Turkey Sloppy Joes

When I think about comfort food, Turkey Sloppy Joes instantly comes to mind. They remind me of those cozy family nights where laughter fills the air and the aroma of something delicious simmers on the stove. With the hustle and bustle of daily life, I find solace in creating this easy, flavorful dish that quickly becomes a family favorite. The juicy, seasoned turkey piled on a soft bun is not only satisfying but also a great way to enjoy a healthier twist on a classic. I love how versatile Turkey Sloppy Joes are; they can easily be dressed up with your favorite toppings or served with a side salad for a complete meal. Whether it’s a casual dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish always has a special place at my table.

Ingredients Overview for Turkey Sloppy Joes

The ingredients for Turkey Sloppy Joes come together to create a wonderfully balanced flavor profile. Using a combination of fresh vegetables and seasonings, each component plays a role in enhancing the dish. The core players are the ground turkey, which provides a hearty base, and the mix of sauces that adds depth and richness.

• 2 teaspoons olive oil: A healthy fat that helps sauté the vegetables and adds richness to the dish.
• 1 small yellow onion, diced: This adds a sweet and savory base flavor that’s essential for any good dish.
• 1 bell pepper, diced: It adds a crunch and sweetness that balances the dish beautifully.
• 4 garlic cloves, minced: A must-have for depth of flavor, garlic infuses the dish with warmth.
• 1 pound lean ground turkey: The star of the show, providing a protein-rich foundation.
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for enhancing the flavors of all the ingredients.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and flavor boost.
• 1/2 cup ketchup: Gives the dish its signature tangy sweetness.
• 1/4 cup barbecue sauce: Adds a smoky depth that elevates the overall flavor.
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: A secret ingredient that adds complexity to the sauce.
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard: Offers a zesty contrast to the sweetness of the ketchup.
• 1/4 teaspoon celery seed: Adds a delightful, aromatic note to the sauce.
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder: For a warm, mild spice kick.
• 1/2 cup water: Helps to create the right sauce consistency.
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper (optional, for heat): For those who like a little extra kick!
• 4 hamburger buns: The perfect vessel for all that delicious filling.

How to Make Turkey Sloppy Joes

Making Turkey Sloppy Joes is as enjoyable as eating them. The process is simple and involves a few steps that come together to create a deliciously messy meal. Just follow these detailed instructions for the best results!

1. First, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion softens and the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the onion is translucent and fragrant.
2. Next, add the ground turkey to the skillet. Season it with kosher salt and black pepper. Cook while breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon until it is no longer pink, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Look for the meat to have a nice golden color.
3. Then, stir in the ketchup, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, celery seed, chili powder, water, and a pinch of cayenne pepper if using. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then lower the heat and let it cook until the sauce thickens, about 10 minutes. At this stage, the flavors will meld beautifully.
4. Once the sauce has thickened, it’s time to spoon the turkey mixture onto the hamburger buns. Serve immediately and enjoy the delicious mess!

Helpful Hints

Here are some helpful hints to make your experience even better when making Turkey Sloppy Joes.

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
• Freezing: You can freeze the turkey mixture in a sealed container for up to three months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Pairing: Serve with a side of crispy fries or a fresh salad to balance the rich flavors of the dish.
• Bun Choices: Try different types of buns like whole wheat or brioche for a unique twist on presentation and flavor.
• Leftover Ideas: Use any leftover filling in tacos or as a topping for baked potatoes for a fun twist.

Serving This Turkey Sloppy Joes

When it comes to serving Turkey Sloppy Joes, the sky’s the limit! Here are some ideas to enhance your meal:

• Family Dinner: These sandwiches are perfect for a casual family dinner, letting everyone customize their toppings.
• Game Day: Serve them during game day festivities, allowing guests to assemble their own sandwiches as they enjoy the game.
• Picnic Perfect: Pack Turkey Sloppy Joes for a picnic. Just keep the filling in a container and the buns separate until you’re ready to eat.
• Variety of Sides: Pair with coleslaw, potato salad, or pickles for a refreshing contrast to the richness of the sandwich.
• Seasonal Serving: Perfect for fall gatherings, this dish can easily become a staple for cozy evenings.
• Storage Tips: If you’re making a big batch, consider dividing portions into smaller containers for easy meals throughout the week.

FAQ

Conclusion

In summary, Turkey Sloppy Joes are a wonderful blend of flavors and textures that make for a satisfying meal any night of the week. They are not only quick to prepare but also allow for creativity in customization. I encourage you to try this recipe for your next dinner or gathering; it’s sure to impress and delight everyone around the table.

Turkey Sloppy Joes

Craving something hearty yet lighter? Try these Turkey Sloppy Joes. They’re juicy, flavorful, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Enjoy the delightful blend of spices and rich sauces, all nestled in a soft bun. Make it tonight for a satisfying meal!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

• Mixing Bowl
• Wooden Spoon
• Skillet
• Saucepan
• Cutting Board

Ingredients

  

• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion diced
• 1 small bell pepper diced
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1 pound lean ground turkey
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon celery seed
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper optional, for heat
• 4 buns hamburger buns

Instructions

 

• First, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it's shimmering, add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion softens and the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes. You'll know it's ready when the onion is translucent and fragrant.
• Next, add the ground turkey to the skillet. Season it with kosher salt and black pepper. Cook while breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon until it is no longer pink, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Look for the meat to have a nice golden color.
• Then, stir in the ketchup, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, celery seed, chili powder, water, and a pinch of cayenne pepper if using. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then lower the heat and let it cook until the sauce thickens, about 10 minutes. At this stage, the flavors will meld beautifully.
• Once the sauce has thickened, it’s time to spoon the turkey mixture onto the hamburger buns. Serve immediately and enjoy the delicious mess!

Notes

Here are some helpful tips:

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
• Freezing: You can freeze the turkey mixture in a sealed container for up to three months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Pairing: Serve with coleslaw, potato salad, or pickles for a refreshing contrast to the richness of the sandwich.
• Bun Choices: Try different types of buns like whole wheat or brioche for a unique twist on presentation and flavor.
• Leftover Ideas: Use any leftover filling in tacos or as a topping for baked potatoes for a fun twist.

Keyword easy turkey dinner, healthy sloppy joes, quick family meals, Turkey Sloppy Joes recipe

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Meet Eva Sterling

I have a restless palate and I love that our blog covers such a wide range of food. I am always excited to cook something we haven’t tried before. I jump into every cooking session with enthusiasm, ready to chop, sauté, bake, or grill. I love the collaborative energy of our kitchen we all learn from each other, and that makes every dish we publish better.