Tender ground turkey, simmered with onions, bell peppers, and a rich, tangy sauce. This mouthwatering combination delivers a punch of flavor thats both comforting and satisfying, making it an instant hit with kids and adults alike.
I have got your new family favorite recipe. The Turkey Sloppy Joe freezer meal! Tender ground turkey simmered with onions, bell peppers, and a rich, tangy sauce. This mouthwatering combination delivers a punch of flavor that’s both comforting and satisfying, making it an instant hit with kids and adults alike. One that will be asked for over, and over, and over again.
As a parent, having make-ahead meals ready to go is a lifesaver. Our Turkey Sloppy Joe recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a nutritious dinner on the table fast. Healthier than a normal sloppy joe, with a leaner protein option, this recipe is the perfect recipe for a make-ahead prep day. Prep a big batch, freeze it, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready whenever you need it, without the stress of last-minute cooking.
Come along as we guide you through this easy and delightful recipe. With step-by-step instructions and helpful tips, you’ll soon have a freezer stocked with delicious meals, ready to enjoy at a moment’s notice. Ready to get prepping, lets go!
Why You’ll Love this Easy Turkey Sloppy Joe
Quick and Easy: This recipe is straightforward and can be prepped in under 30 minutes, making dinner time stress-free.
Freezer-Friendly: Perfect for batch cooking, you can make a large amount and freeze portions for later use.
Healthy Option: Using lean ground turkey makes this dish lower in fat and calories than traditional beef Sloppy Joes.
Kid-Approved: The sweet and tangy sauce appeals to kids, making it a family favorite.
Versatile: Serve it on buns, over rice, or even on baked potatoes for a variety of meal options.
Budget-Friendly: Ingredients are affordable and readily available, making it an economical choice.
Turkey Sloppy Joe Freezer Meal Recipe
Tender ground turkey, simmered with onions, bell peppers, and a rich, tangy sauce. This mouthwatering combination delivers a punch of flavor thats both comforting and satisfying, making it an instant hit with kids and adults alike.
Ground Turkey Substitute: Ground Chicken: Use 2 lbs. of ground chicken instead of ground turkey for a slightly different flavor while maintaining the same lean protein profile.
Tomato Paste Substitute: Canned Crushed Tomatoes: Replace the 6 oz tomato paste and 1 cup water with 1 can (14.5 oz) of crushed tomatoes for a chunkier texture and a more robust tomato flavor.
Dijon Mustard Substitute: Yellow Mustard: Swap the 1 tbsp Dijon mustard with 1 tbsp yellow mustard for a milder and more traditional Sloppy Joe taste.
Additions:
Black Beans: 1 cup cooked black beans: Add to the mixture for extra protein and fiber, making the meal even more filling and nutritious.
Corn: 1 cup frozen corn kernels: Incorporate for added sweetness and texture, complementing the savory flavors of the Sloppy Joe.
Spinach: 1 cup frozen chopped spinach: Stir in for a nutritional boost, adding vitamins and minerals without altering the flavor profile significantly.
How To Reheat & Store Turkey Sloppy Joe Freezer Meal Recipe
Best Way To Store Quick and Simple Turkey Sloppy Joe Leftover?
If you have leftovers, which I highly doubt you will, these sloppy joes can be just as good a second go around. Make sure to separate the mixture from the bun in order to make sure the bun does not get too soggy in the storing and reheated process. Allow mixture to cool to room temperature, once cooled, place leftovers in an airtight container, and place in the fridge immediately.
How Long Will Turkey Sloppy Joe Freezer Meal Recipe Last In the Fridge?
When you have properly followed the cooling practices, and stored in an airtight container, your leftover sloppy joes should remain fresh in the fridge for three to five days.
Can I Freeze Family-Friendly Turkey Sloppy Joe?
Yes! This recipe was designed to be a raw freezer meal, so it is definitely freezer friendly. We recommend preparing this dish as a raw freezer meal, which means prepping ahead of time, freezing, and then cooking fresh.
To prepare as a raw freezer meal, labeling a gallon freezer bag with recipe name, then blend together sauce ingredients in a high-speed blender. Then combine all ingredients, except the day of ingredients, into the freezer bag. Seal, remove as much air as possible, and freeze for up to three months.
If you are looking to freeze your already cooked leftovers, allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, place in a freezer bag, or freezer container, and seal for up to three months.
How To Reheat Delicious Turkey Sloppy Joes?
When you are ready to reheat your leftovers for a second go around, you may use a microwave or a stovetop. When placing the leftovers in a skillet, over medium heat, make sure to stir your mixture to ensure even heating, then place in a bun and serve.
If you plan to microwave your leftovers, place mixture on a safe-plate, then reheat in short bursts of 30-45 seconds. Stir mixture between each interval, then place heated mixture in your bun and serve.
Make-Ahead Turkey Sloppy Joes for Busy ParentsFAQs
What’s the difference between Sloppy Joes and Sloppy Jane?
The difference between a Sloppy Joe and a Sloppy Jane lies mainly with the type of protein used in the mixture. Sloppy joes tend to use ground beef, while sloppy janes often use ground turkey or chicken, making them a healthier and leaner alternative. Both versions feature the same sweet and tangy tomato-based sauce.
What is Sloppy Joe sauce made of?
Sloppy Joe sauce is a perfect blend of tomato-based ingredients and seasonings. The normal Sloppy Joe recipe includes tomato paste, or tomato sauce, ketchup, and sometimes diced tomatoes to add a texture. The sauce often incorporates brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and vinegar.
Most likely, the sauce also includes spices like chili powder, garlic powder, and mustard to add some depth, while onions and bell peppers provide additional texture and taste. This combination of high-quality ingredients complements the ground meat, creating a rich, flavorful sauce.
What is a New York Sloppy Joe?
A New York Sloppy Joe is very different from the original Sloppy Joe. THe New York Sloppy Joe originated in New Jersey, this deli-style sandwich typically features layers of cold cut meat, like turkey, ham, and roast beef, mixed with a coleslaw and russian dressing, sitting between two slices of rye bread. Very different from the Hot sandwich that is the original Sloppy Joe.
Is Sloppy Joe Just Chili?
Sloppy Joe and chili are known recipes, although they share some common ingredients, they are distinctly different dishes. Sloppy Joes are made with a sweet and tangy tomato-based dish, served on a bun. Chili, on the other hand, is a stew-like dish, incorporating a variety of spices, beans, and vegetables, and is usually served in a bowl. The differences between the dishes lies in the flavor profile as well as the consistency of the dish.
How are you supposed to eat Sloppy Joes?
Eating Sloppy Joes is a messy and fun experience. Traditionally served on a soft hamburger bun, scoop a flavorful portion of the saucy meat mixture on the bottom of the bun, and top it with the other half of the bun.
To prevent excessive spilling of the mixture, you can toast the buns for added firmness. You may customize your dish if you wish, adding some cheese, pickles, or coleslaw for extra texture and flavor is a great idea. The key is to enjoy an extra bite of this delicious, hearty sandwich.
Where did Sloppy Joes Originate?
Sloppy Joes originated in the United states, with several restaurants claiming their glory of the recipe. One popular theory is that a cook named Joe at a cafe in Sioux City, Iowa, created the sandwich in the mid 1930’s. This creation quickly gained popularity for its loose meat sandwich. Over time, sloppy joes became a staple in American cuisine, loved for its simplicity, affordability, and flavor.
Why is it called “Manwich”?
Hunts introduced the term “manwich” in 1969, which combines the words “man” and “sandwich”. The Manqich is a convenient canned sauce to make Sloppy Joes. The marketing aimed to emphasize the hearty, and satisfying nature of the sandwich, without compromising on the taste. It suggested that it was substantial enough to satisfy even the largest of appetites. This easy to use sauce created a quick, delicious meal.
What goes best with Sloppy Joes?
Sloppy Joes pairs perfectly with many different side dishes. Coleslaw is a classic accompaniment of The sloppy Joe, as well as sweet potato fries, or even regular fries, offer a crispy satisfying side dish. For a healthier option, a garden salad provides a light, fresh contrast. Baked beans or macaroni and cheese are other popular side dishes that enhance the experience of the Sloppy Joe.
As a full time working mom of four, I know how hard it is to find time (or energy) to cook. That’s why I’ve spent over a decade perfecting freezer meal recipes to make sure they’re not only quick to prepare but packed with flavors the whole family will love!
