Description
A healthy take on classic Sloppy Joes using ground turkey and a medley of fresh vegetables simmered in a tangy tomato-based sauce, perfect for a quick and nutritious weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 cup finely diced sweet onion (about 1 small onion)
- ½ cup finely diced carrot (about 1 large carrot)
- ½ cup finely diced celery (about 2 trimmed stalks)
- 1 cup finely diced green bell pepper (about 1 pepper)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
Main Protein
- 1 lb ground turkey
Spices and Seasonings
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Liquids and Sauces
- 1 cup canned tomato sauce
- ½ cup ketchup (or barbeque sauce)
- ¼ cup low sodium beef broth (or water)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons smooth Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
Others
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons coconut sugar (or brown sugar)
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat until hot. Add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and green bell pepper. Cook for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its aroma.
- Cook Ground Turkey: Push the cooked vegetables to the sides of the skillet and add the ground turkey to the center. Break up the meat with a spatula while cooking, gradually mixing in the vegetables. Continue cooking until the turkey is fully browned and cooked through.
- Add Spices: Sprinkle sea salt, chili powder, dried oregano, onion powder, and black pepper over the meat mixture. Stir well to evenly distribute the seasonings.
- Incorporate Sauces and Liquids: Pour in the tomato sauce, ketchup (or barbeque sauce), low sodium beef broth (or water), Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and red wine vinegar. Mix thoroughly so that all ingredients combine into a cohesive sauce.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to medium and let the mixture simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Add a little more broth if the mixture becomes too thick.
- Adjust and Serve: Taste the mixture and adjust the sweetness and seasoning if needed. Serve the sloppy joe mixture on buns, optionally topping with cheese, and enjoy your healthy meal!
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground turkey with plant-based ground meat alternatives.
- You can use barbeque sauce instead of ketchup for a smoky flavor.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
- Use whole-grain buns for added fiber and nutrition.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
