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!
Table of Contents
Why I Love Turkey Sloppy Joes
- Nostalgia and Comfort: There’s something magical about a messy, saucy Sloppy Joe. They take me right back to childhood—just like White Chicken Chili and Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake. This one is a simple yet heartwarming meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.
- 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! I love subbing turkey for beef in recipes like this and Turkey Veggie Chili or Turkey Bolognese for a lighter alternative.
- Customizable: Sloppy Joes are incredibly versatile. You can personalize the flavor profile with various seasonings and add in extra veggies for added nutrition.
- Kid-Friendly: Sloppy Joes are fun to eat, messy in the best way, and always a hit with even the pickiest eaters!
The Ingredients
- Ground turkey: A lean, flavorful protein that keeps these Sloppy Joes light yet satisfying. You could also use ground chicken in this recipe if that’s what you prefer or have on hand.
- Olive oil: For sautéing the veggies to bring out their sweetness.
- Onion, bell pepper, carrot & celery: A colorful veggie blend that adds texture, flavor, and nutrition.
- Tomato sauce: The rich base that brings everything together.
- Worcestershire sauce: A splash of savory depth for that irresistible Sloppy Joe flavor.
- Sandwich buns or rolls: Soft, sturdy, and ready to soak up all that saucy goodness.
*See recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.*
How to Make Turkey Sloppy Joes
Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 3-5 minutes or until soft.
Step 2: Add the red bell pepper, carrot and celery and continue cooking for 3 minutes.
Step 3: 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.
Step 4: Spoon the turkey mixture onto hamburger buns or your choice of sandwich rolls, and serve hot.
Tips and Tricks
- Make Ahead Magic: This is a great recipe to meal prep. 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.
- Freeze for Longer Storage: Freeze leftover sloppy joes in an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating and serving whenever you need a quick meal!
FAQs
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.
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
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 — leave a comment and rating below!
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Turkey Sloppy Joes
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 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.
Notes
- 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.
- Freeze the turkey mixture for up to three months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating and serving.
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!