. But the sauce beats Manwich by a long shot! Much more flavorful, more economical, and lots better for you!
Turkey sloppy Joes are perfect for make ahead meals. Prepare a double or triple batch of this sloppy Joe mix and freeze it in serving size containers. It will keep for a few months. Or if you want, make a big batch in the morning and let it simmer in the slow cooker until you’re ready to serve.
Great for get-togethers or tail-gate parties! Just have lots of sliced buns and maybe some toppings for make-your-own sandwiches. Serve with a salad or chips and dip. These air fryer French fries would be a super good side!
More great hot sandwich ideas
- Turkey sliders, aka Rachel sandwiches
- Pepperoni Pizza Sliders
- Ham and Swiss Sliders
- Turkey and Cheese Crescent Rolls
Turkey Sloppy Joes
A traditional favorite, these easy turkey sloppy Joes are made with ground turkey, and include lots of veggies to make your sandwiches a bit healthier.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
- 1/2 cup chopped green pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped red pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons yellow mustard
- 1 cup ketchup
- 3 teaspoons dark brown sugar (you can use light brown sugar if it is all you have)
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground turkey, onion, and bell peppers. Season with salt and pepper. Drain off any liquids that accumulate.
- Stir in the garlic powder, mustard, ketchup, brown sugar, and salt and pepper. Mix throughly. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes. I have been known to not let it simmer that long. If you’re hungry, go ahead and eat it sooner, it will still be good. This is the type of thing that only gets better the longer it hangs out in the pan.
Notes
- Increase or decrease the amount of peppers and onions according to taste.
- Substitute ground beef for the ground turkey, if preferred.
- You can easily double or triple the recipe for large crowds, or to freeze for later.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1 sandwichAmount Per Serving: Calories: 259Total Fat: 13gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 492mgCarbohydrates: 16gFiber: 1gSugar: 12gProtein: 20g
RachelCooks.com sometimes provides nutritional information, but these figures should be considered estimates, as they are not calculated by a registered dietitian. Please consult a medical professional for any specific nutrition, diet, or allergy advice.
Husband’s take: He also loves sloppy Joe nights! He likes to serenade me with this.
Changes I would make: None!
Difficulty: Easy, really easy!
20 Comments on “Turkey Sloppy Joes”
Made this for my husband and he just loved it! Made it in the crockpot so that it would make our house smell good all day and then I wouldn’t have to worry about dinner at night. Great recipe!!
Great idea to put it in the crockpot!
Not bad rachel! I added a little Worcestershire sauce and left the drippings from the veggies. A nice quick, healthy and easy meal.
Glad to hear it! Thanks for coming back to share :)
IT WAS DELICIOUS! I added some red pepper flakes AND cayenne. I just wish it was a bit saucier. But the amount given covered all of the turkey and veggies (i thought it wouldn’t be enough for a split second). I will definitely be making these again.
Glad you liked it, Ley. I think next time I make it I’ll add a little more spice too. Thanks for coming back and letting me know that it turned out for you! Totally makes my day!
I love sloppy joe! (and that means…NOT from a can..lol) I’ve been trying to eat healthier…so turkey is a good alternative. Can’t wait to give this a try.
You have no idea how much I love sloppy joes. Ever since I was a kid in elementary school. In fact I loved the schools sloppy joes so much and had tried for years to come up with a recipe that was close to the one I remembered that they had. I finally found one and yours actually sounds similar only a bit healthier with the turkey meat. I too substitute turkey meat when I can but have never wanted to with sloppy joes. I may have to try your version now.
Here’s my version if you’d like to check it out:
http://in-homeculinaryclasses.blogspot.com/2010/04/memory-lane.html
Thanks for your post, I’m glad I found it.
Looks great Rachel! The picture at the end is fantastic…plus, I am now craving avocado!
Mmm these look delicious!! :)
Looks really good! I also like that salad sitting by on the plate. :)
Sloppy Joe’s are a blast from my past. Growing up I loved them but haven’t had them in years. I’ll have to give your recipe a try.
Lisa~~
Cook Lisa Cook
Love sloppy joes! It is something everyone in the family likes, which is always a keeper. And I love to use ground turkey in them – great recipe!
WOW… great photos. Always difficult to get sloppy joes to look good
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I haven’t had sloppy joes in so long, these look so good!
This looks really delicious! Wish I could dig right in now!
These look really tasty! And definitely an easy meal for those of us easing ourselves into the world of the savory. :) Thanks!
Totally going to borrow this recipe! Sounds like a great quick and easy meal! And I love all of the veggies!
I can’t remember the last time I had a sloppy joe, this recipe makes me crave one!
Yum, this looks delicious!