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Close-up of sloppy joes with rich tomato sauce on toasted buns.

Healthy Ground Turkey Sloppy Joes

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 310 kcal

Equipment

  • Large nonstick skillet
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring spoons & cups
  • Cutting board and sharp knife
  • Optional: toaster or grill pan for buns

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb lean ground turkey 93% lean
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 small yellow onion finely diced
  • 1 green bell pepper diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup tomato sauce no-salt-added preferred
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tbsp ketchup or sugar-free ketchup
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey/maple syrup
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp chili powder adjust for heat
  • ½ tsp salt to taste
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 4 whole-grain burger buns toasted
  • Optional: shredded cheese sliced pickles, or avocado for topping

Instructions
 

  • Sauté the aromatics. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and bell pepper; cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Brown the turkey. Add ground turkey and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until no longer pink — about 5 minutes. Drain any excess liquid.
  • Make the sauce. Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, ketchup, Worcestershire, vinegar, brown sugar, and all seasonings (paprika, chili powder, salt, pepper).
  • Simmer & thicken. Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer 5–8 minutes until thickened and glossy. The sauce should cling perfectly to the turkey.
    Pro Tip: If you like it saucier, splash in 2 tbsp of water or broth while simmering.
  • Assemble and serve. Spoon the Sloppy Joe filling over toasted whole-grain buns. Add cheese, pickles, or avocado if desired. Serve warm!
    Step-by-step healthy sloppy joes process

Notes

  • Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze: Cool completely, then freeze up to 2 months.
  • Reheat: Warm on the stove with a splash of water until saucy again.
  • Meal Prep Tip: Keep buns separate until serving to prevent sogginess.

Nutrition

Calories: 310kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 27gFat: 10gFiber: 4g
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