Healthier Sloppy Joes with Turkey

4.12 from 35 votes

These Ground Turkey Sloppy Joes are a healthier take on the classic sandwich recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, and cookouts!

Prep Time10

Cook Time15

Total Time25

Course: All Your Favorite Fall Recipes to Warm up to

Cuisine: American

Keyword: crock pot, instant pot, sandwich, sloppy joe, slow cooker, turkey

Servings:

Author: Sweet Basil

Heat a dutch oven over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once it's hot, quickly add the onion and stir occasionally until translucent.
3 Tablespoons Olive Oil, 1/2 Cup Onion
Add the peppers and garlic and stir occasionally for 1 minute then add the ground turkey and break it up with a wooden spoon, stirring it all together. Allow to cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
1 Red Bell Pepper, 1 1/2 teaspoons Garlic, 1 Pound Ground Turkey
Add the carrots, mustard, worcestershire, liquid smoke, chili powder, and paprika.
1 Carrot, 2 Tablespoons Dijon Mustard, 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce, 3/4 teaspoon Liquid Smoke, 1 Tablespoon Chili Powder, 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
Stir for 30 seconds and then add the tomato sauce, brown sugar, vinegar and salt and pepper.
1 Cup Tomato Sauce, 1 teaspoon Brown Sugar, 2 Tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar, Salt and Pepper
Allow to cook for 5 minutes, season to taste, and serve OR cook up to 1 hour on low and then serve. (The longer it cooks, the better the flavor.)
Scoop onto buns that have been brushed with butter.
Whole Wheat Buns

Prepare the onion and meat as per above. Turn a crockpot onto low heat and add the meat, onions, and all remaining ingredients. Place the lid on and cook for 4-6 hours on low or on high for 2-3 hours.
3 Tablespoons Olive Oil, 1/2 Cup Onion, 1 Red Bell Pepper, 1 1/2 teaspoons Garlic, 1 Pound Ground Turkey, 1 Carrot, 2 Tablespoons Dijon Mustard, 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce, 3/4 teaspoon Liquid Smoke, 1 Tablespoon Chili Powder, 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika, 1 Cup Tomato Sauce, 1 teaspoon Brown Sugar, 2 Tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar, Salt and Pepper

Turn the instant pot onto sauté and add the onion and oil and proceed just as the original recipe states. Continue with the recipe as normal and then turn the instant pot to manual high pressure for 15 minutes. Allow a natural release for 5 minutes and then turn to vent and remove the lid. Serve as normal.
3 Tablespoons Olive Oil, 1/2 Cup Onion, 1 Red Bell Pepper, 1 1/2 teaspoons Garlic, 1 Pound Ground Turkey, 1 Carrot, 2 Tablespoons Dijon Mustard, 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce, 3/4 teaspoon Liquid Smoke, 1 Tablespoon Chili Powder, 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika, 1 Cup Tomato Sauce, 1 teaspoon Brown Sugar, 2 Tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar, Salt and Pepper

To freeze, cool completely in the refrigerator. Freeze in freezer bags for 3-6 months.