Healthy, but Not-So-Sloppy Joes

If you've never experienced a sloppy joe, it is an American dish consisting of ground beef, onions, and tomato sauce, all served on a bun. They tend to get a bit, well, sloppy. Supposedly the original Sloppy Joe was made at Sloppy Joe's Restaurant  in Key West. This version is adapted from Real Simple's new cookbook. It's healthier and not very sloppy. I didn't have any buns so I ate it open-faced on a piece of toasted wheat bread. It was good, but not great. I'm not sure if I'll make it again. 

Healthy, but Not-So-Sloppy Joes

total time: 30 minutes | makes 4 servings 

1/2 T olive oil 
1 small onion, finely chopped 
1 tsp minced garlic
1/2 green bell pepper, finely chopped 
1 pound ground turkey 
1 6-ounce can tomato paste 
1 1/2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1/8 tsp black pepper
1/8 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp kosher salt


Suggested servings: 4 hamburger buns (toasted), grated cheddar, sour cream 


Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the turkey and cook, crumbling with spatula until no trace of pink remains, about 7 minutes. Spoon off and discard any excess fat. Stir in the tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, black pepper, cinnamon, and salt. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens. (My sauce was really thick to begin with, so I added about 1/2 cup of water). Spoon the meat mixture on bun and serve with wanted toppings. 


Calories of Meat, without toppings or bread: 230