Healthier Sloppy Joes Turkey
- A leaner, healthier take on the classic sloppy joe sandwich using ground turkey instead of beef.
- Packed with vegetables and flavor, these sandwiches deliver all the comfort with less fat.
- Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or meal prep lunches.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 20
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground turkey (93% lean)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup low-sugar tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons ketchup (low-sugar preferred)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 4 whole wheat buns
- Optional add-ins:
- 1/2 cup finely diced carrots
- 1 stalk celery, finely diced
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil.
- Add the ground turkey, breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon. Cook until no pink remains and the meat is lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. If using optional carrots and celery, add them now too. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until vegetables soften.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and add the tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. If using optional seasonings, add them now.
- Bring mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Allow to thicken for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- While sauce simmers, lightly toast the whole wheat buns.
- Spoon about 3/4 cup of turkey mixture onto each bun bottom, add desired toppings, and serve immediately.
Notes
- For meal prep, store the turkey mixture separately from the buns and toppings.
- This recipe freezes well for up to 3 months in airtight containers.
- For a lower-carb option, serve in lettuce cups instead of buns.
- Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used, portion sizes, and preparation methods.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 580
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Unsaturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 25
- Cholesterol: 65
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