BBQ Turkey Sloppy Joes
These BBQ Turkey Sloppy Joes are irresistibly spicy-sweet sandwiches packed with veggies, turkey, red onion, and cilantro. Add some melty cheese and you’ve got a meal that will make the whole family happy!
I never know what to expect from my kids when dinnertime rolls around. Some days, Hannah’s sleeping and Julia and William play together as nicely as can be. Other days… well, I’m sure you can imagine! I’ve been planning super easy meals because even when the kids are cooperating, I can’t push my luck. Things can only go smoothly for so long before someone is crying. 😉
Sloppy joes are a family favorite that are quick and easy to get on the table. We love this classic sloppy joes recipe, but this time I was wanting something new. I thought BBQ sauce would work really well in a sloppy joe sandwich, and boy was I ever right!
In this sandwich we’ve got ground turkey, BBQ sauce, red onion, and cilantro. But I didn’t stop there. Of course I had to pack in as much nutrition as I could, so I added lots of veggies too. Chopped finely so the kids are none the wiser. All served on a toasted whole-wheat bun with melty Gouda cheese.
This BBQ Turkey Sloppy Joe is a messy, spicy-sweet sandwich that is as delicious as it is fun to eat. I have to say, out of all of the sloppy joe recipes that I’ve tried, this is my very favorite of the bunch. These sloppy joes are extra delicious when you make them with my healthy BBQ sauce recipe. You’ll also love that you know exactly what went into your BBQ sauce and meal. If you are looking for a meatless sloppy joe, my Instant Pot Lentil Sloppy Joe recipe is delicious and so fast and easy to prepare.
Turkey Sloppy Joes
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¾ cup finely chopped red onion
- 1 medium carrot, finely diced
- ½ red bell pepper, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground turkey
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup tomato sauce, 8 ounce can
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- ½ cup water
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
For serving:
- 5 whole wheat burger buns, toasted
- shredded gouda or mozzarella cheese, optional, for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and bell pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables soften, 4-5 minutes. Add garlic and cook, stirring, 30 seconds.
- Add turkey to the pan and season with salt and pepper. Cook turkey, breaking it up into pieces, until it starts to brown, about 6 minutes.
- Add tomato sauce, BBQ sauce, and water. Stir; reduce heat to a low simmer, and cook 10 minutes until sauce thickens, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and stir in cilantro.
- Serve sloppy joes on toasted burger buns, topped with shredded cheese, if desired.
Usually, I can’t eat Sloppy Joes because I do not eat red meat, but I’m so happy that I found a recipe with turkey meat. Yay! These look too good. The melted gouda cheese on top totally completes these.
I love making sloppy joes with turkey so they’re just a bit healthier. So glad you stopped by, Erin!
These look great – the perfect weeknight meal!
Thank you, Karen! I was thinking of you when I made these – I think you’ll love them!
I made them for my birthday dinner yesterday and they were really good! I’m excited for leftovers tonight!!
Yay! I’m so glad you enjoyed these! Happy Birthday again!!!
I just LOVE sloppy joes! Dinner time can be such a hectic time with the kiddos, I love how easily these come together!
Yes, easy and fast recipes are a must when you’ve got kids to take care of!
I’m ready for sloppy joe season again! And YES to the bbq sauce – it can do no wrong in my mind! 🙂
I agree! BBQ sauce makes so many meals better – grilled chicken, pizza, and these sloppy joes!
loved it! Only thing different is I threw in a small chopped tomato I had sitting around and used spaghetti sauce as this is what I had. Did not even use the cheese and it was still wonderful!! This ones a keeper!!
Delicious!!