Turkey Sloppy Joes

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These ground turkey sloppy Joes are perfect for an everyday weeknight meal, and they’re packed with flavor. You won’t miss the beef in this recipe! I recommend ground turkey thighs or a combination that isn’t overly lean. If the turkey is too lean—100% turkey white meat, for example—you might find the meat mixture a bit tough and dry. Serve the sandwiches as a family meal or take the mixture to a potluck or tailgating event in a slow cooker. It’s a fantastic party food! Kids love sloppy Joes, too, because they taste great and are fun to eat. Add a salad or some fries or chips for a meal the whole family will enjoy.

How did the sloppy Joe get its name?
While the origin isn’t crystal-clear, the name can be traced back to a 1940s Ohio restaurant ad. Unlike neat, easy to eat burgers, the meat mixture is “sloppy,” which is probably how the name came about. There doesn’t seem to be any connection to a person named Joe.

What You’ll Like About This Recipe

• Lighter but just as satisfying. Ground turkey absorbs flavor well, offering a leaner alternative to beef sloppy Joes without sacrificing the saucy richness that makes them comforting.
• Balanced sauce. Ketchup, barbecue sauce, mustard, Worcestershire, and spices cook down into a glossy mixture that’s sweet, tangy, and savory, with a hint of mild heat.
• Weeknight-friendly. Everything cooks in one pan and comes together quickly, making these sandwiches ideal for busy nights or last-minute meals.
• Customizable texture and heat. Adding water allows you to adjust thickness easily, and spices or sauces can be increased for a bolder version without changing the technique.
• Family-friendly serving style. The mixture stays cohesive enough for easy spooning onto buns, and optional toppings like cheese, pickles, and onions let everyone build their perfect sandwich.

Ingredient Notes

• Ground turkey: Use turkey thighs or a combination—not 100% white meat—for juicier results.
• Onion and bell pepper: Aromatic base that builds flavor.
• Garlic: Adds a punch of savory flavor.
• Ketchup and barbecue sauce: Form the sweet and tangy base of the sauce.
• Tomato paste and water: Tomato paste adds richness; water helps loosen and simmer the sauce.
• Worcestershire sauce: Deepens the umami flavor.
• Brown sugar and mustard: Balance sweet and sharp notes.
• Chili powder: Adds a hint of spice and smokiness.
• Optional toppings: Cheese, lettuce, pickles, and onion—build your perfect sandwich.

Steps to Make Turkey Sloppy Joes

1. Sauté the onion and bell pepper until softened to build a sweet, aromatic base. Adding the garlic at the end prevents it from burning and turning bitter.
2. Cook the ground turkey, breaking it up into small crumbles so the sauce later coats the meat evenly. Avoid overcooking to keep the texture tender.
3. Add the sauce ingredients and stir thoroughly to blend everything into one cohesive mixture before simmering.
4. Let the mixture simmer gently so the flavors meld and the sauce thickens enough to sit neatly on a bun without dripping.
5. Toast the buns lightly if you want added texture, then spoon the hot filling on and offer toppings so everyone can customize their sandwich.

Pro Tips

• Break the turkey into small pieces for the best texture; larger chunks don’t hold the sauce as well.
• Simmer long enough for the sauce to reduce slightly; a thicker mixture makes easier, less messy sandwiches.
• Taste the sauce after simmering and adjust with more sugar, barbecue sauce, or mustard depending on your preferred balance.
• Toast the buns lightly to prevent them from absorbing too much moisture and becoming soggy.
• Serve toppings on the side to let diners add crunch, acidity, or creaminess as they like.

Recipe Variations

• Meat: Replace the ground turkey with ground beef, ground chicken, sausage, or chorizo.
• Lower Carb: Omit the wheat buns and serve the them in lettuce wraps or low carb tortillas or wraps.
• Spices: Add some heat with a dash of cayenne or crushed red pepper.
• Tex-Mex: Add taco seasoning to the meat mixture and extend it with a can of drained black beans. Finish with pepper jack cheese and some pickled jalapeño rings.
• Vegetables: Sauté some mushrooms with the onions and peppers, or add grated carrots and finely chopped celery for additional nutrients.

Serving Suggestions

• Mac and Cheese: Add a layer of the sloppy Joe mixture to your baked macaroni and cheese.
• Pizza: Spread the mixture over pizza dough, top with cheese and green onions, and bake.
• Nachos: Make nachos! Arrange tortilla chips on a baking sheet and top with the sloppy Joe mixture. Add shredded cheese, bake until hot and the cheese is melted, then add your favorite toppings, such as guacamole, sour cream, green onions, and peppers.
• Tater Tot Casserole: Use the filling to revamp your regular tater tot casserole.
• Sliders: Spread the meat mixture over a horizontally split flat of Hawaiian rolls and add cheese and any toppings you might like. Place the top of the rolls over the mixture and brush with butter and sesame seeds or bagel seasonings. Bake at 350F for about 15 minutes or until hot.
• Enchiladas: Fill tortillas with the sloppy Joe filling, then roll them up and arrange them in a baking dish. Top with enchilada sauce and cheese and bake at 400 F for about 15 to 20 minutes.
• Stuffed Potatoes: Split hot baked potatoes open and top them with a generous scoop of sloppy Joe mixture.

How to Store

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for several days. The mixture thickens as it cools, so add a splash of water when reheating to loosen the sauce if needed.
• Freeze the meat mixture without buns for longer storage. It freezes well and reheats smoothly in a skillet with a little added water.
• Reheat gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Adjust thickness as necessary with water or a bit more ketchup.