Servings: 4
Calories: 422kcal
Equipment
- Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 small white onion finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 pound 94% lean ground turkey or chicken breast
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 red or green bell pepper diced small
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
- ¼ cup smoky BBQ sauce
- ½ cup tomato ketchup
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1 ½ teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup filtered water
- 1 ½ teaspoons red wine vinegar
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne chili powder
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
For serving:
- 2-4 ounces shredded pepper jack cheese
- 4 hamburger buns your favorite type
- Sliced jalapeños
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
- Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, toss in the finely chopped onion.
- Sauté it for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. This step is essential because it builds the foundation of flavor for your sloppy joes.
Step 2: Add Turkey and Garlic
- Once your onions are ready, add the lean ground turkey to the skillet. Break it up as it cooks, allowing it to brown for about 5 minutes.
- After that, mix in the minced garlic. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant. Trust me, your kitchen will smell divine at this point!
Step 3: Introduce the Bell Pepper
- Next, add your diced bell pepper to the mixture. Let it soften for about 3-4 minutes. The bell pepper enhances sweetness and color, making your dish even more appealing.
Step 4: Season It Up
- Now, it’s time to season your mixture! Sprinkle in the salt, pepper, and cayenne chili powder. These seasonings add depth to your sauce. Stir well to coat everything evenly.
Step 5: Mix in the Sauce Ingredients
- Pour in the BBQ sauce, ketchup, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, red wine vinegar, and honey. Give everything a good stir, making sure all the ingredients are well-blended.
Step 6: Add Water and Simmer
- Add the filtered water to the sauce. This will help adjust the consistency to your liking. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally. It will thicken slightly and become a glorious sauce!
Step 7: Serve
- Finally, once the sauce has thickened and the flavors meld together beautifully, serve it warm over your toasted hamburger buns. Add a sprinkle of shredded pepper jack cheese and some sliced jalapeños for that extra kick. Enjoy your healthy turkey sloppy joes!
Notes
- Choosing lean meat: Always opt for lean turkey or chicken to enhance nutrition while reducing fat.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and vegetables not only boost flavor but also add valuable nutrients.
- Taste as you go: Adjust seasonings according to your preference. Cooking is an art; don’t hesitate to tweak it to your liking!
- Let it simmer: The longer you let the sauce simmer, the more flavorful it will become. So resist the urge to rush!
- Double the recipe: Make a larger batch, and you can have easy leftovers for busy weeknights!
Nutrition
Serving: 211g | Calories: 422kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 21.6g | Saturated Fat: 8.4g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 77mg | Sodium: 1055mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!