These Turkey Sloppy Joes are a healthier take on a timeless American classic while still being super delicious. This wholesome and family friendly dish will satisfy kids and adults alike!
Why I Love Turkey Sloppy Joes
1. Nostalgia and Comfort: Turkey Sloppy Joes bring back fond memories of my childhood dinners and gatherings. It’s a simple yet heartwarming meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.
2. Healthier Choice: This version uses ground turkey instead of beef, offering a leaner, lower-fat option without compromising on flavor. There’s also no ketchup or sugar! It’s perfect for those seeking a lighter alternative to the traditional recipe.
3. Customizable: Sloppy Joes are incredibly versatile. You can personalize the flavor profile with various seasonings and add in extra veggies for extra nutrition.
4. Kid-Friendly: Children are drawn to Sloppy Joes for their fun-to-eat, messy nature. The savory sauce paired with soft buns is a winning combo even for picky eaters.
A Brief History of the Sloppy Joe
The origin of the Sloppy Joe remains a bit uncertain, with multiple stories about its creation. One popular tale credits a bar in Key West, Florida, known as “Sloppy Joe’s,” as the birthplace of the sandwich. Another theory links the Sloppy Joe to Iowa, where a cook named Joe reportedly added tomato sauce to loose meat sandwiches in the 1930s. Regardless of its history, the Sloppy Joe has earned its place as a beloved American classic.
The Ingredients
- Ground turkey
- Olive oil
- Onion
- Red bell pepper, diced
- Carrot
- Celery stalk, diced
- Tomato sauce
- Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper
- Sandwich buns or rolls
*See recipe card for exact measurements*
How to Make Turkey Sloppy Joes
1. Sauté Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 3-5 minutes or until soft. Add the red bell pepper, carrot and celery and continue cooking for 3 minutes.
2. Brown the turkey: Add the ground turkey and cook for 5 minutes or until meat is cooked through.
3. Season and Simmer: Add the tomato sauce and Worcestershire sauce and cook for 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Assemble the Sloppy Joes: Spoon the turkey mixture onto hamburger buns or your choice of sandwich rolls, and serve hot.
FAQs for Turkey Sloppy Joes
1. Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey? Yes, you can substitute ground chicken for ground turkey in this recipe. Both options are lean and would work well.
2. What type of buns are best for Sloppy Joes? Soft hamburger buns or sandwich rolls work best for Sloppy Joes. You can also consider using whole wheat or whole grain buns for added nutrition.
3. Can I make Turkey Sloppy Joes ahead of time? Absolutely! Prepare the turkey mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before assembling your sandwiches.
4. Can I freeze leftover Sloppy Joes? For sure! Freeze the turkey mixture for up to three months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating and serving.
5. What are some good side dishes to serve with Turkey Sloppy Joes? Classic sides include coleslaw, potato salad, baked beans, or a simple green salad. You can also serve them with sweet potato fries or corn on the cob.
More Kid-Friendly Ground Turkey Recipes
- Spaghetti and Turkey Meatballs
- Cheesy Turkey Meatloaf Bites
- The Best Turkey Burger
- Turkey Pesto Meatballs
- Fettuccine Bolognese
Whether you’re reminiscing about the past or introducing your family to a healthier twist on this classic, Turkey Sloppy Joes are sure to be a hit. Let me know what you think of this recipe in the comments and tag me on social media if you make them!
Images by Ivan Solis
Turkey Sloppy Joes
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 carrot, cut in 1/4 in coins
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 15 ounce can tomato sauce
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- salt and pepper to taste
- 4 sandwich buns or rolls (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat.
- Add the onion and cook for 3-5 minutes or until soft.
- Add the bell pepper, carrot and celery and continue cooking for 3 minutes.
- Add the ground turkey and cook for 5 minutes or until meat is cooked through.
- Add the tomato sauce and Worcestershire sauce and cook for 10 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Spoon the turkey mixture onto hamburger buns or your choice of sandwich rolls, and serve.
These are particularly delicious – for kids and adults alike. I’ve made them a few times now, and they’ve been a huge hit each time. I like how the veggies are incorporated – actually makes it so much more flavorful than the version you remember growing up. I should note that I do use ground beef for mine since I don’t care for ground turkey. And I server them on sweet Hawaiian rolls. Fab! Thank you for the recipe!
Catherine – I’m just getting into using a slow cooker. Could this be made in the slow cooker. Would you brown the meat first? Or would this type of recipe dry out the mixture in a slow cooker?
Agree with the others that this is quite tasty. We added a little bit of low sugar ketchup because we didn’t have Worcestershire. The only hitch is that one of my twin toddlers, who has become extremely fastidious, didn’t like it being “sloppy.” Ha. Great recipe.
Very yummy recipe! I did not have tomato sauce so I substituted a 6 oz can of tomato paste and about 1 1/2 cans of water. It tasted great and both my 3 1/2 year old and 2 year old sons gobbled it up!