Dinner

Turkey Sloppy Joes Recipe

Name: Turkey Sloppy Joes Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground turkey; ⅓ cup green bell pepper (seeded and diced); ½ cup yellow onion (diced); 1 teaspoon garlic (minced); 8 ounces tomato sauce; ¾ cup ketchup; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1½ tablespoons yellow mustard; ¼ teaspoon chili powder; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon ground black pepper; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon paprika; Hamburger buns

Bylina Carter February 17, 2026February 17, 2026

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Introduction

These Turkey Sloppy Joes offer a lighter twist on a classic comfort food favorite. Packed with flavorful spices and a tangy tomato sauce, this easy recipe makes a hearty, satisfying meal perfect for any weeknight.

A sesame seed bun sandwich with two layers; the bottom layer is a soft white bun, topped with a thick, chunky sloppy joe filling made of ground meat mixed with diced green bell peppers and a rich red sauce with visible onions. The sandwich is placed on white parchment paper on a wooden board. In the background, there is a white bowl filled with crinkle-cut golden fries, and some green leafy parsley on the left, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound ground turkey
⅓ cup green bell pepper, seeded and diced

½ cup yellow onion, diced
1 teaspoon garlic, minced

Hamburger buns
8 ounces tomato sauce

¾ cup ketchup
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 ½ tablespoons yellow mustard

¼ teaspoon chili powder
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon ground black pepper

½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon paprika

Instructions

Step 1: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground turkey. Cook for 6-8 minutes until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks.
Step 2: Add diced onions, green bell peppers, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for another 4-5 minutes until the vegetables soften.
Step 3: Drain off any excess grease from the skillet.

Step 4: Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, yellow mustard, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, salt, onion powder, and paprika. Simmer uncovered for 6-8 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Step 5: Spoon the mixture onto hamburger buns and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, try adding a splash of hot sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika.

Use whole wheat buns or sandwich thins for a healthier option.
Mix in some shredded cheese before serving for a creamy twist.

Storage

Store any leftover sloppy joe mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Avoid storing on the buns to prevent sogginess; toast buns fresh before assembling.

How to Serve

A close-up of a sloppy joe sandwich on a sesame seed bun placed on white parchment paper over a wooden board. The sandwich shows one side of the bun topped with a thick, chunky layer of ground meat mixed with red sauce and small pieces of green peppers and onions. In the background, there is a white bowl filled with crinkle-cut fries and a small white bowl with red ketchup. The setting is arranged on a white marbled surface with a partial view of a striped cloth and some green parsley on the side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?

Yes, ground beef works well and will give you a richer flavor. Adjust the cooking time to ensure it’s fully browned and cooked through.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Absolutely. Cool the cooked mixture completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.