Turkey Sloppy Joes & Smoky Baked Beans

Yum - gotta love sloppy joes, it's a throwback to our younger days right? Anyway, this version is delicious and healthier! I modified the recipe a bit and it turned out great, a must make again. The leftovers are perfect for lunch too. I got fresh burger buns from the deli, sliced 'em and toasted them and they were the perfect companion for the Sloppy Joe filling. I also picked up some lean ground turkey meat from Whole Foods and we could definitely taste a big difference in the flavor and texture of the meat. I even prefer the ground turkey to the beef for this type of meal - it's healthier and the meat was softer, Yum!

On the other hand, the baked beans didn't come out as I had expected, bummer! I would make them again but just drain off the fat after the bacon finished cooking. I don't know what it is but that really ruins a dish for me, I don't like the veggies too cook in bacon fat. And they turned out a bit too salty, so back to the drawing (or cooking) board for that recipe.

Turkey Sloppy Joes  

Serves 4-6

Turkey Sloppy Joes

ingredients

• 1/2 tbsp EVOO
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 1/2 cups tomato puree
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 tbsp Chile powder
• 10-12 shakes hot sauce
• 4 Fresh Rolls from the deli, split and toasted

• Kosher Salt & Freshly Cracked Black Pepper

directions

1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and bell pepper cooking for 3 minutes. Add the turkey an cook until lightly browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Add the next 7 ingredients and season with S&P.

2. Turn the heat to low and simmer for at least 10 minutes until reduced and sauce fully coats the meat. This took about 15 minutes. Divide and serve on the buns.

Smoky Baked Beans      

Serves 6

Smoky Baked Beans

ingredients

• 4 strips thick apple wood smoked bacon, chopped
• 1 medium onion, minced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 -16oz cans pinto beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
• 1 tbsp BBQ seasoning

directions

Heat a saucepan over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook until crispy. Add the onion and garlic and saute until translucent. Stir in the rest of the ingredients and simmer until the sauce thickens and clings to the beans slightly.

Enjoy!

This recipe was adapted from Cook This, Not That Skinny Comfort Foods.