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30-Minute Healthier Turkey Sloppy Joes

A lighter version of the classic sloppy joe made with lean ground turkey and a rich homemade tomato sauce, ready in just 30 minutes.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 sandwiches
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Autumn
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Sloppy Joe Filling
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb ground turkey lean
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 0.5 green bell pepper diced
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 0.5 tsp chili powder
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
For Serving
  • 4 sandwich buns whole wheat recommended
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped for garnish

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Wooden spoon
  • Cutting board
  • Chef knife

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Cook diced onion and bell pepper for 3–4 minutes until softened.
  3. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  4. Add ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
  5. Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and brown sugar.
  6. Season with smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
  7. Simmer mixture for 8–10 minutes until sauce thickens.
  8. Toast sandwich buns and spoon turkey mixture onto buns to serve.

Notes

For extra flavor add diced carrots or mushrooms to the turkey mixture while cooking.