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.
INGREDIENTS
1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb ground turkey
1/4 cup light brown sugar
1 tbsp steak seasoning (I like McCormick’s Montreal Mix)
1/2 large yellow onion, chopped
1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1/3 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp dried basil
1 6-oz can tomato paste
1 cup tomato sauce
4 whole-wheat buns
Veggie topping
1 cup curly parsley, minced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tomato, seeded and chopped
1 stalk green onion, chopped
1/2 cup English cucumber, chopped
1 tsp lemon juice
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!