TURKEY SLOPPY JOES
Welcome back to my kitchen, foodies! I have a mouthwatering treat for you – a Turkey Sloppy Joe recipe that's both delicious and nutritious. If you're looking for a wholesome twist on the classic Sloppy Joe, you're in for a real treat. This recipe is a breeze to make!
Ingredients
2 tsp. olive oil, divided
1 lb. lean ground turkey
1 medium onion, chopped
1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
2 cups all-natural tomato sauce, no salt or sugar added
1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
1½ tsp. hot pepper sauce
1 Tbsp. pure maple syrup
½ tsp. sea salt
¼ tsp. ground black pepper
Directions
Sear the Turkey
Begin by heating 1 tsp. of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the lean ground turkey. Keep that spatula handy and cook, stirring frequently, for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until the turkey is no longer pink. This step is crucial to get that perfect, savory base for your Sloppy Joes.
Sauté the Onion and Bell Pepper
While your turkey is cooking away, let's get started on building layers of flavor. In another large skillet over medium heat, heat the remaining 1 tsp. of olive oil. When it's nicely warmed up, add in your chopped onion and red bell pepper. Stir these gems frequently for approximately 4 to 5 minutes, or until the onion turns translucent and that bell pepper starts to shine.
Garlic Infusion
Now, it's time to take your dish to the next level. Add the chopped garlic to the onion and bell pepper mixture. Continue to stir frequently for an additional minute. The aroma filling your kitchen at this point is nothing short of heavenly.
Marrying the Flavor
In a culinary symphony, it's time to bring these harmonious ingredients together. Combine the onion and pepper mixture with the all-natural tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, hot pepper sauce, and pure maple syrup in a pot. Don't forget to season this mixture with a pinch of sea salt and a dash of ground black pepper. This is where the magic really starts to happen!
The Grand Finale
Once your turkey is beautifully browned, introduce it to the tomatoey mixture you've prepared. Mix it all together with love and care, ensuring that every bit of turkey gets coated in that delectable sauce. Now, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it gently boil. Stir occasionally, and let the flavors meld for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until your sauce has thickened to perfection.
To Serve
Now that you've masterfully prepared your Turkey Sloppy Joe, it's time to think about how you'd like to serve it. The beauty of this dish lies not only in its incredible taste but also in its versatility. Here are some delightful ways to present and enjoy your Sloppy Joe creation:
Classic Sloppy Joe Sandwich
The most traditional way to enjoy this dish is by spooning that flavorful turkey mixture onto soft whole-grain hamburger buns or whole-grain rolls. This classic presentation is a crowd-pleaser at family gatherings and casual get-togethers.
Open-Faced Sandwich
Elevate your Sloppy Joe experience by serving it open-faced. Toast a slice of crusty whole-grain bread bread and ladle your turkey mixture generously over it. Top it with some fresh arugula or baby spinach for a vibrant contrast in flavors and textures.
Sloppy Joe Sliders
For a fun twist, turn your Turkey Sloppy Joe into sliders. Miniature whole-grain buns filled with your savory and sweet creation make for a perfect appetizer at parties or a delightful snack. Skewer them with toothpicks for easy serving.
Lettuce Wraps
Embrace a low-carb option by using large lettuce leaves as your "bun." Spoon the turkey mixture onto the center of the lettuce, fold it up, and enjoy a Sloppy Joe wrap that's both satisfying and healthy.
Over Rice, Quinoa, or veggie noodles
Serve your Sloppy Joe over a bed of cooked brown rice, quinoa, or veggie noodles for a hearty and nutritious meal. This option allows you to enjoy the rich flavors of the dish in a new and satisfying way.
Sweet Potato "Boats"
For a unique presentation, bake sweet potatoes until tender, then split them open and fluff the insides with a fork. Top with the turkey mixture and a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro or green onions for a sweet and savory flavor explosion.
Side Salad
Pair your Sloppy Joe with a simple side salad for a balanced meal. A crisp garden salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a balsamic vinaigrette is an excellent choice to complement the dish.
Toppings Galore
Don't forget the toppings! Offer a variety of condiments such as diced onions, pickles, jalapeños, or even avocado slices. Let your guests customize their Sloppy Joe creations to suit their tastes.
Turkey Sloppy Joes
Ingredients
- 2 tsp. olive oil, divided
- 1 lb. lean ground turkey
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 2 cups all-natural tomato sauce, no salt or sugar added
- 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 1½ tsp. hot pepper sauce
- 1 Tbsp. pure maple syrup
- ½ tsp. sea salt
- ¼ tsp. ground black pepper
Instructions
- Begin by heating 1 tsp. of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Once the oil is shimmering, add the lean ground turkey. Keep that spatula handy and cook, stirring frequently, for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until the turkey is no longer pink.
- While your turkey is cooking away, in another large skillet over medium heat, heat the remaining 1 tsp. of olive oil.
- When it's nicely warmed up, add in your chopped onion and red bell pepper. Stir these gems frequently for approximately 4 to 5 minutes, or until the onion turns translucent and that bell pepper starts to shine.
- Add the chopped garlic to the onion and bell pepper mixture. Continue to stir frequently for an additional minute.
- Combine the onion and pepper mixture with the all-natural tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, hot pepper sauce, and pure maple syrup in a pot. Don't forget to season this mixture with a pinch of sea salt and a dash of ground black pepper.
- Once your turkey is beautifully browned, introduce it to the tomatoey mixture you've prepared. Mix it all together ensuring that every bit of turkey gets coated in that delectable sauce. Now, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it gently boil. Stir occasionally, and let the flavors meld for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until your sauce has thickened to perfection.
