My Sloppy Janes

I really debated whether or not to include my Sloppy Joes/Janes in the blog here.  Basically, it came down to the fact that I make these at least every other week, so sooner or later I would have broken down and posted it.  So I just went ahead and did it tonight.  And seriously, I wouldn’t include them here if I (and my husband) didn’t absolutely LOVE this recipe.  It allows you the childish naughtiness of eating Sloppy Joes, with the healthy twist of being made with turkey (hence the title of Sloppy Janes) and other non-processed ingredients.  It really is worth it to make them from scratch instead of straight from the can.

Simmering Sloppy Janes

A couple hints on this recipe.  I find that any time I cook with ground turkey where I would normally have used ground beef, I like to add a healthy amount of Worcestershire sauce.  It almost gives it a “beefy” flavor.  Also, these are a bit spicy, which is just the way I like them.  But if you have a serious taste for the heat, you’ll probably want to amp it up.  Likewise, if you don’t like heat, just omit the cayenne pepper.

And a note on the leftovers.  They are obviously tasty warmed up and eaten on a bun (as I often do for lunch the next day).  However, they are a whole new delicious meal if you bake a couple of good sized potatoes, top with the heated leftover Sloppy Janes and a bit of shredded sharp cheddar cheese to finish it off.  Absolutely wonderful!

Yummy Dinner

I know they’re just Sloppy Janes, but if you’re feeling like slummin’ it – Enjoy!

Prep Ranking: #2 Weeknight Fare
Tastiness Grading: 9.5 out of 10

Recipe after the jump.

Becky’s Sloppy Janes

1 lb ground turkey
1/2 finely diced onion
1 Tbsp olive oil
2 Tbsp (about 1/2 a small can) tomato paste
1 scant Tbsp chili powder
1 scant Tbsp sweet paprika
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
2-3 tsp hot sauce (Cholula, as usual)
1 scant Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 8oz can tomato sauce
salt to taste, at least 1/2 tsp

In a large skillet, brown the turkey and diced onion in the olive oil over medium heat.  Once the meat is browned and broken up and the onions are translucent, add the spices and the tomato paste.  Mix to coat the meat.  Add the hot sauce and Worcestershire sauce.  Stir to combine.  Add the salt and tomato sauce, stir to combine.  Let simmer over medium-low for about 5 minutes.

Taste and adjust heat (with more hot sauce or cayenne pepper), flavor (more chili powder or Worcestershire sauce) or salt.

Serve on whole wheat buns.

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