Sloppy Joes with Ground Turkey

These sloppy joes with ground turkey are a lighter twist on classic sloppy joes, but they’re anything but boring! Made with lean ground turkey, sweet onion, red bell pepper, and a rich tomato sauce, they’re savory, smoky, slightly tangy, and packed with flavor. This easy one-skillet dinner comes together quickly and is one of those recipes the whole family will love!

I’ve made these sloppy joes hundreds of times, and what makes them different is the combination of sweet onion, red bell pepper, and balsamic vinegar. I grew up cooking with my Italian grandmother, and she taught me that sometimes one simple ingredient can make all the difference. Balsamic vinegar was one of those little tricks she taught me, and this is one of the first recipes I remember making with her. Whenever I make these, I’m reminded of those days cooking together in the kitchen. For more delicious and easy meals with ground turkey, try my ground turkey bolognese, healthy slow cooker turkey chili, and one-pot healthy hamburger helper next!

🔎 Quick Look: Ground Turkey Sloppy Joes

• ⏱️ Prep Time: 10 minutes
• ⏱️ Cook Time: 15 minutes
• 🕒 Total Time: 25 minutes
• 🍽 Calories: ~220 kcal per serving
• 👥 Servings: 4 
• 💙 WW: 0 points per serving
• 🥣 Key Ingredients: Ground turkey, onion, bell pepper, garlic, tomato sauce, balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, chili powder, optional maple syrup
• 📖 Dietary Information: High-protein, meal-prep friendly
• 👩‍🍳 Cook Method: Skillet
• ⭐ Difficulty: Easy

Why I Love These Turkey Sloppy Joes

• A Little Balsamic Vinegar: My Italian Nonna taught me to use balsamic vinegar to add incredible depth and a subtle tang to the sauce. It’s what makes these sloppy joes a little different from the classic version.
• Sweet Onion & Red Bell Pepper: These add flavor and natural sweetness to the sauce, so you don’t need a lot of added sugar.
• A Lighter Twist on a Classic: I use lean ground turkey and skip the ketchup and brown sugar. Instead, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, and smoky spices create a rich and flavorful sauce without needing a lot of added sweetness. 
• Make Them as Sweet as You Like: If you like your sloppy joes a little sweeter, you can stir in a tablespoon of maple syrup at the end. I love them both ways!

Key Ingredients

• Ground Turkey: I use lean ground turkey or ground turkey breast to make these sloppy joes a little lighter while keeping them delicious and satisfying. For more protein-packed recipes with ground turkey, try our high-protein cottage cheese lasagna and Italian ground turkey stuffed peppers next!
• Onion & Bell Pepper: Adds flavor and a little sweetness to the sloppy joe mixture. You can use any bell pepper you like, but I really love the flavor combination of the sweet onion and red bell pepper.
• Tomato Sauce & Tomato Paste: Create the rich, saucy base that makes sloppy joes so good!
• Aged Balsamic Vinegar: A little balsamic vinegar adds tanginess and helps balance the flavors in the sauce.
• Worcestershire Sauce: This adds that savory flavor that makes these taste like the classic version.
• Smoked Paprika & Chili Powder: Adds a little smokiness and warmth to the sauce without making it too spicy.
• Maple Syrup: Regular or sugar-free maple syrup adds the perfect touch of sweetness. You can leave it out if you prefer your sloppy joes less sweet.

Find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

Substitutions & Variations

• Ground Turkey Swap: You can use lean ground turkey or ground turkey breast. Or, substitute lean ground beef, lean ground chicken, or ground chicken breast if preferred.
• Maple Syrup: I’ve made these sloppy joes hundreds of times, and sometimes I add one tablespoon of maple syrup at the end for a little extra sweetness. You can also use sugar-free maple syrup if you prefer. I love them both ways! The red bell pepper and sweet onion already add natural sweetness, so it really just depends on how sweet you like your sloppy joes.
• Tomato Sauce: I’ve tried different kinds of tomato sauce in this recipe, and I especially love using an Italian tomato sauce! Italian tomatoes tend to have a naturally rich, slightly sweet flavor that can taste less acidic, making the sloppy joe sauce extra delicious. Cento is a great option!
• Sweet Onion Swap: I love using sweet onion for its mild flavor, but white or yellow onion works well, too.
• Balsamic Vinegar to Use: I’ve also made this recipe by replacing the aged balsamic vinegar with a flavored balsamic vinegar, such as cherry or fig, for a fun flavor twist. It adds a subtle sweetness and another layer of flavor to the sloppy joes!
• Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce: For a smokier, spicier flavor, add 1 tablespoon of finely chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce and omit the chili powder from the recipe.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: You can substitute apple cider vinegar for the balsamic vinegar. It adds a tangy flavor to the sauce, though you’ll miss some of the sweetness and depth that balsamic vinegar adds.

How to Make Sloppy Joes with Ground Turkey

1. Lightly spray a large nonstick pan with olive oil spray over medium heat on the stovetop. Add the diced onion and red bell pepper and sauté until softened, about 2-3 minutes.

2. Add the ground turkey to the pan. Season it with salt and pepper, and use a spatula to break it apart into small pieces until fully cooked through.

3. Add the crushed garlic and sauté briefly. Then, add the tomato sauce, tomato paste, aged balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, smoked paprika, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, and optional maple syrup for added sweetness. Stir thoroughly to combine.

4. Place the lid on the pan and let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes over low heat, stirring occasionally to allow the flavors to further develop and the sauce to thicken. Serve the sloppy joe mixture on its own or with hamburger buns.

Serving Suggestions

Here are some of my favorite ways to serve these sloppy joes!

• Hamburger Buns: Serve these sloppy joes on toasted hamburger buns for a classic, delicious meal. Use whole wheat buns if you prefer.
• Lettuce Wraps: For a lighter option, serve the sloppy joe mixture in crisp lettuce leaves instead of buns.
• Sweet Potato Fries: Pair them with our air fryer sweet potato wedges for a classic side that complements the savory sauce.
• Roasted Vegetables: Serve with air fryer roasted broccoli with parmesan, crispy air fryer green beans, or your favorite roasted vegetables.
• Coleslaw: Add a scoop of our healthy coleslaw with Greek yogurt for a crunchy and refreshing contrast to the warm, saucy turkey mixture.
• Baked Potatoes: Spoon the sloppy joe mixture over air fryer baked potatoes or air fryer baked sweet potatoes for a delicious twist on the classic recipe!

Storage Instructions

Store leftover sloppy joe mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. If serving with hamburger buns, store them separately and assemble just before serving to keep the buns from getting soggy.

Ground Turkey Sloppy Joes FAQs

More Ground Turkey Recipes!

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Mains

Italian Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers

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