Why You Will Love This Recipe
Turkey Sloppy Joes are the ultimate cozy meal—sweet, savory, and just a little messy in the best way! This recipe swaps traditional beef for lean ground turkey, making it lighter but still packed with flavor. It’s quick to make, kid-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, leftovers taste even better the next day!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 6 hamburger buns, toasted
Ingredient Prep Guide
Before you start cooking, prep your ingredients so everything comes together smoothly. Finely chop the onion and bell pepper to ensure even cooking. Mince the garlic fresh (avoid pre-minced for the best flavor). Measure all spices and sauces ahead of time, as the cooking process moves quickly. Pro tip: If your turkey is frozen, thaw it in the fridge overnight, or use the defrost setting on your microwave in a pinch. Dab the turkey with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, which helps it brown better.
Equipment & Tools
- Large skillet (nonstick or cast iron)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Can opener (for tomato sauce)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and bell pepper, and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Toss in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Push the veggies to one side of the pan, then add the turkey to the empty space. Break it apart with your spoon and cook until no pink remains, about 5–6 minutes. Stir everything together once the turkey is browned.
Sprinkle the chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper over the meat mixture. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Add the tomato sauce, ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. Mix until the sauce is smooth and covers all the turkey and veggies. Let the mixture simmer on low heat for 10–15 minutes, stirring often to prevent sticking. You’ll know it’s ready when the sauce thickens but still looks glossy.
Taste and adjust seasoning—add a pinch more brown sugar if you like it sweeter or a dash of hot sauce for heat. Spoon the mixture onto toasted buns, and serve immediately with napkins (trust me, you’ll need them!).
Key Details
Total Time: 35 mins (Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 25 mins)
🍽️ Servings: 6 people
⚙️ Equipment: Large skillet, wooden spoon, measuring tools, knife, cutting board
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Turkey Sloppy Joes with classic sides like crispy potato chips, dill pickles, or a refreshing green salad. For a heartier meal, pair them with sweet potato fries or roasted veggies. Toasted buns are a must—they hold up better against the saucy filling. If you’re hosting a game-day gathering, set up a topping bar with shredded cheese, jalapeños, or avocado slices for customizing each sandwich.
Pro Tips
For deeper flavor, let the sauce simmer longer (up to 20 minutes) on low heat. If the mixture looks too thick, add a splash of water or broth. Too runny? Stir in an extra tablespoon of tomato paste. Don’t skip browning the turkey—it adds a caramelized flavor that makes all the difference. If you’re cooking for picky eaters, pulse the veggies in a food processor to hide them in the sauce!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth to loosen the sauce. You can also freeze the mixture in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Troubleshooting
If your sauce tastes too tangy, balance it with a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup. If the turkey releases too much liquid, drain it lightly before adding the spices. For dry meat, use 93% lean turkey instead of 99%—the extra fat keeps it juicy. If the flavors feel flat, add a squeeze of fresh lime juice or a dash of soy sauce to wake them up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Ground beef or even plant-based crumbles work well here. Adjust cooking time slightly based on the protein you choose.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes! Freeze the cooked mixture (without the buns) for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat as needed.
Can I skip the bell peppers?
Sure—swap them for grated carrots, zucchini, or skip veggies altogether. The sauce will still taste great!
Turkey Sloppy Joes
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 small yellow onion finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1 15 oz can tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 6 hamburger buns toasted
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and bell pepper, and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Toss in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Push the veggies to one side of the pan, then add the turkey to the empty space. Break it apart with your spoon and cook until no pink remains, about 5–6 minutes. Stir everything together once the turkey is browned.
- Sprinkle the chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper over the meat mixture. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Add the tomato sauce, ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. Mix until the sauce is smooth and covers all the turkey and veggies. Let the mixture simmer on low heat for 10–15 minutes, stirring often to prevent sticking. You’ll know it’s ready when the sauce thickens but still looks glossy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning—add a pinch more brown sugar if you like it sweeter or a dash of hot sauce for heat. Spoon the mixture onto toasted buns, and serve immediately with napkins (trust me, you’ll need them!).
