15-Minute Skillet Turkey Sloppy Joes
Sweet, tangy, scratch-made sloppy joe filling using lean ground turkey ready in 15 minutes flat on toasted brioche buns.
skillet Timer
Set for 12 mins @ Medium-High (375°F / 190°C)
Ingredients
Base recipe calibrated for 4 adults.
Get to the Point Execution
Brown 1 lb lean ground turkey with 1/2 diced yellow onion in a hot skillet for 5 minutes.
Stir in 3/4 cup tomato sauce, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tbsp yellow mustard, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and 1 tbsp Worcestershire.
Simmer for 6–7 minutes until thickened into a glossy, spoonable glaze.
Ladle heavily onto warm toasted brioche buns.
Step-by-Step Guided Instructions
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1/2 finely diced yellow onion and 1 lb 93/7 lean ground turkey. Break apart with a wooden spoon and sauté for 5 minutes until meat is cooked through and onions are translucent.
Finely mince the onion so it melts seamlessly into the sauce without leaving crunchy raw chunks for picky kids.
Stir in 3/4 cup tomato sauce, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tbsp yellow mustard, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp kosher salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Stir vigorously to dissolve tomato paste.
Tomato paste provides body and rich roasted tomato depth that canned pre-made sauce lacks.
Turn heat down to medium-low. Let the meat mixture simmer uncovered for 6 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and clings to the turkey without pooling watery liquid.
Simmering uncovered evaporates excess water and concentrates the sweet-and-tangy vinegar profile.
Butter and toast 4 brioche buns in a dry skillet until golden. Ladle 1/2 cup of hot sloppy joe filling onto each bottom bun and cap with the top bun.
Toasting creates a buttery moisture barrier that keeps soft brioche from turning soggy.
Skip the canned Manwich can packed with high fructose corn syrup. Ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire, and mustard in a hot skillet builds 10x better flavor in 12 minutes flat.
Top with a slice of mild American cheese to make a Sloppy Joe Melt.
- Potato chips
- Dill pickle spears
- Air fryer tater tots
Simmer in a small saucepan over medium heat for 3 minutes, adding 1 tbsp water if too thick.