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30-Minute Healthier Turkey Sloppy Joes

A quick and lighter version of the classic sloppy joe made with lean ground turkey and a homemade savory 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: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Sloppy Joe Filling
  • 1 lb lean ground turkey
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 0.5 cup tomato sauce
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar optional
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 0.5 tsp chili powder
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
  • 0.5 cup water or chicken broth
For Serving
  • 4 whole grain hamburger buns
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped optional garnish

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Wooden spoon
  • Cutting board
  • Knife

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add diced onion and cook 3–4 minutes until softened.
  3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  4. Add ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
  5. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
  6. Add tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
  7. Pour in water or broth and stir well.
  8. Simmer for 8–10 minutes until sauce thickens.
  9. Toast buns if desired.
  10. Spoon turkey mixture onto buns and serve.

Notes

For extra nutrition add diced bell peppers or grated carrots to the turkey mixture.