Description
Healthy Sloppy Joes are a quick and nutritious meal made with lean ground turkey, fresh vegetables, and natural flavors for a wholesome and satisfying dish. Perfect for busy weekdays, they offer the familiar comfort of traditional sloppy joes with a fresh, savory twist using plant-based ingredients and wholesome whole wheat buns.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground turkey
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste (natural)
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes (natural)
- 2 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, cooked and chopped
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1/2 tsp natural gelling agent
- 4 whole wheat buns
- Fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Aromatics and Bacon: Cook the smoked turkey bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove and chop into small pieces. In the same skillet, sauté diced onions, garlic, and red bell peppers until soft and fragrant.
- Brown the Ground Turkey: Add the lean ground turkey to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until evenly browned, stirring occasionally.
- Build the Sauce: Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and natural gelling agent. Mix well and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
- Combine and Simmer: Add the cooked smoked turkey bacon back to the skillet and stir. Let the mixture simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes to thicken the sauce and blend flavors.
- Toast the Buns and Assemble: Lightly toast whole wheat buns. Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto the bottom bun and top with fresh herbs for a vibrant finish.
Notes
- Use fresh produce for better flavor and texture.
- Allow the sauce to simmer to achieve the right thickness.
- Cook the turkey gently to keep it tender and juicy.
- Adjust seasonings gradually to taste.
- Try different buns such as multigrain or pita bread for variety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: healthy sloppy joes, lean turkey sloppy joes, quick dinner, wholesome meal, plant-based flavors
