Craving something quick and healthy? These Honey Garlic Turkey Sloppy Joes are just the thing, and they’re ready in under 30 minutes. They have all the sweet, savory, and saucy goodness you remember from childhood, but with a grown-up, honey-garlic twist.
The Sloppiest (and Healthiest) Joes Around
I am a sucker for a sloppy joe.
I don’t know what it is. Maybe the fact that I’m actually 8 years old, or it’s just that saucy, meaty combination piled high on a soft bun. Whatever the reason, I cannot, will not give them up – but I knew I had to find a way to make them healthier.
These honey garlic sloppy joes really hit the spot! They’re simple, healthy, and who doesn’t love a good honey garlic ANYthing? The sauce really adds a touch of class to a meal that ~usually~ ends up all over your shirt.
Want more sloppy joe recipes? Check out my Beef & Lentil BBQ Sloppy Joes, BBQ Chicken Quinoa Sloppy Joes, and this classic Sloppy Joe recipe!
Reader Rating
“We used GF soy sauce. Added 3 TBSP of GF Korean BBQ sauce. Our picky gf son loved it. Thx for sharing!” – Heather
Ingredients for Honey Garlic Turkey Sloppy Joes
- Ground turkey: If you prefer to use ground beef or ground pork in your sloppy joes, you can absolutely do that! We love our beef and pork as well, but sometimes you want a leaner alternative, and turkey or chicken is great for that.
- Ketchup: Use your favorite brand! It adds a nice sweetness that balances the garlic and honey.
- Honey: Adds a touch of sweetness to the sauce. The higher the quality, the better!
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is best, but garlic powder works if that’s all you got.
- Soy sauce: I used low-sodium soy sauce to keep things on the healthier side.
- Chicken broth: Again, low-sodium is my go-to here!
Want to Bump Up the Nutrition?
I recommend adding shredded zucchini and carrots when you’re cooking the turkey. So good! The veggies blend right in, keeping the meat juicy and adding a little extra flavor and nutrients.
Tips & Tricks for Honey Garlic Turkey Sloppy Joes
- If you wanted to make these for a potluck or picnic, you could easily cook the ground turkey, then throw all the ingredients into the slow cooker for a few hours. It will work just as well!
- I wanted to keep these sloppy joes on the healthier side, so I tried to avoid drowning them in sauce. The first time I made them, they had great flavor but weren’t very saucy at all. I ended up making them again and doubled the sauce. If you like them a little drier, you can definitely halve it!
- Stir the mixture consistently once the broth and cornstarch go in to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pan as it thickens.
What to Serve with Sloppy Joes
These sloppy joes are even better with a few timeless sides! Whip up some Homemade Coleslaw or Easy Homemade Mac and Cheese for something ultra comforting and satisfying. I also highly recommend my Instant Pot Baked Beans or Boiled Corn on the Cob as other classic options.
How to Store Garlic Turkey Sloppy Joes
Keep your sloppy joe mix in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, just warm it up on the stove or in the microwave.
Want to freeze it for later? Let it cool completely, pop it into a freezer-safe container, and it’ll stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months!
Honey Garlic Turkey Sloppy Joes
written by Ashley Fehr
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey or chicken
- ¼ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons corn starch
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pan, cook ground turkey until done. Drain any excess liquid from the pan.
- Return to the stove and add ketchup, honey, garlic, and soy sauce. Stir.
- Combine broth and corn starch in a small bowl and stir into the turkey mixture. Cook over medium heat until flavors come together and sauce is thickened, about 5-8 minutes.
- Add salt and pepper to taste, and serve over buns or as desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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Heather says
We used GF soy sauce. Added 3 TBSP of GF Korean BBQ sauce. Our picky gf son loved it. Thx for sharing!
The Recipe Rebel says
Great to hear, thank you Heather!
Annelise says
Mine wasn’t as quite soupy / saucy as expected 🙁 still really good though! Any suggestions to wear I went wrong? It came out more like seasoned ground turkey.
Cyndi - My Kitchen Craze says
Hope you had a fabulous anniversary!! And these sloppy joes are calling my name! I’m such a sloppy joe kinda of gal! Need to make these for the family soon!
Stacey @ Bake Eat Repeat says
Mmmm, these look amazing. And I have never made my kids sloppy joes for some reason that I can’t figure out right now so these definitely need to be made soon! Also – Happy Anniversary! Hope you had a great day!
Sarah @Whole and Heavenly Oven says
Oh man, sloppy joes are my dinner LOVE language! I love the hint of sweetness you incorporated in these gorgeous joes, Ashley! These are most definitely going on my weeknight dinner to-do list!
Kelly says
Happy Anniversary!! Yay for 9 years 🙂 Love this honey garlic twist on sloppy joes! So saucy and delicious!
Julie Evink says
Happy Anniversary!!! I’m a sloppy joe fan too 🙂 Love this twist!
Denise | Sweet Peas & Saffron says
Aww happy anniversary!! Time flies, doesn’t it? These look SO delicious!
Rachel @ Bakerita says
I can’t even remember the last time I had a sloppy joe, but yours sound SO good! Love that you flavored them with honey and garlic – definitely a delicious upgrade 🙂
Nicole @ Young, Broke and Hungry says
Happy anniversary! 9 years together – what an accomplishment.
These sloppy joes look like the bee’s knee’s, perfect for a weeknight meal.
Dorothy dunton says
Hi Ashley! We have sloppy joes regularly! I don’t have a recipe, I just put in whatever comes to mind so they are never quite the same. I do like red bell pepper in them if I happen to have one on hand. Here is the South they are called loose meat sandwiches. 🙂
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
Hahahaha… I’m totally like an 8 year old on the inside as well! I used to be obsessed with sloppy joes, but I haven’t had one in ages! I absolutely NEED to change that immediately and stuff my face with a few of these sloppy beauties!! LOVE the honey garlic combo and that you used turkey! Absolutely perfect! Pinned! Cheers, girlfriend!
Liz @ Floating Kitchen says
Confession: I’ve never had a sloppy joe. I know, I know. Crazy, right? Sounds like I need to remedy that situation right away. I didn’t know they were so easy to make! And I like the idea of adding in some shredded veggies!
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
I love sloppy joes, too! It’s actually my husband’s specialty dish, and we call it sloppy fred’s after his uncle haha! But you totally sold me with this honey garlic turkey version! Such a great idea, Ashley! And the sloppier, the better, right? 🙂 Looks so good!
Annie @ The Garlic Diaries says
Okay, I don’t think sloppy joes have ever looked more appetizing…ever. These are totally calling my name! I can’t wait to try them out. So saucy and yummy ?!