Turkey Barbecue(40 Mini Sandwiches)
These Turkey Barbecue Mini Sandwiches are flavorful, hearty, and perfect for gatherings or casual meals. The savory ground turkey is simmered in a tangy, spicy sauce, then served in soft buns. A crowd-pleaser that combines smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors in each bite.
Ingredients
- 3 lb. ground turkey ⓘ
- 1 medium green bell pepper, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1 medium red bell pepper, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. ground red pepper (cayenne)
- 15 oz. can Italian tomato sauce ⓘ
- 12 oz. jar chili sauce ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. vinegar ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 40 miniature sandwich buns ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown ground turkey in a large skillet or saucepan; drain excess fat.
- Stir in chopped green bell pepper, chopped red bell pepper, chopped onion, brown sugar, chili powder, ground red pepper, Italian tomato sauce, chili sauce, vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes or until thickened.
- Serve the turkey mixture in split miniature sandwich buns.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using ground chicken or pork if you don't have turkey on hand. You can also adjust the heat by increasing or decreasing the amount of ground red pepper. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add more brown sugar or even a splash of honey. For a smoky flavor, try incorporating some smoked paprika.
Serving Suggestions
These turkey barbecue mini sandwiches make a great party appetizer or game day snack. Serve with sides like coleslaw or potato chips for added crunch. You can also offer a variety of condiments, such as pickles or hot sauce, to allow guests to customize their sandwiches. They pair beautifully with Broken Glass Dessert for a delightful meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the turkey mixture in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Turkey Barbecue(40 Mini Sandwiches) contains roughly 70 calories, with 3g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (58% of the Daily Value).
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 make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the turkey mixture a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator after cooking and reheat it when you're ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and makes for a convenient meal option.
What can I use instead of sandwich buns?
If you don't have miniature sandwich buns, you can serve the turkey mixture in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option or use pita bread for a different twist. You could also try serving it over rice or quinoa for a hearty main dish.
Can I freeze the turkey barbecue mixture?
Absolutely! Allow the turkey mixture to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on the stove or in the microwave.
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).