Ground Turkey Sloppy Joes are saucy, flavorful, and packed with hidden vegetables. They come together quickly and are ready in 30 minutes or less—perfect for busy weeknights.
author’s note
The Sloppy Joes My Kids Ask for Every Week!
Sloppy Joes always remind me of childhood—an easy, comforting dinner my parents would make on busy nights. I recreated that familiar flavor using lean ground turkey and a handful of finely chopped vegetables that blend into the sauce so even picky eaters won’t notice. The result is saucy, hearty, and a little messy in the best way. My family loves them, and dinner is done in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients — Turkey Sloppy Joes
| Ingredient | Swap/Tip |
|---|---|
| Ground Turkey | Substitute ground chicken or beef if you prefer. |
| Onion & Garlic | Use shallot instead of onion for a milder, sweeter flavor. |
| Carrot, Red Pepper & Mushrooms | Pulse in a food processor to finely chop for fussy eaters. |
| Ketchup + Tomato Sauce + BBQ Sauce | Use extra ketchup in place of BBQ sauce for a milder, less smoky profile. |
| Worcestershire, Mustard, Vinegar, Brown Sugar | Omit or reduce brown sugar for less sweetness. |
| Beef Bouillon Powder | Chicken bouillon works fine if that’s what you have. |
Featured Comment
“These are my ‘go-to’ sloppy joes. So tasty and a great way to make a healthier version of an old favorite. Thank you for sharing this great recipe!”
– Tammy
How To Make Ground Turkey Sloppy Joes
- Veggies: In a skillet, sauté onion, garlic, carrot, and bell pepper until softened.
- Add Mushrooms: Cook until tender and most of the moisture has evaporated.
- Brown the Turkey: Push the veggies to the side, add the turkey, and crumble and cook until no longer pink.
- Sauce: Stir in ketchup, tomato sauce, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire, mustard, vinegar, brown sugar, and bouillon. Mix well.
- Simmer: Reduce heat and simmer until the sauce thickens. Spoon onto toasted buns and serve.
Storage
- Fridge: Store the meat mixture in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
- Freeze: Cool completely, then freeze in bags or containers for up to 3 months.
- Meal Prep Tip: Keep filling and buns separate until serving to prevent soggy sandwiches.
More EASY Ground Turkey Recipes:
Dinner
Ground Turkey Stir Fry
Dinner
Mini Turkey Meatloaf
Dinner
Turkey Meatballs Recipe
Turkey
Green Chile Ground Turkey
Turkey Sloppy Joes
Equipment
-
Large cast-iron pan (or a large skillet)
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup grated yellow onion (about 1 small onion)
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic (about 2 cloves)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped carrot (1 medium)
- 1 cup finely chopped red bell pepper (1 pepper)
- 1 cup finely chopped baby bella mushrooms (6 oz)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground turkey
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 2 teaspoons beef bouillon powder (or chicken bouillon)
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/2 to 1 cup freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional)
- Brioche buns, for serving
Instructions
-
Prepare the vegetables: grate the onion, mince the garlic, and finely chop or grate the carrot, red pepper, and mushrooms. If desired, pulse the carrot, pepper, and garlic in a food processor for a finer texture.
-
Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrot, and bell pepper and sauté 5–7 minutes until most of the liquid has evaporated. Add the mushrooms and cook 2–3 more minutes until the vegetables are mostly tender. Push the vegetables to the edges of the pan.
-
Add the ground turkey to the center of the pan. Crumble and cook until no longer pink, about 5–8 minutes, mixing the vegetables into the meat as you go. Season with salt and pepper.
-
Stir in the sauce ingredients: ketchup, tomato sauce, Worcestershire, red wine vinegar, brown sugar (adjust to taste), yellow mustard, beef bouillon powder, and BBQ sauce. Mix well and simmer until the turkey is cooked through and the sauce thickens, about 3–5 minutes.
-
Remove from heat. If using cheese, sprinkle it over the meat and cover for 2–3 minutes to melt. Spoon the mixture onto toasted buns and serve immediately.
Recipe Notes
Note 2: Toasting the buns adds flavor and helps prevent sogginess. Grill for 20–30 seconds, warm in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes, or toast in a pan for 2–3 minutes.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Keep buns separate until serving.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
Side Dishes To Serve Alongside
Serve these Ground Turkey Sloppy Joes with simple sides for a complete meal:
- Potato chips or French fries
- Onion rings
- Dill pickles
- Elote (Mexican street corn) or grilled corn
- Potato salad, cucumber salad, or other simple salads
- Roasted broccoli or Brussels sprouts
- Baked beans
Quick Tip
Serve these sloppy joes on toasted brioche buns for extra flavor and to help prevent sogginess. Toast on the grill, in a pan, or in the oven until lightly crisp.
*Originally shared February 11, 2020. Post updated (not the recipe) September 23, 2025.