My family loves these Healthy Sloppy Joes! They’re so easy and just as good as the classic sloppy joes you adored as a kid; made from scratch, piled high on a toasted bun— every meaty bite messy and delicious. Grab some lean ground turkey (or beef) and get ready to win some awards at the dinner table tonight, all in under half an hour.

Homemade Sloppy Joes on a bun

As the kiddos head back to school, I’ve been thinking about quick and easy family-friendly meals. You know, those meals that your kids always want to eat. In our house, these healthier tacos are number one on our list… with these sloppy joes being number two! With three picky kiddos, myself, I know ALL too well how frustrating it is to cook a meal and have them promptly turn up their noses and say it’s “gross”.*facepalm*

I’ve always been a fan of classic sloppy joes.  There’s something so innately satisfying about the sweet and savory combination and messiness of it all!

This version of the childhood favorite gets a major makeover! We’re kickin’ up the flavor and giving this turkey sloppy joe recipe a huge nutritional boost. These are waaaaaaaay better than the old Manwich Sloppy Joes you may remember eating as a kid. My kiddos actually aren’t really fans of Manwich, but they gobbled these healthy sloppy joes right up!

I’ve made a LOT of sloppy joe recipes lately, trying to come up with the perfect one. Some were too sweet, others too spicy. Well guys, I finally got it. The perfect balance. This better-for-you sloppy joe recipe is sweet, tangy, zesty and savory, with the perfect texture and consistency.

How to Make Homemade Sloppy Joes

Homemade sloppy joes are incredibly easy to make, and come together in one skillet in about 20 minutes or so. Start by cooking up onion, green or red pepper and garlic. Once the veggies are soft, transfer them to a bowl and set aside.

for sloppy joes sauté onion and red pepper in a skillet

Now get your ground turkey cooking in the same skillet. I like to use lean ground turkey and there’s no need to worry about it drying out. All of the seasonings and sauce keep it moist and tasty. You can use any ground meat, though. Lean beef, chicken or bison all make great choices.

When the meat is cooked add salt, pepper, the onion mixture, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, sriracha sauce and maple syrup to the cooked turkey. Mix well. Reduce heat to medium-low; gently boil, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes, or until sauce is thickened. Serve on hamburger buns.

Can You Make Sloppy Joes in the Slow Cooker?

Yes, you can make sloppy joes in the slow cooker. I would recommend sautéing the veggies and cooking the meat as directed. Then add all ingredients to the slow cooker and stir in a couple of tablespoons of broth or water. Cook on low heat for 3 hours.

Healthy Sloppy Joes filling in a cast iron skillet with a wooden spoon

Is This Recipe Like The Manwich Sloppy Joe Recipe?

Manwich is a pre-made canned sauce that’s used to make sloppy joes. I’m not sure exactly what’s in it, and have never tried it myself, so I can’t say that my recipe tastes similar or not. Manwich is marketed as an easy way to make sloppy joes… but in reality, homemade sloppy joes are JUST as easy to make! And I’m pretty sure they’re way healthier too!

What Sides Should I Serve with Sloppy Joes?

If you try these delicious healthy sloppy joes, let me know! Leave a comment and if your family loves them as much as mine does, be sure to give it a five star ⭐️ rating! Also, tag @kimscravings on Instagram with a picture of your creation. It’s so fun to see what you’re cooking! Be sure to subscribe to our mailing list to receive more healthy delicious recipes straight to your inbox.

sloppy Joe recipe served on hamburger buns

Homemade Sloppy Joes on a bun
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Healthy Sloppy Joes

Yield: 7 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
My family loves these Healthy Sloppy Joes! They're so easy and just as good as the classic sloppy joes you adored as a kid; made from scratch, piled high on a toasted bun— every meaty bite messy and delicious. Grab some lean ground turkey (or beef) and get ready to win some awards at the dinner table tonight, all in under half an hour.
Author: Kim

Ingredients

  • 1/2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 medium red or green pepper, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound ground 93-99% lean turkey breast*
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 1/2 cups homemade tomato sauce, (or store-bought tomato sauce or pizza sauce from a can)
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon sriracha sauce or hot pepper sauce
  • 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup, (or honey)

For serving:

  • Optional for garnish- finely chopped fresh parsley
  • Hamburger buns

Instructions 

  • Heat oil in large skillet over medium to high heat.
  • Add onion and bell pepper; cook, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes and until onion is soft.
  • Add garlic; cook, stirring frequently, for about 1 minute. Transfer onion mixture to a bowl and set aside.
  • Add turkey to the same skillet; cook, over medium heat, stirring frequently to break up the turkey, for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until turkey is no longer pink.
  • Season with salt and pepper.
  • Add onion mixture, tomato sauce, Worcestershire Sauce, tomato paste, sriracha sauce and maple syrup to cooked turkey. Mix well. Reduce heat to medium-low; gently boil, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes, or until sauce is thickened.
  • Sprinkle each serving with fresh parsley before serving, if desired. Serve on a warm hamburger bun. Enjoy!

Notes

*Lean ground chicken or lean ground beef will also work.
Photos by Sasha at Eat Love Eats.
Author: Kim
Course: Main
Cuisine: American
Serving: 0.75cup, Calories: 148kcal, Carbohydrates: 8.9g, Protein: 15.5g, Fat: 5.8g, Saturated Fat: 1.4g, Cholesterol: 42.1mg, Sodium: 449.4mg, Fiber: 1.7g, Sugar: 5.7g

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