Turkey Sloppy Joes

Turkey sloppy joes are a delightful twist on the classic comfort food we remember from childhood, offering a lighter but equally satisfying meal-in-a-bun. Lean ground turkey provides the tender, juicy base, while the combination of tomato sauce and barbecue sauce adds a smoky depth that elevates the typical sloppy joe recipe to new heights. Turkey sloppy joes are a fun, unexpected option for a casual gathering with friends, and the fact that they can be pulled together in under 30 minutes makes them a go-to choice for folks with busy schedules—as in, all of us.

Ingredients for Turkey Sloppy Joes

• Ground turkey: Lean ground turkey provides a healthier, lower-fat alternative to traditional beef while still delivering a juicy and flavorful base for these ground turkey sloppy joes.
• Red onion: Finely chopped red onion has a mild, tangy bite that works with the other ingredients without overpowering them.
• Green pepper: Chopped green pepper adds a fresh, crisp texture and a mild, slightly sweet flavor to these sloppy joes.
• Sauces: The combination of tomato sauce and barbecue sauce provides a tangy, savory base for the rich and flavorful sauce.
• Seasonings: Dried oregano, ground cumin, chili powder and salt give the turkey mixture a slightly smoky flavor.
• Hamburger buns: Lightly toasting the hamburger buns before serving adds a nice crunch and helps keep them from becoming soggy.

Directions

Step 1: Brown the ground turkey

In a large skillet, cook the turkey, onion and pepper over medium heat for six to eight minutes, or until the turkey is no longer pink and the vegetables are tender, breaking up the turkey into crumbles as it cooks.

Editor’s Tip: Use a potato masher or fork to break the ground turkey into fine crumbles for an even texture.

Step 2: Add the sauces and seasonings

Stir in the tomato sauce, barbecue sauce, oregano, cumin, chili powder and salt. Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to blend, stirring occasionally. Serve the sloppy joes on toasted buns.

Turkey Sloppy Joe Variations

• Spice it up: Add diced jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat when making this turkey sloppy joe recipe.
• Make it cheesy: Stir in shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese just before serving for a creamy, melty twist.
• Do it taco-style: Substitute the barbecue sauce with salsa and add taco seasoning, then serve the sloppy joes with a sprinkle of shredded lettuce and cheese on top.
• Switch up the sauce: Try using a mix of ketchup and mustard for that classic sloppy joe sauce flavor, or tomato sauce with a splash of vinegar and Worcestershire sauce for a rich tangy sloppy joe.

How to Store Turkey Sloppy Joes

To store turkey sloppy joes, first allow the turkey mixture to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, transfer the mixture to an airtight container and refrigerate it for three to four days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the mixture in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through, or microwave it in a microwave-safe dish, stirring halfway through heating. 

Can you freeze sloppy joes with ground turkey?

Yes, you can freeze turkey sloppy joes. After allowing the turkey mixture to cool completely, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. Label and date the container, then freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the mixture in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. 

Turkey Sloppy Joe Tips   

Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef, like in traditional sloppy joes, or ground chicken, make vegan sloppy joes with lentils, or even use a plant-based ground meat alternative to the ground turkey in this recipe.

What can I serve with turkey sloppy joes? 

Common side dishes for turkey sloppy joes are tangy coleslaw, air-fryer sweet potato fries, corn on the cob and baked beans. For a lighter option, serve yours with sauteed green beans or a simple lettuce salad.

What can I do if my mixture is too runny?

Let the mixture simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to allow excess liquid to evaporate, or add a small amount of tomato paste to thicken it up.