Sloppy Joes with Ground Turkey
These sloppy joes with ground turkey are a must-try! They have all the classic flavors you love with a lighter twist, making them perfect for an easy dinner.
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup finely diced sweet onion
- 1/2 cup finely diced red bell pepper
- 1 pound lean ground turkey or ground turkey breast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1, 15-ounce can of tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon aged balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup or sugar-free maple syrup optional for added sweetness
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Video
Notes
- Thinner Sauce: If you want the sauce a little thinner, you could add ¼ cup of low-sodium chicken broth, vegetable broth, or beef broth
- 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.
- 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!
- 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.
- 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.
Nutrition
Calories: 220kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 75mg | Sodium: 590mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 7g