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!
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.