If you’re a fan of comfort food classics with a twist, get ready for a mouthwatering journey with our Turkey Sloppy Joes recipe. These hearty sandwiches are a delightful combination of savory ground turkey, tangy tomato sauce, and a hint of sweetness, all nestled between soft buns.
Why You’ll Love This Leaner Take On A Classic
- Quick & Easy. Ready in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
- Family-Friendly . Packed with flavor that both kids and adults will love, making them a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
- Versatile . Customize the seasoning to suit your taste preferences, whether you prefer a little extra spice or a touch of smokiness.
- Budget-Friendly . Made with simple, affordable ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry.
These Turkey Sloppy Joes are sure to become a staple in your recipe collection, providing a satisfying and delicious meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Are Turkey Sloppy Joes Healthy?
Yes, Turkey Sloppy Joes can be a healthier alternative to traditional beef Sloppy Joes. Here’s why:
- Lean Protein. Ground turkey is lower in fat compared to ground beef, making it a leaner source of protein.
- Less Saturated Fat . Turkey contains less saturated fat than beef, which can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Lower Calorie Content . Turkey typically has fewer calories per serving compared to beef, making it a suitable option for those watching their calorie intake.
- Nutrient-Rich . Turkey is rich in essential nutrients such as protein, iron, zinc, and B vitamins, which are important for overall health and well-being.
- Versatile . Turkey can easily be incorporated into a variety of dishes, providing a nutritious base for meals like Sloppy Joes without sacrificing taste or flavor.
Overall, Turkey Sloppy Joes can be a nutritious and delicious option for those looking to enjoy a healthier version of this classic comfort food.
What’s The Difference Between Sloppy Joes And A Sloppy Jane?
While Sloppy Joes are made with ground beef, Sloppy Janes are made with plant-based protein alternatives, catering to vegetarian or vegan diets. Both dishes share the same concept of a savory, saucy filling served on a bun, offering a delicious and satisfying meal option.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Ground Turkey - Lean ground turkey is the star of the show, providing a healthier alternative to traditional ground beef.
- Onion - Adds flavor and aroma to the dish, enhancing the overall taste.
- Bell Pepper - Provides a pop of color and freshness, as well as a subtle sweetness.
- Garlic - Adds depth of flavor and enhances the savory profile of the dish.
- Tomato Sauce - Forms the base of the Sloppy Joes, providing richness and tanginess.
- Ketchup - Adds sweetness and depth of flavor to the sauce.
- Worcestershire Sauce - Provides a savory umami flavor and depth to the sauce.
- Brown Sugar - Balances out the acidity of the tomato sauce and adds a touch of sweetness.
- Mustard - Adds a tangy kick and enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Seasonings - A blend of chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper adds depth and complexity to the sauce.
How To Make Turkey Sloppy Joes
- Cook the Turkey . In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground turkey, onion, bell pepper, and garlic until the turkey is no longer pink and the vegetables are tender.
- Make the Sauce . Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, and seasonings. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded together.
- Assemble the Sandwiches . Spoon the turkey mixture onto hamburger buns and serve hot.
Tips And Tricks
Here are some tips and tricks to help you make delicious Turkey Sloppy Joes:
- Choose Lean Ground Turkey. Opt for lean ground turkey to keep the dish lighter and healthier. Look for ground turkey with a low fat content to ensure that your Sloppy Joes are not too greasy.
- Add Veggies . Sneak in some extra veggies for added flavor and nutrition. Finely chopped onions, bell peppers, carrots, and celery are great options to incorporate into the Sloppy Joes mixture. Sauté them along with the turkey until they are soft and fragrant.
- Season Well . Turkey can be bland on its own, so be sure to season the meat mixture generously. Use a combination of spices like chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder to add depth of flavor. Don’t forget to add salt and pepper to taste.
Variations
Here are some tasty variations for Turkey Sloppy Joes to switch up the flavors and add variety:
- Spicy- Add some heat to your Sloppy Joes by incorporating diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper into the mixture. You can also stir in some hot sauce or red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
- Tex-Mex- Give your Sloppy Joes a Tex-Mex twist by seasoning the turkey with taco seasoning and adding ingredients like black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and a squeeze of lime juice. Top with shredded cheese, diced avocado, and fresh cilantro for a south-of-the-border flair.
- Mushroom- Enhance the flavor and texture of your Sloppy Joes by adding sautéed mushrooms to the mixture. The earthy taste of mushrooms pairs well with the turkey and adds an extra layer of richness.
What Side Dishes Go With Turkey Sloppy Joes?
Turkey Sloppy Joes are a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some delicious options to complement the flavors:
- Sweet Potato Fries - The natural sweetness of sweet potato fries balances the savory flavors of the Sloppy Joes perfectly. Plus, they add a satisfying crunch to the meal.
- Roasted Vegetables - Roasted vegetables, such as carrots, zucchini, bell peppers, or broccoli, offer a nutritious and flavorful side option. Season the vegetables with herbs and spices for extra taste.
- Corn on the Cob - Grilled or boiled corn on the cob is a classic side dish that pairs well with Sloppy Joes. The sweetness of the corn complements the savory flavors of the dish.
How Long Do They Last?
Leftover Turkey Sloppy Joes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Can You Freeze Them?
Yes, you can freeze Turkey Sloppy Joes for up to 3 months. Allow the mixture to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
More Spectacular Sandwiches
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Turkey Sloppy Joes | Ground Turkey Sloppy Joe Recipe
Ingredients
- ▢ pound Ground turkey
- ▢ 1 Bell Pepper3 , diced
- ▢ cloves Garlic , minced
- ▢ 1 cup Tomato Sauce
- ▢ 1/3 cup Ketchup
- ▢ 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
- ▢ tbsp Brown Sugar
- ▢ 1 Mustard
- ▢ 1 1/2 tsp Chili Powder
- ▢ 1 tsp Paprika
- ▢ 3/4 tsp Kosher Salt
- ▢ 1/4 tsp Ground Black Pepper
- ▢ 8 Slider Buns
Instructions
- Cook the Turkey . In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground turkey, onion, bell pepper, and garlic until the turkey is no longer pink and the vegetables are tender.
- Make the Sauce . Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, and seasonings. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded together.
- Assemble the Sandwiches . Spoon the turkey mixture onto hamburger buns and serve hot.
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Turkey Sloppy Joes | Ground Turkey Sloppy Joe Recipe
Ingredients
- pound Ground turkey
- 1 Bell Pepper3 diced
- cloves Garlic minced
- 1 cup Tomato Sauce
- 1/3 cup Ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
- tbsp Brown Sugar
- 1 Mustard
- 1 1/2 tsp Chili Powder
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 3/4 tsp Kosher Salt
- 1/4 tsp Ground Black Pepper
- 8 Slider Buns
Instructions
- Cook the Turkey . In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground turkey, onion, bell pepper, and garlic until the turkey is no longer pink and the vegetables are tender.
- Make the Sauce . Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, and seasonings. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded together.
- Assemble the Sandwiches . Spoon the turkey mixture onto hamburger buns and serve hot.
Turkey Sloppy Joes | Ground Turkey Sloppy Joe Recipe https://twosleevers.com/turkey-sloppy-joes/
If you want a low carb dinner plan that actually feels satisfying, this plan nails it. Enjoy bold flavors, minimal fuss, and dinners that don’t require a second grocery cart of “special ingredients.” You’ll bounce from Indian-spiced chicken thighs to shawarma, cozy sausage-and-kale, crispy bacon-wrapped shrimp, and a classic broccoli cheese soup. This is the kind of low-carb rotation you’ll want to repeat.
Why You’ll Love These Low Carb Dinners
- Big flavor, zero boredom . Indian-spiced chicken, shawarma, bacon-wrapped seafood, and cheesy soup keep the week exciting.
- Weeknight-friendly timing . Several dinners are fast (Instant Pot, air fryer, and quick bakes) with minimal hands-on work.
- Comfort food that still fits . You get creamy, cheesy, savory meals without the heavy carb sides.
- Smart ingredient overlap. Bacon, spinach, garlic, parmesan, kale, and broccoli show up across multiple nights. Less waste, easier shopping.
This plan delivers craveable, low carb dinners that are quick to cook, easy to customize, and satisfying enough to repeat every week.
Is This Plan Keto Or Just Low Carb?
This meal plan is best described as low carb, with several dinners that can easily be keto-friendly depending on how you serve them.
Many of the recipes are framed as low carb (and some as keto-friendly), but whether the whole week fits strict keto comes down to your personal carb target and the choices you make with sides and add-ons. Things like sauces, onions, tomatoes, and especially spaghetti squash can nudge carbs higher if portions get too large.
If you keep servings moderate and stick to keto-style sides (cauliflower rice, leafy salads, low-carb veggies) instead of higher-carb extras, most of these dinners can fit a keto approach. Even if you’re not tracking closely, you’ll still be comfortably in low-carb territory.
Can I Swap Out Cuts Of Chicken?
Yes, you can swap chicken cuts in this meal plan as long as you adjust cook time and keep pieces a similar thickness so they cook evenly.
In general, boneless skinless thighs are the easiest substitute for breasts because they stay juicier and reheat well. They work great for dishes like the Indian baked chicken and shawarma, and even the bacon-wrapped stuffed chicken can be made with boneless thighs.
If you use bone-in or skin-on pieces, plan on longer cooking (especially for baking) and avoid very small cuts like tenders for recipes that need longer time, since they can dry out.
Which Dinners Are Best For Busy Nights?
Sausage & kale and chicken shawarma both take about 20 minutes total, and bacon-wrapped shrimp is also quick with an 8–10 minute air fry.
Get the clickable shopping list to add everything you need to make these recipes straight to your Walmart shopping cart here: https://walmrt.us/4bQh1Im #WalmartPartner
Double-check the quantities of the items needed (for example: weight of meat, quantity of rotisserie chickens, fresh produce volume) before checking out, as the amounts do not always add to the cart correctly.
Low Carb Broccoli Cheese Soup | Keto Broccoli Cheese Soup
These Indian-Style Baked Chicken Thighs are juicy, flavorful, and ridiculously easy: just marinate boneless skinless thighs in coconut milk, garlic, ginger, turmeric, cayenne, and garam masala, then bake at 425°F until perfectly cooked. Ready with just 30 minutes of cook time and only 1 net carb per serving, this one-pan oven baked chicken thighs recipe delivers curry-style flavor with minimal effort.
Bacon Wrapped Shrimp | Air Fryer Wrapped Shrimp
This Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Shrimp recipe makes juicy shrimp with crispy, smoky bacon using just a few simple seasonings for bold flavor in under 15 minutes. Cooked at 400°F until perfectly crisp, it’s an easy crowd-pleasing appetizer or quick weeknight dinner with your favorite dipping sauce.
Stuffed Spaghetti Squash | Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti Squash
This Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti Squash recipe is a fast, low carb way to turn spaghetti squash into cheesy “noodles” with a bold garlic and Parmesan finish, ready in under 30 minutes. Made in the Instant Pot with olive oil, red pepper flakes, spinach, and crunchy slivered almonds, it’s an easy vegetarian side or light main that tastes rich and satisfying.
Best Low Carb Chicken Shawarma
This low carb Chicken Shawarma recipe delivers bold Greek and Lebanese flavor with a quick homemade shawarma spice blend featuring oregano, cinnamon, allspice, cayenne, cumin, and coriander. Make it in the Instant Pot, oven, or air fryer in about 20 minutes for tender, juicy chicken that’s perfect for an easy keto dinner served with tzatziki.
Instant Pot Keto Sausage and Kale
This Instant Pot Keto Sausage and Kale recipe is a quick low carb dinner that turns smoked sausage and tender chopped kale into a satisfying meal with almost no prep. Ready in about 20 minutes with a fast 4 minute pressure cook, it’s an easy weeknight Instant Pot recipe you can customize with other keto-friendly veggies you have on hand.
Air Fryer Keto Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Chicken
This Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Chicken recipe turns chicken breasts into a juicy, keto-friendly dinner with crispy bacon wrapped around a creamy spinach, cream cheese, and Parmesan filling. Seasoned with Cajun spice and cooked until perfectly tender, it’s an easy low carb chicken recipe that feels fancy but comes together fast.
Baked Chicken Thighs | Indian Baked Chicken Thigh Recipe
These Indian-Style Baked Chicken Thighs are juicy, flavorful, and easy: marinate boneless skinless thighs in coconut milk, garlic, ginger, turmeric, cayenne, and garam masala, then bake at 425°F until perfectly cooked. With only 1 net carb per serving and just 30 minutes of cook time, this oven baked chicken thighs recipe delivers bold curry-style flavor for a quick weeknight dinner.
If you’re looking for a 7-day low carb dinner plan that keeps weeknights simple without sacrificing comfort or flavor, this lineup is a keeper. Save this post, rotate your favorite nights (shawarma + soup nights are especially repeatable), and you’ll always have a reliable stash of easy low carb dinners ready to go.
