Sloppy Turkey Toms
Juicy ground turkey simmered with fresh vegetables and spices, served on whole wheat buns for a flavorful, healthy twist on classic sloppy joes perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground raw turkey ⓘ
- 1/4 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce
- 1 tsp. beef base or instant beef bouillon granules ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. basil leaves, crushed ⓘ
- 1 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. ground cumin ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. dry mustard ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. pepper
- 1 c. shredded cabbage ⓘ
- 8 whole wheat hamburger buns ⓘ
Instructions
- Crumble the turkey into a microwave-safe dish or colander.
- Add chopped onion and garlic powder to the turkey.
- Microwave uncovered on full power for 6 to 7 minutes, stirring once, until the meat is no longer pink.
- Drain excess liquid and fat from the cooked turkey mixture.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, try substituting ground turkey with ground chicken or lean beef. Fresh garlic can be used instead of garlic powder for a more robust taste. If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. This dish can also be made in a slow cooker for a hands-off approach. Serve with a side salad for a refreshing contrast.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Sloppy Turkey Toms on whole wheat hamburger buns for a hearty meal. Pair them with sweet potato fries or a crisp coleslaw for a delightful side. For a fun twist, consider making a Sloppy Turkey Toms nacho platter by layering the mixture over tortilla chips with cheese and toppings. This dish also pairs beautifully with Quick Spanish Hamburger Soup.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Sloppy Turkey Toms in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or extra tomato sauce to keep the mixture moist. You can reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sloppy Turkey Toms contains roughly 116 calories, with 6g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (136% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (36% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. It also contributes 7g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen ground turkey for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen ground turkey. Just ensure it is completely thawed before cooking. You can defrost it in the refrigerator overnight or use the microwave's defrost setting. Cooking from frozen is not recommended as it may not cook evenly.
What can I substitute for whole wheat buns?
If you prefer a different type of bun, any hamburger bun will work, including gluten-free options. Lettuce wraps are also a great low-carb alternative. Additionally, consider serving the turkey mixture over rice or in a baked potato for a unique twist.
How spicy is this recipe?
The recipe as written is mild, but you can easily adjust the spice level. To make it spicier, increase the chili powder or add some cayenne pepper. For those who prefer less heat, reduce the chili powder or omit it altogether.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).