Short Description
These Veggie-Loaded Turkey Sloppy Joes are a healthier take on the classic dish. Packed with vegetables and lean ground turkey, this recipe is full of flavor and nutrition, making it the perfect choice for a family-friendly meal. The hearty, savory filling sits perfectly on toasted whole wheat buns, making each bite satisfying and delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Turkey Sloppy Joes are a great way to sneak in extra veggies while keeping the comfort of the classic sloppy joe flavor. The combination of tender ground turkey, shredded carrots, zucchini, and spinach creates a deliciously rich and filling meal. Plus, the homemade sauce adds just the right balance of sweetness and tang, making this a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults alike. It’s an easy, one-pan dinner that’s healthy, flavorful, and perfect for a quick weeknight meal.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
¾ cup finely chopped onion
1 large carrot, peeled and grated
1 small zucchini, grated
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon ground pepper
1 pound ground turkey
2 cups baby spinach, chopped
3 tablespoons tomato paste
2 teaspoons brown sugar, or honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
⅓ cup water
6 whole wheat hamburger buns, or other sandwich rolls of your choice, toasted

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Heat the oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
Cook the onion: Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and soft, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the vegetables: Stir in the grated carrot and zucchini. Cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the moisture to release and the vegetables to soften.
Season: Add the minced garlic, kosher salt, and pepper, and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently.
Cook the turkey: Add the ground turkey to the pan, breaking it up with a spoon as it browns. Cook until the turkey is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Make the sauce: While the turkey cooks, combine the tomato paste, brown sugar (or honey/maple syrup), Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and water in a small bowl or measuring cup. Stir until well mixed.
Combine the spinach and sauce: Stir the chopped spinach into the cooked turkey and vegetables. Pour in the prepared sauce and cook on medium-low heat for about 2 minutes, stirring until the sauce coats the turkey mixture and the flavors combine. Taste and add more salt and pepper as needed.
Assemble the sloppy joes: Spoon about ¾ cup of the warm sloppy joe mixture onto each toasted bun. Serve and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Use lentils or a plant-based ground meat substitute instead of ground turkey for a vegetarian or vegan option.
Spicy Sloppy Joes: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce for some heat.
Different Veggies: Feel free to swap in other veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for a different flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover sloppy joe filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat the filling in a skillet over low heat until warmed through. You can also microwave it in a covered container, stirring occasionally. Toast the buns fresh before serving for the best texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef for the turkey. It will add more richness, but the dish will still be delicious.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it when you’re ready to serve and toast the buns fresh.

3. Can I freeze the sloppy joe filling?

Yes, the filling can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it on the stovetop.

4. Can I use different types of buns?

Yes, any sandwich roll or bun will work. For a lower-carb option, you can also use lettuce wraps instead of buns.

5. Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe is not spicy by default, but you can easily add some heat by including chili flakes, hot sauce, or jalapeños to the sauce.

6. Can I use other types of vegetables in this recipe?

Definitely! You can replace the zucchini with bell peppers, or even add in corn or peas to the mix for extra sweetness and texture.

7. What can I serve with turkey sloppy joes?

These sloppy joes go great with a side of sweet potato fries, a simple green salad, or roasted vegetables.

8. How do I make the filling thicker?

If the filling is too watery, simmer it on low heat for a few extra minutes to reduce the liquid, or add a tablespoon of tomato paste to thicken it up.

9. Can I use a different type of mustard?

Dijon mustard adds a nice tang, but you can use yellow mustard, spicy mustard, or even whole grain mustard for a different flavor.

10. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use gluten-free buns or serve the sloppy joe filling over a bed of greens for a gluten-free option.

Conclusion

Veggie-Loaded Turkey Sloppy Joes are a flavorful and healthier twist on a classic comfort food. Packed with vegetables, lean turkey, and a tangy, slightly sweet sauce, they offer the perfect balance of taste and nutrition. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or something the whole family will enjoy, these sloppy joes are sure to be a hit!