April, 2020 - I have updated the pictures on this post because this recipe is so good, it deserves better pictures than it was first given. This is a perfect family meal that my kids devour every time I make it.

This is a great recipe that was inspired from one of my favorite blogs which has sadly disappeared from the internet. Why can that be unfound and yet the pictures of me in college, drunk, still available?! This is a healthy dinner and can be a classic sandwich, as a pasta sauce or served over a baked potato which is how us Campbells roll. I included the method on how I bake my potatoes, they come out so flavorful and the skin was a little crispy, aka, perfection.

This recipe also freezes so well, that is why this is a huge batch. For this time taking pictures, I only made a half batch and we still got 6 servings plus more for the freezer. Many of my friends can also attest that Turkey Sloppy Joes is one of my go-to gifting meals, for that new mama, someone moving into their house, for that friend that has had a tough week and could use a food hug, or even just because I had extra and wanted to help out someone else. Giving food is one of my favorite things to do, helping someone with something that we all need and is completely essential. During these uncertain times, giving someone a pot of sloppy joe sauce and some buns or potatoes, I guarantee will bring a smile of appreciation to everyone. I hope you make this for your loved ones!

Turkey Sloppy Joes

¼ cup Olive Oil
2 Onions, diced
2 bell peppers, diced
6-8 stalks of Celery, diced
6-8 Carrots, either grated or diced small
2 Tablespoons minced Garlic
1 small can of Tomato Paste
2 packages Ground Turkey, approximately 40 oz
1 Tablespoon Smoked Paprika
2 Tablespoons Italian Seasoning
1 teaspoon Allspice
2 cans Tomato Sauce or Crushed Tomatoes, 30 oz total
4 Tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar
3 Tablespoons compliant BBQ Sauce, I prefer Tessemae's
Salt and Pepper throughout

- Heat the olive oil in a large pot, like a Dutch oven, over medium-high heat. Add the onions, carrots, and celery, season with salt and pepper, cook until the onions are translucent.

- Add the garlic and cook for a couple minutes until fragrant. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for a few minutes.

- Throw the turkey in and season with salt and pepper. Cook all the way through and browned. Sauté the spices with the turkey so they get a bit toasted.

- Pour in the tomatoes, apple cider vinegar, and the BBQ Sauce. Let it simmer for about 30 minutes or more for the most flavor.

- This recipe is delicious on a baked potato, over mashed sweet potatoes, over pasta, or traditional on a bun (we are not fond of traditional sloppy joe's because they are too sloppy!)

**To prepare for the freezer, cool down completely and either package in a Tupperware or freezer bag.

I love all the vegetables that are in these, these colors are so vibrant!

Cook those vegetables until the onions are softened, make sure to season along the way, it makes such a difference to the end flavor. Now add the tomato paste, I love that this recipe uses a whole can, most call for a small amount and then you don’t know what to do with the rest.

Once the tomato paste has had a little cooking time and combined with the rest of the vegetables, you can add your turkey. If you don’t have turkey, you can totally swap it for any other ground meat or even lentils for a vegan sloppy joe!

Once the meat is browned, you add the spices, there are not a ton but they add great flavor. You want to make sure you add them to the pan and meat so the spices, that way the flavors will be all throughout.

Lastly, add the tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes, BBQ sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Lower the heat and simmer it until you are ready!

We love our sloppy joe sauce over a baked potatoes. Here’s how I do it : Preheat the oven to 400. Clean your potatoes with a brush and then poke with a fork all over. Drizzle some oil and sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides, generously. Place on a covered baking sheet and bake for about 1 hour. Check that they are done with a fork, going through the center easily. Split open and pour some of that sauce in there, top with some cheese, green onions, ranch dressing, whatever you love!