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Turkey Sloppy Joes - A Healthy Take on a Traditional Favorite

This is a classic kid favorite.  I remember my mom buying Manwich sauce in a can.  When I began moving away from processed foods, this was one of the first things to go.  It was also one of the easiest to replace!

My recipe makeover started by replacing the ground beef with ground turkey.  Not only is this healthier, but budget friendly as well especially with beef prices soaring.  And in order to use the least amount of sugar possible and increase nutritional value, I use sweet onion along with sweet, colorful peppers to fill in some of the missing sugars.  Finally, I use the least amount of ketchup possible by relying on a simple tomato sauce.  If you are missing some of the tang that comes from the ketchup, consider adding some sweet pickle relish with the ketchup to boost that traditional tangy flavor.

And finally, to elevate these to true comfort food status . . . toast the bun and melt a slice of provolone over the top.  Because, well . . . cheese makes everything better right?

Turkey Sloppy Joes
Recipe Type: Sandwich
Cuisine: American
Author: Lori Fortini / Peonies and Pears
A healthy take on a traditional favorite.
Ingredients
  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 1 pepper (any color), diced fine
  • 1/2 sweet onion, diced fine
  • 8 oz. tomato sauce
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 2 Tbsp mustard
  • 3 Tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tbsp dried Italian seasoning mix
  • six hamburger rolls
Instructions
  1. Saute ground beef with onions and peppers in a pan until meat is no longer pink.
  2. Reduce heat and add tomato sauce, brown sugar and seasoning mix. Stir to mix and cook for a few minutes.
  3. Add ketchup, mustard and parsley. Stir to incorporate.
  4. Serve on buns.
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Enjoy!