30-Minute Healthy Turkey Sloppy Joes with Homemade Sauce

Healthy Turkey Sloppy Joes Recipe: Quick and Easy 30-Minute Meal. Lean ground turkey, homemade BBQ sauce, fresh vegetables, and pepper jack cheese on toasted buns. Perfect for busy weeknights or a family dinner! Customize spice levels, go gluten-free, or swap in your favorite cheese. Great with fries, coleslaw, or salads. Make-ahead and freezer-friendly. Ideal for a wholesome, flavorful meal your whole family will love!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small white onion, diced
• 1 red or green bell pepper, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound 94% lean ground turkey or chicken
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• ½ cup ketchup (Trader Joe’s Organic Ketchup recommended)
• ¼ cup BBQ sauce (Stubb’s Spicy BBQ Sauce or a sweet alternative)
• 1 ½ teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 ½ teaspoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
• ½ cup filtered water
• Optional: ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper for added spice

For Serving

• 4 hamburger buns of your choice
• 2-4 ounces shredded pepper jack cheese (about ½-1 cup)
• Optional: Jalapeño slices

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Vegetables:
   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic, onion, and bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent. Move the mixture to the edges of the skillet.
2. Cook the Turkey:
   • Add the ground turkey to the center of the skillet. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Break up the meat with a spatula and cook for 5-7 minutes until no longer pink.
3. Combine Ingredients:
   • Stir the onion and bell pepper mixture back into the skillet with the cooked turkey. Add ketchup, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, red wine vinegar, mustard, and water. For extra heat, add cayenne pepper if desired.
   • Stir well to combine all ingredients and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens. Add a tablespoon of water if the sauce becomes too thick.
4. Melt the Cheese:
   • Sprinkle shredded pepper jack cheese on top of the meat mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the cheese melt, about 2 minutes.
5. Assemble and Serve:
   • Scoop the turkey mixture onto hamburger buns. Top with jalapeño slices if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Healthy and Nutritious: Made with lean turkey and fresh veggies for a wholesome meal.
• Customizable Flavors: Adjust the spice and sweetness to your preference.
• Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike.

Tips

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, onions, and bell peppers enhance the flavor.
• Don’t Overcook the Meat: Turkey can dry out quickly, so cook until just done.
• Adjust Sauce Thickness: Add a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much.
• Toast the Buns: Toasting the hamburger buns adds an extra layer of texture and flavor.

Variations and Substitutions

• Protein Options: Swap turkey with ground chicken, beef, or plant-based meat.
• Cheese Choices: Use cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a dairy-free cheese alternative.
• Gluten-Free Option: Serve with gluten-free buns or over a baked sweet potato.
• Spice Level: Add diced jalapeños to the mixture for an extra kick.

FAQs

1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! The turkey mixture can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop before serving.

2. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Absolutely. Store the cooled mixture in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

3. Can I use pre-made sauce?
Yes, but homemade sauce allows you to control the sweetness and spice levels.

Serving

Pair these sloppy joes with a side of sweet potato fries, coleslaw, or a simple green salad for a balanced meal. For a party setting, serve the mixture over mini slider buns for bite-sized treats.

Suggestions

• Toppings: Add avocado slices, pickles, or even a fried egg for added flair.
• Side Ideas: Corn on the cob, roasted veggies, or a creamy pasta salad complement this dish well.
• Kid-Friendly Twist: Serve the turkey mixture over pasta or rice for a less messy option.