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This single Sloppy Joe recipe delivers all the rich, saucy flavor of the classic with a lighter twist. Made with lean ground turkey and a perfectly balanced sauce, it’s slightly sweet, tangy, and packed with flavor. Quick to make and incredibly satisfying, this single serving meal is perfect for a simple, hearty dinner.
Pair your Sloppy Joe with creamy potato salad, broiled tomatoes, and a warm, rich brookie for a perfectly satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Lighter Choice: Made with lean ground turkey for less fat.
- Nutritious: Includes vegetables and molasses for added minerals.
- Quick & Easy: Simple to make and ready fast.
- Great Flavor: A well-balanced mix of ingredients for a delicious taste.
There’s something about a Sloppy Joe that just feels like home—messy, saucy, and packed with flavor in every bite. This version keeps all the goodness of the classic but lightens things up with lean ground turkey and a rich, slightly sweet sauce that clings to the meat just right. A touch of molasses brings warmth, the tomatoes add just the right tang, and a hint of spice ties it all together.
It’s the kind of meal that comes together quickly but still feels special, like a little taste of childhood with a grown-up twist. Pile it onto a toasted bun, grab a napkin (or two), and dig in—you’re going to love this one.
RELATED: Single Serving Comfort Food Recipes
Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this single Sloppy Joe recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds rich flavor and retains more nutrients. A lighter olive oil works as well.
- Ground Turkey: The main protein in this recipe, but ground beef can be used instead. If you have extra ground turkey, try it Mini Meatloaf or Turkey Tacos.
- Vegetables: Chopped onions, garlic, and red bell pepper build flavor. These ingredients are also great in Ropa Vieja, Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas, and Shrimp and Grits.
- Tomato Sauce: Use your favorite jarred or homemade tomato sauce.
- Seasonings: Worcestershire sauce, red wine vinegar, dry mustard, salt, and black pepper add depth to the sauce.
- Molasses: Adds subtle sweetness. Use any extra in Molasses Cookies, Baked Beans, or Gingerbread Granola.
- Bun: Serve on a hamburger or brioche bun, or over lettuce for a low-carb option.
Recipe Variations
Try these simple ways to change up your Sloppy Joe:
- Spicy: Add chili flakes or hot sauce for extra heat.
- Vegetable-Loaded: Stir in zucchini or mushrooms for more vegetables.
- BBQ: Mix in BBQ sauce for a smoky flavor.
- Cheesy: Top with your favorite cheese for a rich, melty finish.
- Mediterranean: Add feta cheese and olives.
How To Make A Sloppy Joe
Heat oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the ground meat and onions, cooking until the meat is browned. Stir in the garlic and red bell peppers, and cook until the vegetables are soft.
Mix in the remaining ingredients, reduce the heat, and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
Spoon the mixture onto a bun and serve. This homemade Sloppy Joe is far better than any canned version.
Expert Tips
- Add Spice: Stir in hot sauce or chopped jalapeños for extra heat.
- Gluten-Free Option: Serve over rice or lettuce instead of a bun.
- Make More: Double the ingredients to serve two, following the same steps.
Serving Suggestions
Complete your meal with these delicious sides and desserts
Related: 5 Simple Tips When Cooking For One
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have extra, store the meat mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days.
Absolutely! Try it in taco shells, over spaghetti squash, on buttered noodles, or as a topping for tortilla chips. These variations offer a fun twist on the classic Sloppy Joe.
Absolutely! Just double the ingredients and cook as directed.
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If you’ve tried this sloppy joe recipe or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.
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Sloppy Joe For One
Watch How To Make This
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- ½ pound ground turkey
- ½ cup chopped onions
- 1 clove garlic -minced
- ½ cup chopped red bell pepper
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon molasses
- ¼ teaspoon mustard powder
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
- 1 burger bun
Instructions
- Heat the Oil: In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, warm the oil.
- Cook the Meat and Vegetables: Add the ground turkey and onions, cooking until the meat is browned. Stir in the garlic and red bell peppers, and cook until the vegetables soften, about 5 minutes.
- Simmer the Sauce: Mix in the remaining ingredients, reduce the heat, and let simmer for 5 minutes.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Spoon the Sloppy Joe mixture onto a bun and serve.
Notes
- Add Spice: Stir in hot sauce or chopped jalapeños for extra heat.
- Gluten-Free Option: Serve over rice or lettuce instead of a bun.
- Make More: Double the ingredients to serve two, following the same steps.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
I would have to leave out the bell pepper.
I am highly allergic to the juices . I would stop breathing.
Could I replace it with dried bell pepper flakes? like what’s in the manwich?
Definitely leave out the bell pepper and I haven’t tried the flakes but it might be very good with it. I sometimes add a finely chopped carrot and it’s delicious.
Made this on Sunday and it was absolutely delicious! I doubled the recipe so I could enjoy it during the week. Joanie, I love all your recipes!
I messed this up a bit. I used jarred roasted red peppers and there was too much liquid so my first night of sloppy joes for myself did not really work. The second night ( I had doubled the recipe), I served to my husband over rice and he loved it and he had enough left to have it again the next night. It really is very good and I will make again and serve over rice again. Thank you
What can I use in the place of molasses and red wine vinegar in this recipe?
You can actually leave both ingredients out if necessary but I happen to like a touch of sweetness in my sloppy joes. Consider adding honey or a little bit of sugar. For the red wine vinegar, you can use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar instead.
Yep! just made it . absolutely delicious on a homemade onion roll. green pepper did just as well of course !
I love sloppy joe’s!! What an easy and delicious weeknight meal!
Sloppy Joe’s are one of my top guilty pleasures! I’ll have to make this one night the Hubby has to work late, thanks so much!
Ooh…this looks so good. I need to try it.
I love sloppy joes! Looks delicious! I like the swapping of turkey for beef. The sneaking in of veggies in the mix is a great idea, too.
That looks delicious. I will definitely try it soon. Thank you for sharing.