Turkey Sloppy Joes
“A post honoring the Sloppy Joe? Really, Paula?”
Yep, don’t hate.
Admittedly, when most people consider the classic Sloppy Joe,
images of meat in a can, or terrible cafeteria food come to mind.
In my humble opinion, however, Sloppy Joes are a highly underrated and
delicious comfort food; I hope that after trying this version, you’ll agree with me.
images of meat in a can, or terrible cafeteria food come to mind.
In my humble opinion, however, Sloppy Joes are a highly underrated and
delicious comfort food; I hope that after trying this version, you’ll agree with me.
Today’s recipe for this classic sandwich meets all the requirements for a great dish and then some. It is flavorful, affordable,
a great source of protein, easy to make, and most importantly,
perfectly-sweet-with-just-the-right amount-of-tang (yes, that’s a word).
Made with ground turkey and a handful of pantry staples,
these Turkey Sloppy Joes are quick to throw together and lightened up with the omission of
red meat. If you prefer to use beef, however, be my guest! Pile it high on your
favorite sandwich roll and dig in.
these Turkey Sloppy Joes are quick to throw together and lightened up with the omission of
red meat. If you prefer to use beef, however, be my guest! Pile it high on your
favorite sandwich roll and dig in.
Paula’s Notes: Be “choosey” about your pantry
ingredients. Quality counts. Just as you want to cook with a flavorful wine,
you also want to use a delicious BBQ sauce. While I am all about buying generic brands to save my pennies, I recommend spending a few dollars more to get a BBQ sauce you really love (or use your own favorite homemade recipe). I personally
use
ingredients. Quality counts. Just as you want to cook with a flavorful wine,
you also want to use a delicious BBQ sauce. While I am all about buying generic brands to save my pennies, I recommend spending a few dollars more to get a BBQ sauce you really love (or use your own favorite homemade recipe). I personally
use
Jack Daniel’s Original No. 7 or
Jack Daniel’s Honey Smokehouse.
Both are pretty tasty.
What are your feelings on Sloppy Joes? Did you eat them growing up? Let me know below!
Turkey Sloppy Joes
Yields: 6 sandwiches
Time: ~30-35 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 tsp. olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 1/4 lbs. (20 oz.) ground turkey
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup good BBQ sauce
- 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper – or to taste (omit if you don’t want
any heat) - 1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp. unsweetened cocoa
- 1/2 cup water, or as needed
- 6 hamburger buns (Gluten free if necessary)
Directions:
- Melt oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion;
cook and stir until onion starts to brown, about 5 minutes. - Incorporate ground turkey and 1/2 cup water into the onions.
Cook and stir, breaking up the meat, until it begins to brown, about 2 minutes. - Add ketchup, BBQ sauce, cayenne pepper, salt, and black
pepper. Cook and stir until liquid is reduced, about 5 minutes. - Stir in Worcestershire sauce and cocoa powder. Cook,
stirring frequently and adding up to 1/2 cup water if needed, until meat is
cooked through and liquid is reduced and thick, about 10-20 minutes. - Meanwhile, toast hamburger buns if desired.
- Top buns with meat mixture and enjoy!
Recipe adapted from Allrecipes
