Sloppy (Turkey) Joe's

This meal was inspired by Adam Sandler and Chris Farley on SNL, doing "Lunch Lady Land."  You know, "sloppy joe, slop sloppy joes."  Watch it for a laugh, or listen while you cook.

Anyway, sloppy joes can be made healthy by using lean turkey meat, fresh tomatoes (instead of ketchup with high-fructose corn syrup), organic bell pepper, and whole grain buns.   

Ingredients: 

• 1 Tbsp. Olive Oil
• 1 lb. Ground Turkey (99% lean is what I used)
• 2 tsp. Minced Onion
• 1 Organic Green Bell Pepper, diced
• 1 tsp. Garlic Powder
• Coarse salt and ground pepper, to taste
• 1 can (8 oz) Organic Tomato Sauce
• 1 can (14.5 oz) Organic Crushed Tomatoes (or use fresh)
• 2 Tbsp.  Brown Sugar
• 1 Tbsp. Cider Vinegar
• 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire Sauce
• 4 Whole-Wheat Hamburger Rolls

Directions:

1. Over medium heat, heat oil in a large saucepan.   Cook the turkey and onion until turkey is no longer pink.
2. Add diced bell pepper and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
3. Reduce heat to simmer.  Drain meat and put back in pan.
4. Add in next seven ingredients (garlic powder, salt/pepper, tomato sauce, tomatoes, brown sugar, cider vinegar, and Worcestershire.  Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Serve on buns with Baked Sweet Potato Fries (see BBQ Chicken with Sweet Potato Fries Recipe) and Fresh Steamed Green Beans  (Steam with 2 Tbsp. Water for 5 minutes on stovetop while meat is simmering.  Or, my favorite, use the Pampered Chef microwave steamer. Top with a little melted organic butter) for your side dishes. 

For Freezing: You can freeze the Sloppy Turkey Joe meat for up to 3 months.  Just store in an airtight plastic bag (double bag) and be sure to label/date the bag.  Let defrost in the refrigerator during the day.  Then, put in skillet and cook on low for 10-15 minutes, until hot.