Chef John's Ground Turkey Sloppy Joes

Name: Chef John's Ground Turkey Sloppy Joes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 tbsp Brown Sugar; 2 tbsp Butter; 0.5 tsp Cayenne Pepper; 0.33 cup Green Onion; 1.25 lb Ground Turkey Sausage; 6 whole Hamburger Bun; 0.75 cup Ketchup; 1 whole Onion; 1 dash Salt & Pepper; 0.5 cup Shredded White Cheddar Cheese; 0.5 tsp Unsweetened Cocoa Powder; 0.5 cup Water; 0.5 tsp Worcestershire Sauce

Dinner 🍽️Lunch 🥪 American High-Protein 💪Comfort-Food

Chef John's Ground Turkey Sloppy Joes deliver a sweet-tangy sauce with a gentle kick of cayenne and a hint of cocoa depth, clinging to tender turkey crumbles. Topped with sharp white Cheddar and fresh green onions on soft buns, it’s comforting and lighter than the classic beef version. Perfect for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or game-day spreads.

Prep10 mins
Cook35 mins
Serves6
DifficultyEasy

1

Melt the butter in a heavy skillet over medium heat. Cook and stir the onion in the butter until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper.
2

Stir the turkey and 1/2 cup cold water into the onions. Cook and stir, breaking up the meat, until it starts to brown, about 2 minutes. Add the ketchup, brown sugar, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Cook and stir until the liquid reduces, about 5 minutes.
3

Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and cocoa powder. Cook, stirring often, until the meat is cooked through and the liquid is reduced and thick, 20 to 30 minutes, adding up to 1 cup water if needed.
4

Preheat the oven broiler. Position the oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source.
5

Toast the hamburger buns under the preheated broiler until golden, 2 to 3 minutes.
6

Remove the turkey mixture from the heat; stir in the cheese and green onions. Serve on the toasted hamburger buns.