Looking for a fast, family-friendly dinner that’s comforting and a bit lighter? These Turkey Sloppy Joes check every box. Made with lean ground turkey, a rainbow of vegetables, and a tangy tomato-BBQ sauce combo, this healthier spin on a classic weeknight favorite is messy in all the best ways. Pile the filling high on toasted buns, melt some cheese on top (optional, but recommended), and serve with fries or roasted veggies for a feel-good meal in just 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe 💛
✅ Quick & easy — ready in 30 minutes
✅ Lower in fat but still super satisfying
✅ Kid-friendly and picky-eater approved
✅ Packed with hidden veggies 🥕🫑
✅ Great for meal prep and next-day lunches
Ingredients You’ll Need 🛒
Each ingredient here does double duty — contributing both nutrition and flavor. Let’s break it down:
For the Sloppy Joe Filling:
- 1 tbsp olive oil: For sautéing the veggies and adding richness.
- ¾ cup finely chopped red onion: Adds color and a sweet, aromatic base. You can substitute yellow onion if needed.
- 1 medium carrot, finely diced: Adds subtle sweetness and sneaky nutrients — a great way to stretch the meat.
- ½ red bell pepper, finely diced: Offers crunch, sweetness, and a pop of color.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Adds bold, savory flavor — fresh is best.
For the Protein & Sauce:
- 1 lb ground turkey: Lean but still moist, turkey is a great high-protein alternative to ground beef.
- Salt & black pepper to taste: Season as you go — essential for depth of flavor.
- 1 cup tomato sauce (8 oz can): Adds moisture and that classic sloppy texture.
- ½ cup BBQ sauce: Brings sweetness, smokiness, and a tangy punch. Choose your favorite bottled variety or homemade.
- ½ cup water: Helps simmer the sauce without it getting too thick too fast.
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro: Adds brightness and a subtle herbal note at the end. If you’re not a fan, skip or swap for parsley.
For Serving:
- 5 whole wheat burger buns, toasted 🍞 – Adds fiber and structure to hold that saucy filling.
- Shredded gouda or mozzarella cheese (optional): Melts beautifully and adds indulgence.
How to Make Turkey Sloppy Joes 👩🍳
- Sauté the Veggies:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and bell pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 4–5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds more. - Brown the Turkey:
Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 6 minutes, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until it’s browned and mostly cooked through. - Add the Sauce:
Stir in tomato sauce, BBQ sauce, and water. Mix well and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low and cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens to a sloppy joe consistency. - Finish & Serve:
Remove skillet from heat and stir in fresh cilantro (or parsley). Spoon the mixture onto toasted burger buns and top with shredded cheese if desired.
Tips for Sloppy Joe Success 🧠
🥄 Don’t skip the veggies — they add texture, flavor, and nutrition
🌿 Add fresh herbs at the end for a bright finish
🧀 Top with cheese and cover for 1–2 minutes to let it melt
🔥 Use a smoky or spicy BBQ sauce if you like a little kick
🍔 Toasted buns hold up better against the saucy filling
Storage & Reheating 🧊
- Fridge: Store leftover filling in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooled sloppy joe mixture for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: Microwave or warm in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
💡 Pro Tip: Reheat leftovers and serve in wraps, lettuce cups, or over baked potatoes for variety!
FAQs About Turkey Sloppy Joes ❓
Q: Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?
A: Absolutely! Ground beef, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles all work with this recipe.
Q: Is this recipe spicy?
A: Not at all — unless your BBQ sauce has heat. Add chili flakes or hot sauce if you like it spicy.
Q: Can I skip the BBQ sauce?
A: You can — use extra tomato sauce and add a splash of vinegar and a teaspoon of brown sugar for balance.
Q: What are the best sides to serve?
A: Classic fries, sweet potato wedges, corn on the cob, or a simple salad are all great choices.
Final Thoughts 💭
These Turkey Sloppy Joes are everything we love about comfort food — satisfying, saucy, and slightly messy — but with a healthier twist. They prove you don’t have to sacrifice flavor for a lighter option. Packed with lean protein and hidden veggies, they’re just as comforting as the classic version, but easier on your body and quicker to make 🙌
What makes them truly great is their versatility. Serve them on buns, in wraps, over rice, or even spooned into lettuce cups for a low-carb version. They’re perfect for weeknight dinners, easy to scale up for guests, and a total hit with kids. Plus, they reheat beautifully — meaning tomorrow’s lunch is already handled.
So if you’re short on time but still want something warm, hearty, and made from scratch, this is your answer. One skillet. One bowl. Endless possibilities. Just don’t forget the napkins — these Sloppy Joes live up to their name 🍽️😉
Short Version
Turkey Sloppy Joes
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¾ cup finely chopped red onion
- 1 medium carrot finely diced
- ½ red bell pepper finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 pound ground turkey
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup tomato sauce 8-ounce can
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- ½ cup water
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
For serving:
- 5 whole wheat burger buns toasted
- shredded gouda or mozzarella cheese optional for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, and bell pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften, about 4-5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds.
- Add the ground turkey to the pan and season with salt and pepper. Cook the turkey, breaking it up into pieces, until it starts to brown, about 6 minutes.
- Add the tomato sauce, BBQ sauce, and water. Stir, reduce the heat to a low simmer, and cook for 10 minutes, until the sauce thickens, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and stir in the cilantro.
- Serve the sloppy joes on toasted burger buns, topped with shredded cheese if desired.
