Turkey Sloppy Joes are a healthier twist on the classic comfort food. Made with lean ground turkey, a flavorful tomato-based sauce, and served on soft buns, they deliver all the nostalgic goodness of the original without the extra grease. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or feeding a crowd with ease.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how quick and easy this recipe is to make, with minimal prep and cleanup. Using ground turkey lightens up the dish without sacrificing flavor. The sauce is tangy, slightly sweet, and savory, clinging beautifully to the meat. It’s a family-friendly favorite that even picky eaters enjoy. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile and reheats like a dream.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound lean ground turkey
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 small green bell pepper, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup tomato sauce
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon yellow mustard
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
4 hamburger buns, for serving
Directions
I heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
I add the chopped onion and green bell pepper, cooking for 4-5 minutes until softened.
I stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
I add the ground turkey, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until it’s browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
I stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, and smoked paprika.
I season with salt and black pepper to taste.
I reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
I serve the turkey mixture on toasted hamburger buns.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 4 servings. The total cooking time is approximately 25 minutes: 10 minutes for prep and 15 minutes to cook.
Variations
I like to mix things up by adding shredded carrots or zucchini for extra veggies. Sometimes I use barbecue sauce instead of tomato sauce for a smoky twist. If I’m feeling spicy, I throw in a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes. Whole wheat or brioche buns also change up the texture and flavor nicely.
storage/reheating
I store leftover turkey sloppy joe filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm it on the stovetop over low heat or microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. If the sauce thickens too much, I add a splash of water to loosen it.
FAQs
Can I freeze the turkey sloppy joe mixture?
Yes, I freeze the cooled meat mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When I’m ready to use it, I thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or microwave.
What can I serve with Turkey Sloppy Joes?
I usually serve them with a side of coleslaw, sweet potato fries, or a simple green salad. Chips or pickles also pair well for a casual meal.
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely. I swap in ground chicken if I have it on hand—the flavors still come together just as well.
How can I make this gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, I use gluten-free buns and ensure that the Worcestershire sauce I use is certified gluten-free.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Definitely. The sweet and savory flavor is mild and kid-approved. I sometimes leave out the bell pepper if my kids are being picky.
Conclusion
Turkey Sloppy Joes are a wholesome, satisfying, and quick meal I can count on any night of the week. They’re easy to customize, perfect for leftovers, and bring a nostalgic comfort to the table without the heaviness. Whether I’m feeding family or prepping for a busy week, this recipe always delivers.
Turkey Sloppy Joes are a healthier twist on a classic, made with lean ground turkey in a tangy-sweet tomato sauce served on soft buns. Quick to prepare, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound lean ground turkey
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 small green bell pepper, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup tomato sauce
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon yellow mustard
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
4 hamburger buns, for serving
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes until softened.
Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the ground turkey, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through.
Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, and smoked paprika.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
Serve the turkey mixture on toasted hamburger buns.
Notes
Use gluten-free buns and certified gluten-free Worcestershire sauce for a gluten-free version.
Add shredded carrots or zucchini for extra vegetables.
Swap tomato sauce for BBQ sauce for a smoky flavor variation.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for 3 months.
