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two turkey sloppy joes on a white platter with toppings and a beer in the background

Turkey Sloppy Joes – a.k.a. Sloppy Janes

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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!

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Scale

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 packed light brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 (15 ounce) can 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

  1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat cook ground turkey until no longer pink.
  2. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic; lightly season with salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is soft, 3 to 4 minutes.
  3. Stir in sugar, chili powder, cinnamon, then tomato paste. Cook, stirring constantly, for 3 to 4 minutes.
  4. 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

  1. Lightly brush the insides of the hamburger buns with melted butter and toast.
  2. 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.

  • Author: Lee Clayton Roper
  • Category: Main dish
  • Method: Quick and easy
  • Cuisine: American