Savory Turkey Sloppy Toms
Savory Turkey Sloppy Toms elevate the classic Sloppy Joe experience by using ground turkey for a lighter yet equally flavorful twist. This homemade version skips the canned mixes, allowing you to control the flavors and ingredients. Packed with colorful bell peppers and aromatic spices, these sandwiches pack a punch and are perfect for lunch or as a hearty snack. Best of all, the leftovers freeze beautifully, making it easy to enjoy a delicious meal on busy days—just thaw and reheat for an instant feast!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
2 tablespoons (divided)
ground turkey
2 lbs (fresh or thawed)
bell peppers
2 (chopped fine)
onions
2 (minced)
tomato paste
2 tablespoons (none)
chili powder
2 tablespoons (none)
smoked paprika
2 tablespoons (none)
garlic cloves
4 (minced)
tomato sauce
1 (14 ounce can) (none)
brown sugar
2 teaspoons (none)
hot sauce
1 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
ketchup
1 cup (none)
salt and pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
In a 12-inch skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until the turkey is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
2
Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Toss in the finely chopped bell peppers and minced onions along with a teaspoon of salt. Sauté until the onions become translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3
Stir in the tomato paste, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the spices to deepen in flavor.
4
Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, which should take about 15-30 seconds.
5
Return the cooked turkey to the skillet, stirring well to combine everything. Pour in the tomato sauce and add the brown sugar, hot sauce (to taste), and ketchup. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
6
Season with additional salt and pepper as necessary. Let the mixture simmer for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
7
Serve warm on toasted buns with your choice of toppings.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Turkey Sloppy Toms?
Savory Turkey Sloppy Toms are a lighter version of the classic Sloppy Joe, made using ground turkey and fresh ingredients instead of canned mixes.
What type of meat is used in Savory Turkey Sloppy Toms?
This recipe specifically uses 2 lbs of ground turkey as a lighter alternative to beef.
How long does it take to cook the ground turkey?
The ground turkey should be cooked for about 5 to 7 minutes until it is no longer pink.
What kind of oil should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of olive oil, divided during the cooking process.
Are there any fresh vegetables in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes two finely chopped bell peppers and two minced onions.
What spices are needed for the flavoring?
The flavor comes from a combination of 2 tablespoons of chili powder and 2 tablespoons of smoked paprika.
How much garlic is included in the recipe?
The recipe uses 4 minced garlic cloves for a fragrant finish.
What provides the base for the sauce?
The sauce is created using one 14-ounce can of tomato sauce, 1 cup of ketchup, and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste.
Is there sugar in these Sloppy Toms?
Yes, the recipe includes 2 teaspoons of brown sugar to help balance the savory flavors.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mild kick from chili powder and 1 teaspoon of hot sauce, which can be adjusted to your personal taste.
How long should the mixture simmer?
The mixture should simmer for 5 to 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
How do I serve Savory Turkey Sloppy Toms?
They are best served warm on toasted buns with your choice of toppings.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, the leftovers freeze beautifully; just thaw and reheat them for a quick meal later.
What size skillet is recommended?
A 12-inch skillet is recommended to provide enough space for the turkey and vegetables.
Do I need to drain the fat?
Yes, it is recommended to drain any excess fat after cooking the ground turkey.
What is the preparation for the onions?
The onions should be minced before being sauteed with the peppers.
How long do I cook the garlic?
The minced garlic should be cooked until fragrant, which takes about 15 to 30 seconds.
What type of paprika is best for this recipe?
Smoked paprika is specified to provide a deep, savory flavor.
Can I use frozen turkey?
Yes, you can use frozen ground turkey, but ensure it is completely thawed before cooking.
How many bell peppers are needed?
The recipe calls for two bell peppers, chopped fine.
Is there salt and pepper in the recipe?
Yes, salt is used during sauteing, and additional salt and pepper are added to taste during the final simmer.
When do I add the tomato paste?
Stir in the tomato paste after sauteing the onions and peppers, along with the chili powder and paprika.
What makes this a 'Sloppy Tom'?
It is a play on the name 'Sloppy Joe', using turkey (often associated with 'Tom Turkey') instead of beef.
Can I use this for meal prep?
Absolutely, since it freezes well and reheats easily, it is an excellent choice for meal prep.
Is this recipe considered a quick meal?
Yes, with a total simmering time of 5-10 minutes and quick saute steps, it is perfect for busy days.
How much ketchup is used?
The recipe requires 1 cup of ketchup.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to heat olive oil in a skillet and cook the ground turkey until it is no longer pink.
How do I enhance the spice flavor?
The recipe suggests cooking the tomato paste and spices for 2 to 3 minutes before adding liquids to deepen the flavor.
Are there any specific bun recommendations?
The instructions recommend using toasted buns to serve the turkey mixture.
What is the primary benefit of making this homemade?
Making it homemade allows you to control the quality of ingredients and avoid the additives found in canned mixes.