Compelling title, Juicy Turkey Sloppy Joes for Quick Weeknight Dinners

Name: Turkey Sloppy Joes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground turkey (Can swap with ground chicken or lean ground beef.); 1 medium onion, diced; 1 medium bell pepper, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup ketchup (For lower sugar, use sugar-free ketchup.); 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; 1 tablespoon yellow mustard; 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar (Reduce to 1 teaspoon for lower sugar.); Salt and pepper, to taste; 4 pieces burger buns, split and toasted (Use gluten free buns for gluten free version.)

By:

Tommy

February 17, 2026

Delicious homemade Turkey Sloppy Joes served on a bun with toppings

This turkey version of sloppy joes is saucy, savory, and ready in just 25 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights and lunchboxes.

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Craving a cozy, hands-off dinner that still feels indulgent, but lighter than classic beef sloppy joes? This turkey version is saucy, savory, and ready in 25 minutes. It is perfect for busy weeknights and lunchboxes, and it keeps well for easy reheating.

Why this recipe works

Lean ground turkey soaks up bold sauce flavors without feeling dry.
Simple pantry staples create a familiar, nostalgic sloppy joe taste.
Quick skillet method means minimal cleanup and dinner on the table fast.
Flexible recipe adapts to low sugar, gluten free, and spicy preferences.

If you enjoy lean, flavor-forward turkey dishes, try the turkey taco meal prep bowl for another great weeknight option, it uses similar pantry techniques and meal prep tips.

Ingredients

1 lb lean ground turkey
1 medium onion, diced
1 medium bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
Salt and pepper, to taste
4 burger buns, split and toasted

Ingredient notes and substitutions

Swap ground turkey for ground chicken or lean ground beef, same quantities.
For lower sugar, use sugar-free ketchup and reduce brown sugar to 1 teaspoon.
Use gluten free buns to make this recipe gluten free, or serve over roasted sweet potatoes for a bowl.
Photo of ingredients laid out

Where to find specialty items

Worcestershire sauce and yellow mustard are standard at most supermarkets.
For high quality lean turkey, check the refrigerated ground poultry section at your grocery store or local butcher.
For artisan buns, visit the bakery aisle or a local bakery.

For more ideas on lean turkey ingredients and swaps, consult the turkey taco meal prep bowl resource, it includes shopping tips and pantry picks.

STEP-BY-STEP

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground turkey until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Visual cue, turkey should lose its pink color and begin to show small brown edges. Tip, press chunks down to encourage even browning.
Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic, cook until softened. Checkpoint, onions should be translucent and peppers tender, about 4 to 5 minutes. Add a splash of water if pan gets too dry.
Stir in the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Process photo suggestion, capture the moment when the sauce first hits the pan, it will look glossy. Tip, taste and adjust mustard or brown sugar to balance tang and sweetness.
Simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes until the sauce thickens. Visual cue, sauce will cling to the back of a spoon and the mixture will reduce slightly. Lower heat if it begins to stick.
Serve on burger buns. For best results, toast buns and spoon a generous portion of sloppy joe onto the bottom half, add pickles or shredded cheese if desired.

If you are prepping for a crowd or lunches, see batch cooking tips in the turkey taco meal prep bowl guide, it shows how to scale and store.

TIPS & VARIATIONS

Make-ahead and storage instructions

Store cooled sloppy joe mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze in meal-sized portions for up to 3 months, thaw overnight in the fridge to reheat.
Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water, cover and warm until bubbling.

Recipe variations

Low sugar, swap ketchup for no-sugar-added tomato sauce and increase mustard and spices.
Spicy, add 1 teaspoon smoked paprika and a few dashes of hot sauce.
Vegetarian, replace turkey with crumbled tempeh or cooked lentils, same quantity.
Keto, skip the buns and serve over cauliflower mash or lettuce cups.

Serving suggestions

Classic pickles and coleslaw on the side to cut richness.
Offer shredded cheddar or pepper jack, diced jalapeno for heat.
Pro tips for best results, always taste before serving, adjust salt and acid to brighten the final dish.

For meal prep ideas and portable serving options, the turkey taco meal prep bowl article has practical suggestions that adapt well to this recipe.

COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID

Overcooking the turkey, result, dry texture. Fix, cook just until no pink remains then add sauce to finish.
Not browning properly, result, bland flavor. Fix, let meat develop color before stirring.
Sauce too thin, result, sloppy joes slide off buns. Fix, simmer uncovered to reduce, or stir in 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with cold water.
Over-sweetening, result, cloying sandwich. Fix, add a splash of vinegar or extra mustard to balance.
Undercooking aromatics, result, raw onion or garlic bite. Fix, soften onions and peppers fully before adding sauce.
Using low quality buns, result, soggy base. Fix, toast buns and serve immediately.
Not seasoning progressively, result, flat taste. Fix, season at each stage and taste before serving.

If you need batch tips or troubleshooting for texture and seasoning, review the turkey taco meal prep bowl troubleshooting notes, they align well with this recipe.

Turkey Sloppy Joes

This turkey version of sloppy joes is saucy, savory, and ready in just 25 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights and lunchboxes.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings servings

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 lb lean ground turkey Can swap with ground chicken or lean ground beef.
1 medium onion, diced
1 medium bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup ketchup For lower sugar, use sugar-free ketchup.
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 tablespoon packed brown sugar Reduce to 1 teaspoon for lower sugar.
Salt and pepper, to taste
4 pieces burger buns, split and toasted Use gluten free buns for gluten free version.

Instructions

Cooking

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground turkey until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic, and cook until softened, about 4 to 5 minutes.
Stir in the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, brown sugar, salt, and pepper.
Simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Serve on toasted burger buns with optional pickles or shredded cheese.

Notes

Store cooled sloppy joe mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze in meal-sized portions for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in a skillet.