Turkey Sloppy Joes

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.

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. Cook the Aromatics: Heat oil in a skillet and sauté the onion and bell pepper until softened. Add garlic and cook briefly.
2. Brown the Turkey: Add the ground turkey and cook until no longer pink.
3. Make the Sauce: Stir in ketchup, BBQ sauce, tomato paste, water, Worcestershire, brown sugar, mustard, and chili powder. Add salt and pepper to taste.
4. Simmer: Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens.
5. Assemble: Spoon the mixture onto toasted buns.
6. Serve: Add desired toppings and pair with chips, fries, or salad.

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.

Other Ways to Serve Turkey Sloppy Joes

• 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.