Easy Turkey Sloppy Joes (Sweet, Smoky, and So Satisfying)

We've got a wholesome take on a sweet and savory easy dinner classic: the Sloppy Joe. Our ground Turkey Sloppy Joe rendition quickly balances richness, smoke, tang, and texture for a dinner that comes together easily in the skillet in less than 30 minutes. It's an easy, homemade meal kids and grown-ups love.

Why This Recipe Works

Tried-and-True Recipe | As a professional recipe developer with over 15 years of experience, specializing in comfort food just like this, I can assure you that this is the most delicious, perfectly balanced Sloppy Joe sauce for ground turkey. Our family loves all things comfort food, especially this recipe—ground turkey made over with big BBQ flavor and served in a delightfully messy, handheld form. It's also great for serving a crowd, as long as you don't mind the messy hands!

Turkey Isn't Beef | You can't necessarily adapt a traditional ground beef Sloppy Joe recipe for turkey without making a few minor adjustments. Beef has a deeper, meatier flavor, whereas turkey is milder and leaner. Strong ingredients like tomato paste, mustard, and sugar can easily overpower turkey.

Big Flavor Secrets | Less brown sugar (compared to most other ground turkey Sloppy Joe recipes floating around on the internet) keeps this recipe from being overly sweet. I used the appropriate amounts of flavorful spices, mustard powder, and smoked paprika to add tang and spice to the mix, adding rich, smoky undertones and a low-key vinegar bite that rounds out the savory-sweet nature of Sloppy Joes perfectly. The tomato paste adds depth of flavor without making the sauce too runny.

Ground Turkey Sloppy Joes Ingredients

Ground Turkey | This recipe is made with 80/20 ground turkey, making our Sloppy Joe lean and healthy. Many of my family's favorite recipes call for ground turkey, such as ground turkey tacos, healthy taco salad, and ground turkey casserole. You can use ground chicken if desired, and you can even use ground beef; however, you may want to add a bit more seasoning and brown sugar to the mix if using beef.

Olive Oil | Since turkey is so lean, a splash of olive oil is necessary to keep it moving in the pan. If needed, another tablespoon or so might be required for the veggies to move around as well.

Bell Pepper + Onion + Garlic | Ah, the classic Sloppy Joe veggie trio. There's just something really yummy about bell peppers and ground turkey. Get another dose of this duo in our stuffed bell peppers recipe. You can also use grated carrot to up the nutritional value in Sloppy Joes and add a touch more sweetness to the mix.

Ketchup + Tomato Paste | Although ketchup is a classic ingredient in Sloppy Joe sauce, it is often too thin and too sweet on its own. Tomato paste adds body to the mix and deep layers of flavor that elevate everything.

Worcestershire Sauce | This component adds both balance and meaty depth to the ground turkey Sloppy Joes. It's especially important in a Sloppy Joe recipe with ground turkey instead of ground beef.

Seasoning | A simple mix of mustard powder, smoked paprika, Kosher salt, and pepper is all you need. If you like your Sloppy Joes on the spicy side, a pinch of cayenne or chipotle pepper seasoning would be a great addition.

Brown Sugar | The quantity of brown sugar in this dish can vary depending on how sweet you like your Sloppy Joes. We tested this recipe originally with 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, and it was pungently sweet with the ground turkey. One tablespoon is just right for the perfect balance of sweet and savory.

Water | Water doesn't add any flavor, but it's an essential ingredient. The goal is to simmer until it's mostly gone. What it does is give your Sloppy Joe mix time to simmer and flavors to meld.

Buns | You can use traditional hamburger buns, brioche buns, pretzel buns, or a wheat bun.

Sloppy Joe Toppings | Take your pick from coleslaw, chopped white onions, sliced pickles, pickled onions for a pop of fresh acidity, sliced jalapeños for a bit of spice, or even a sprinkle of freshly grated cheddar cheese. And if you like cheesy sandwiches, don't skip our gourmet grilled cheese!

How to Make Turkey Sloppy Joes

Brown the Ground Turkey | Heat a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and let it warm up. Toss in the ground turkey, break it apart with a spatula, and cook for approximately 8 minutes.

Sauté the Veggies | Place the turkey in a heat-proof bowl and set it aside. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pan, then add the onion and pepper. Sauté for approximately 3-4 minutes until softened. Incorporate the chopped garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Make Your Sloppy Joe Sauce | Combine the ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and seasoning in a mixing bowl (or dump it right in the pan!).

Combine Turkey + Veggies + Sauce | Return the turkey to the pan of veggies along with the remaining ingredients for the sauce. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, adjusting the heat as needed to maintain a gentle simmer.

Allow to Cool, Serve, + Enjoy | Cook the meat until the majority of the sauce is reduced. Unlike chili, the Sloppy Joe mix should cling to the meat, not puddle behind in the pan. Remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly. Serve on buns with your favorite toppings and enjoy every bite!

Pro Tip for Buns: Toasting the buns for turkey Sloppy Joes or another saucy sammy--pulled pork sliders--makes a huge difference. It helps the bun retain its structure and prevents it from becoming soggy and falling apart.

Slow Cooker Sloppy Joe Instructions

The slow cooker option is especially great if you're serving Turkey Sloppy Joes at a party or need to get the hands-on cooking done in advance.

1. Cook the meat and veggies on the stovetop as directed.
2. Add to a slow cooker along with the Sloppy Joe sauce.
3. Mix and cook on high for up to 2 hours or on low for up to 4 hours.

To add more ground turkey dishes to your dinnertime lineup, turkey and black bean tostadas and turkey meatballs are two meals you can knock out in 30 minutes or less.

Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions

Make-Ahead | You can make the Sloppy Joe mix up to two days in advance. It keeps and reheats beautifully. Keep refrigerated in a microwave-safe, airtight container. Just before serving, cover the container and microwave for 2 minutes, then stir and reheat for a minute at a time until reheated to your liking. Serve and enjoy

Store | Store for up to three days refrigerated in an airtight container.

Freeze | Allow your Sloppy Joe mixture to come to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to three months. Make sure there is not too much headspace, or it will get freezer burn. You can also store it in a freezer-safe gallon-sized zip-top bag. To thaw, place in the refrigerator overnight.

What to Serve with Sloppy Joes

Round out this quick-fix dinner with other BBQ favorites like:

• Oven-Baked Steak Fries | Steak fries make the ultimate side Sloppy Joes! Their crispy exterior perfectly balances the saucy sandwich, and their mild taste harmonizes with the bold savory filling. Plus, they’re simple to prepare simultaneously and a hit with both kids and adults.
• Old-Fashioned Potato Salad | The cool, creamy texture and tangy flavor of this backyard BBQ favorite balances the warm, savory richness of the sandwich. It’s a classic, crowd-pleasing combo that feels nostalgic and satisfying.
• Baked Beans | Both baked beans and Sloppy Joes are classic, saucy favorites that pair perfectly on a plate—ideal for backyard cookouts or cozy family dinners.
• Shells and Cheese | Homemade shells and cheese are the ultimate kid-friendly food, and their creamy, cheesy goodness makes them the perfect sidekick to the bold, tangy, classic Sloppy Joe.
• Cornbread | Cue the Southern vibes for this down-home combo. Its sweet, crumbly texture soaks up the savory sauce while adding a warm, buttery contrast. It’s a hearty pairing that turns a simple meal into pure comfort food.