These Turkey Sloppy Joes are bursting with flavor from onion, green bell pepper, garlic, spicy brown mustard, spicy barbecue sauce, and chili powder. Enjoy the mixture over toasted buns, baked potatoes, pasta, rice, or macaroni and cheese.
These have quickly evolved into one of our favorite meals, and my son even declared that he likes them better than beef sloppy joes.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
See the complete list of ingredients on the recipe card below.
- Ground turkey: I use a mixture of dark and white meat. I find the turkey breast too lean to make good sloppy joes. You need a little fat for flavor.
- Green bell pepper: I like the flavor that the green pepper lends to the dish, but you can use any color bell pepper.
- Vinegar: As a substitute, you can use white wine vinegar or champagne vinegar.
- Mustard: Use regular yellow mustard, Dijon mustard, spicy brown mustard, whole grain mustard, or honey mustard.
- Spicy barbecue sauce: Use your favorite brand or make homemade barbecue sauce.
- Ground cayenne: This amount will not add much heat, but it will add flavor.
- Chicken broth: Preferably low sodium.
How To Make Turkey Sloppy Joes
This is a summary version; for the complete list of ingredients and instructions, please refer to the recipe card below.
- Brown the ground turkey in a large skillet over medium heat.
- About halfway through the browning process, add the onions and bell peppers. Cook the onions and bell peppers until soft, and the turkey is brown.
- Reduce the heat, add the garlic, and cook it for a minute.
- Add the cider vinegar, spicy brown mustard, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, barbecue sauce, ketchup, chili powder, ground cayenne, and chicken broth. Stir to combine and simmer for 25 minutes.
- Toast the buns, add the sloppy joe mixture, and serve.
Preparation Pointers
- Remove any excess fat or moisture from the browned ground turkey. I use paper towels to soak it up. If any ground turkey sticks to the paper towel, you can spoon it off back into the skillet.
- Spicy barbecue sauce adds flavor to the mixture. Turkey is a little more bland than ground beef, so you need added seasoning.
- If the mixture becomes too thick or dry, add a little more low-sodium chicken broth.
Perfect Pairings
- Potatoes: air fryer potato wedges, pan-fried potatoes, or potato pancakes.
- Pasta: Velvetta mac and cheese or cauliflower mac and cheese.
- Salad: Mustard potato salad, broccoli salad, and creamy coleslaw.
Turkey Sloppy Joes
These Turkey Sloppy Joes are bursting with flavor from onion, green bell pepper, garlic, spicy brown mustard, spicy barbecue sauce, and chili powder.
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Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 348kcal
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground turkey not the turkey breast
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 small green pepper, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons spicy brown mustard
- 1½ tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 cup spicy barbecue sauce
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- ⅓-½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 8 brioche or hamburger buns
Instructions
- Brown the ground turkey in a large skillet over medium heat.
- About halfway through the browning process, add the onions and bell peppers. Cook until the onions and bell peppers are soft, and the turkey is brown. Reduce the heat to low and cook the garlic for 1 minute, while stirring.
- Add the apple cider vinegar, spicy brown mustard, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, barbecue sauce, ketchup, chili powder, ground cayenne, and chicken broth. Stir to combine and simmer for 25 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Toast the buns, add the sloppy joe mixture, and serve.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at 50% power for short increments until warm.
Nutrition
Calories: 348kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 62mg | Sodium: 843mg | Potassium: 596mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 22g | Vitamin A: 398IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 93mg | Iron: 3mg
Did You Make This Recipe?Mention @smalltownwomanfoodnut or tag #smalltownwomanfoodnut!
Stephanie
Oh my goodness, I hadn’t had a sloppy joe in so long! These were so flavorful, and I love being able to make it at home for my kids.
jerry
This turkey Sloppy Joes recipe looks like a lighter twist on a classic favorite. I love how it keeps all the comfort and flavor while feeling fresh and family-friendly. Turkey is healthy and low fat.
Amber Myers
I have never had turkey sloppy joes, so I am eager to try them out. They seem just as delicious as the other ones I make with beef!
Beth Pierce
They are! Enjoy!
Carol
I used to love ground beef Sloppy Joes as a kid. I’ve never tried them with ground turkey but that makes them healthier, to be sure. Will give this one a try soon.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Carol! Enjoy!
Lisa
This is absolutely delicious and is one of my favorite dishes to make, especially since I don’t eat beef. The rich paprika sauce, tender turkey, and comforting flavors make it the perfect meal for a cozy family dinner.
Beth Pierce
I agree 100%
Catalina
I made these for a quick weeknight dinner and they were a big success. The turkey keeps them lighter while still being hearty and flavorful!
Tammy
Sloppy Joes are always so much fun! We loved the turkey here…came out so delicious and flavorful!
Beth Pierce
Thank you.Tammy!
Lora
These turkey sloppy joes came out saucy, flavorful, and so satisfying. The spicy mustard, barbecue sauce, and chili powder gave them the perfect little kick!
Beth Pierce
So happy that you liked them, Lora!
Ben
Om nom nom. This is the best use of ground turkey ever. I would never have known this wasn’t made with beef if I hadn’t made them myself.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Ben! So happy that you liked it!
Terri
I love getting all that sloppy joe flavor in a healthier package. These are really good.
Beth Pierce
The pleasure is all mine, Terri!