Name: Easy Ground Turkey Sloppy Joes Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground turkey; ⅓ cup green bell pepper, seeded and diced; ½ cup yellow onion, diced; 1 tsp garlic, minced; Hamburger buns (for serving); 8 oz tomato sauce; ¾ cup ketchup; 1 tbsp brown sugar; 1½ tbsp yellow mustard; ¼ tsp chili powder; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp ground black pepper; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp onion powder; ½ tsp paprika

If you’re craving that classic, comforting sandwich with a wholesome twist, you’re absolutely going to love this Easy Ground Turkey Sloppy Joes Recipe. It transforms the traditional sloppy joe into a lighter, protein-packed meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor or satisfaction. With its vibrant, tangy tomato sauce and tender ground turkey simmered alongside colorful bell peppers and onions, this dish hits all the right notes. Plus, it’s incredibly kid-friendly and comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two stages of cooking ground meat in a black pan placed on a white marbled surface. On the left side, the pan contains cooked ground meat mixed with chopped green herbs at the bottom, topped with colorful seasonings and sauces arranged in separate dollops and piles: yellow mustard, bright red ketchup, light brown powder, white powder, black pepper, and deep red paprika powder. On the right side, the same pan holds the cooked meat fully mixed with the sauces and seasonings, showing a rich, thick, and reddish-brown saucy texture with a wooden spoon stirring it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Keeping the ingredients simple brings out the hearty, robust flavors in this Easy Ground Turkey Sloppy Joes Recipe. Each element plays a vital role, from the lean turkey adding tender protein, to the spices and sauces crafting that signature tangy richness that makes sloppy joes so beloved.

1 lb ground turkey: The star of the dish, offering a lean and protein-rich base that’s lighter than traditional beef.
⅓ cup green bell pepper (seeded and diced): Adds a subtle crunch and fresh earthiness to balance the tangy sauce.
½ cup yellow onion (diced): Provides sweetness and depth of flavor when sautéed to soft perfection.
1 tsp garlic (minced): Brings aromatic warmth and a little savory punch.
Hamburger buns: Your perfect vehicle for all the sloppy goodness (try whole wheat for a hearty upgrade).
8 oz tomato sauce: Forms the rich and slightly sweet base of the signature sloppy joe sauce.
¾ cup ketchup: Adds tang and familiar sweetness that everyone loves.
1 tbsp brown sugar: Balances acidity and rounds out flavors with a smooth caramel note.
1½ tbsp yellow mustard: Gives a zesty kick and classic sloppy joe character.
¼ tsp chili powder: A subtle warmth that lifts the sauce without overpowering.
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Deepens umami and enriches the complexity of the dish.
1 tsp ground black pepper: For gentle heat and spice.
½ tsp salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors perfectly.
½ tsp onion powder: Intensifies the onion flavor for extra savoriness.
½ tsp paprika: Provides a smoky undertone and vibrant color to the sauce.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Easy Ground Turkey Sloppy Joes Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Turkey

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat and adding the 1 lb of ground turkey. Break it up gently with a spatula as it cooks, letting it brown evenly for about 6 to 8 minutes. This step develops rich, meaty flavor and sets the foundation for your sloppy joes.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

Once your turkey is browned, add the diced yellow onion and green bell pepper straight to the skillet. Let these cook together for another 4 to 5 minutes or until the veggies soften and become tender, infusing your dish with natural sweetness and a pleasant texture.

Step 3: Drain Excess Grease

To keep your sloppy joes light and healthy, carefully drain off any excess grease that has rendered from the turkey. This small step helps reduce fat without losing any of the deliciousness you’ve built so far.

Step 4: Add the Flavorful Sauce

Now for the most exciting part: stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, yellow mustard, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, salt, onion powder, and paprika. Combine everything thoroughly, then simmer the mixture uncovered for 6 to 8 minutes. This thickens the sauce beautifully and lets all the spices meld together into that perfect sloppy joe magic.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Pile the saucy turkey mixture onto your choice of hamburger buns, letting that vibrant sauce soak into the bread just right. Grab a napkin and get ready for a deliciously messy, utterly satisfying meal!

How to Serve Easy Ground Turkey Sloppy Joes Recipe

The image shows several open white sesame seed buns on a white marbled surface with white paper squares under some. Each bun bottom is spread with a thick layer of reddish-brown sloppy joe meat mixed with small green pepper pieces in a rich sauce. Some bun tops rest gently beside the bottoms, ready to close the sandwich. In the top part of the image, there is a black skillet filled with more sloppy joe mixture. On the left side, fresh green parsley adds color and freshness to the scene. The whole setup is bright and inviting, with the texture of the meat clearly visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your sloppy joes, consider topping them with a sprinkle of shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese for creaminess. Fresh chopped parsley or a few thin slices of crunchy pickles add bright contrast and a little zing, making every bite even more exciting.

Side Dishes

This Easy Ground Turkey Sloppy Joes Recipe pairs wonderfully with classic sides like crisp green salads or sweet potato fries for a balance of fresh and comforting flavors. Roasted vegetables or a simple coleslaw also bring vibrant color and texture, rounding out the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, scoop this turkey mixture over toasted whole wheat buns for added nuttiness or serve it in crunchy lettuce wraps for a low-carb option that still delivers all the classic sloppy joe taste. You can also pile it atop cooked quinoa or rice for a heartier, bowl-style dinner that’s both nutritious and satisfying.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in your fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers taste even better. Just keep the buns separate to avoid sogginess when you’re ready to enjoy them again.

Freezing

This turkey sloppy joe mixture freezes exceptionally well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat the leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. If needed, add a splash of water to loosen the sauce. Toast fresh buns right before serving to keep that satisfying crunch.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey?

Absolutely! Ground chicken is a great substitute and works just as well with the sauce and spices in this Easy Ground Turkey Sloppy Joes Recipe. Just be mindful of cooking times since chicken can cook faster.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The meat mixture itself is gluten-free, but be sure to choose gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps to keep the entire meal gluten-free.

Can I make this recipe spicy?

Definitely! Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, or swapping mild chili powder for a spicier blend can give your sloppy joes a nice kick of heat.

What’s the best way to keep the sloppy joes from getting soggy?

To prevent sogginess, toast your buns lightly before assembling and serve the filling hot. Keeping buns separate until just before eating also helps maintain their texture.

How many servings does this recipe make?

This Easy Ground Turkey Sloppy Joes Recipe yields about 6 generous servings, perfect for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Ground Turkey Sloppy Joes Recipe is a fantastic way to bring a lighter, healthier spin to a beloved classic without sacrificing any flavor or satisfaction. It’s quick enough for busy weeknights but so delicious you’ll want to make it your go-to. Give it a try, and watch this wholesome, saucy, and vibrant meal become a favorite in your home too!

Easy Ground Turkey Sloppy Joes Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need