Description
This Turkey Sloppy Joes recipe is a delicious and healthier twist on the classic comfort food. Made with lean ground turkey and a flavorful homemade sauce, it incorporates fresh vegetables and a tangy coleslaw topping for added crunch and zest. Ready in just 30 minutes, this meal is perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering, offering a satisfying balance of savory and sweet flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 lb. lean ground turkey or chicken
- 1 small yellow onion, diced small (¾ cup)
- 1 small bell pepper, any color, diced small (¾ cup)
- 1 medium carrot, peeled and diced very small or shredded (½ cup)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced (1 tablespoon)
- 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
- ¾ cup low-sodium beef or chicken broth (may substitute water)
- 2 tablespoons coconut aminos (or 1 tablespoon soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce)
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar (optional)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon or yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
- ½-1 teaspoon fine salt
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Coleslaw Topping
- 2 cups shredded coleslaw mix
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon pure honey
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the oil and cook turkey and vegetables: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add ground turkey, diced onion, bell pepper, carrot, and minced garlic. Break up the turkey with a spoon and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the turkey is no longer pink and the vegetables are tender.
- Prepare the sloppy joe sauce: In a medium bowl, combine tomato paste, low-sodium broth, coconut aminos (or soy sauce/Worcestershire), Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, smoked paprika, black pepper, and brown sugar if using. Stir or whisk until smooth and well blended.
- Combine sauce and meat mixture: Pour the prepared sloppy joe sauce into the skillet with the cooked turkey and vegetables. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients. Bring the mixture to a simmer and continue cooking for about 5 minutes or until the sauce has thickened. Note that the sauce will thicken further as it cools.
- Make the coleslaw topping: In a medium bowl, add the shredded coleslaw mix, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything together until well combined to create a creamy, tangy slaw.
- Serve: Spoon the turkey sloppy joe mixture into sandwich buns or your preferred serving style. Top with the prepared coleslaw and any other preferred toppings such as pickles, red onions, banana peppers, or jalapeño slices for added flavor and crunch.
Notes
- The optional brown sugar enhances sweetness but can be omitted for a less sweet sauce.
- Low-sodium broth helps control the salt level; water can be used as a substitute to reduce sodium further.
- The sauce thickens more as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems a bit saucy while hot.
- Use lean ground turkey to keep the dish lower in fat and calories.
- Coleslaw can be made ahead and refrigerated for convenience.
- Adjust spices and vinegar to taste for preferred tanginess and seasoning balance.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
