Turkey Sloppy Joes - a.k.a. Sloppy Janes
Craving comfort food but want something healthy? Turkey Sloppy Joes (aka Joe’s healthier sister Sloppy Janes) are your answer! This recipe delivers everything you love about the original dish – that satisfying combination of sweet and tangy sauce clinging to tender ground meat – in a healthier package. Prepared with an easy homemade sauce, it's packed with rich flavor and comes together quickly for busy weeknights or make-ahead meal prep. After several rounds of testing, I finally found the perfect balance of flavors and textures, making these Sloppy Janes not just healthy, but incredibly tasty too!
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 372kcal
Ingredients
Sloppy Joe Filling
- 1 pound ground turkey 90 to 93% lean
- 1/2 large yellow onion chopped
- 1/2 large red bell pepper can also use green, optional
- Kosher salt to taste
- 2 garlic cloves chopped
- 1 teaspoon light brown sugar packed
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 15 ounces diced tomatoes drained
- 1/2 cup beer
- 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
- Fresh ground pepper to taste
To Serve
- 4 hamburger buns
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Toppings: Cheddar cheese sliced red onion, sliced jalapeno pepper, lettuce, dill sliced pickle
Instructions
Sloppy Jane Filling
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat cook ground turkey until no longer pink.
- Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic; lightly season with salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is soft, 3 to 4 minutes.
- Stir in sugar, chili powder, cinnamon, then tomato paste. Cook, stirring constantly, for 3 to 4 minutes.
- Stir in mustard, Worcestershire sauce, then diced tomatoes and beer. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the mixture thickens. Add vinegar and season to taste with salt and pepper. Place over low heat to keep warm.
To Serve
- Lightly brush the insides of the hamburger buns with melted butter and toast.
- Fill with Sloppy Jane mixture and serve with toppings on the side.
Notes
Make ahead: If you are making the Sloppy Jane mixture ahead of time, or have leftovers, let it cool, then place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will last for up to 4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
Calories: 372kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 77mg | Sodium: 588mg | Potassium: 920mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 1819IU | Vitamin C: 43mg | Calcium: 131mg | Iron: 5mg