Sloppy Jims

Sloppy Joes are a cornerstone food of school cafeterias around the world. Originally invented to help bulk up smaller rations of protein, Joes continue to be a fond memory from the schoolyard days. This recipe is a fresh new take on the classic meal.

The thing old Joes were missing was balanced nutrition. These reinvented Sloppy Jims cut back on fat by swapping beef for ground turkey that rests healthily on a whole-wheat bun.

Topped with tangy and delicious parsley, tomatoes and crisp cucumber, this dish has a sweet Mediterranean twist. It can also easily be made vegan by trading out turkey for a vegetarian, beef-less ground and switching out the bun for a vegan whzeat pita.

This Sloppy Jim recipe can be used for a variety of dishes. The mighty protein mixture is great for stuffing burritos or layering into lasagna, or as a thick, meaty sauce for pasta. You can serve it on crunchy romaine lettuce leaves as a wholesome appetizer. Or you can try it my favorite way: bowl, spoon, mouth—good to go.

Instructions

In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and add ground turkey. Spread out and break up meat with a large spoon. Sprinkle with brown sugar and steak seasoning and continue to mix and cook until lightly browned and cooked through (approximately 5 to 8 minutes.) Once turkey has cooked, reduce heat to medium and add onion, garlic, bell pepper, Worcestershire, red wine vinegar, cumin, paprika and cayenne. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes. Add oregano, basil, tomato paste and tomato sauce, mix thoroughly and simmer 7 minutes. While meat simmers, combine parsley, garlic, tomato, green onion, cucumber and lemon juice and toss lightly. Serve Sloppy Jims on toasted whole-wheat buns topped with parsley greens. Mix and eat immediately!