I was craving sloppy joes and decided to change things up by trying this version. It’s a simple recipe that uses lean ground turkey, jarred pasta sauce, roasted red bell peppers, and mozzarella cheese for a little cheesy goodness.
If you love Sloppy Joes (and honestly, who doesn’t?) but you’re ready for a new twist, you’ll definitely want to give this recipe a try. It’s quick enough to pull together after a busy workday and totally satisfying. And if you’re not feeling this particular version, no worries — I’ve rounded up a few more sloppy joe recipes for you to check out below!
As you would expect from any sloppy joe recipe, this one is super simple to make. It can be easily made with a few simple ingredients without needing to go to the grocery store. I mean, who wants to go to the grocery store to buy ingredients just for a recipe (besides me)?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: You only need a few easy-to-find ingredients — most of them you might already have on hand.
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen.
- A Fun Twist on a Classic: This version gives you all the sloppy joe flavor you love, but with a little extra cheesy goodness and a boost from roasted red peppers.
- Lighter Option: Made with lean ground turkey, it’s a bit lighter but still totally satisfying.
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will be on board with this cheesy, saucy sandwich.
Recipe Variation
- Use ground beef or ground chicken instead of turkey. A plant-based option works too if you’re keeping it meatless.
- Swap the roasted red peppers with fresh bell peppers, mild banana peppers, or even a bit of jalapeño for a little kick.
- Use your favorite marinara or pasta sauce — spicy, garlicky, or chunky, whatever you like best.
- Mozzarella is great, but you can also try provolone, Monterey Jack, or white cheddar for a different flavor profile.
- Serve on classic hamburger buns, brioche buns, ciabatta rolls, or hoagie rolls — whatever you have on hand or love most.
Gather your Ingredients
You will need the following ingredients to make this Simple Sloppy Joe Sandwich recipe. For ingredient amounts please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil – you can also use vegetable or canola oil if you want
- Lean Ground Turkey – use the leanest ground turkey you can to avoid excess grease
- Marinara Sauce – use your favorite brand and flavor. The sky is the limit
- Roasted Red Bell Pepper Strips – store-bought is easier but you can roast your own if needed
- Buns – use your favorite kind of buns
- Mozzarella Cheese – shredded or sliced. You can also use any kind of melty cheese if you prefer
How to Make Turkey Sloppy Joe Sandwiches
- In a skillet or saucepan, add the olive oil and heat to medium-high.
- Add the ground turkey and cook until browned. Lower the heat to low and add the marinara sauce and chopped roasted bell peppers.
- While the meat mixture is simmering, place the buns on a baking sheet. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese on the buns.
- Place it in the oven on low broil until the cheese is melted and the buns are lightly toasted.
- Spoon the meat mixture over the melted cheese and serve with your favorite sides.
Recipe Video
Simple Turkey Sloppy Joe Sandwiches
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Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 lb Lean Ground Turkey
- 24 oz Marinara Sauce
- ½ cup Roasted Red Bell Pepper Strips, diced
- 4 Buns, your favorite kind
- 1 ½ cups Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
Instructions
- In a skillet or saucepan, add the olive oil and heat to medium high.
- Add the ground turkey and cook until browned. Lower the heat to low and add the marinara sauce and chopped roasted bell peppers.
- While the meat mixture is simmering, place the buns on a baking sheet. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese on the buns.
- Place it in the oven on low broil until the cheese is melted and the buns are lightly toasted.
- Spoon the meat mixture over the melted cheese and serve with your favorite sides.
Recipe Video
