These Sloppy Joes have a classic taste, they are super easy to make, and very kid friendly.  As true to America’s Test Kitchen recipes, this one does not fall short on flavor or texture.  I think it’s a brilliant idea to use mushrooms to help add bulk to the filling, but also to hide veggies from the kids (or adults who also cringe at veggies).  The mushrooms add a great meaty flavor (without adding very many calories).  Even better, the finely chopped mushrooms are hidden in the thick sauce and look just like bits of ground turkey.  Genius!  I used canned mushrooms because that’s what I had on hand.  However, you can use fresh mushrooms without any problem, but if you do, add them to the skillet with the onion so they can cook down.

The filling can be made ahead of time and refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.  It’s easy to reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat or in the microwave on a medium power.  (Thus, it’s not a bad idea to double this recipe so you have a meal for later in the week that doesn’t take you any time.  The filling will freeze well too.)

I served these on my Fit Burger Buns, but the nutritional information reflects serving them on sandwich thins.  The servings are VERY generous!  If you have little people to serve, I’m sure this recipe can stretch to 6 or more servings (depending on how much/little your kiddies will eat).

Classic Sloppy Joes
Adapted from The America’s Test Kitchen Healthy Family Cookbook

2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
1 small onion, minced
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon chili powder
12 ounces ground turkey (93% lean)
1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon cider vinegar
1 teaspoon brown sugar
1 (8-ounce) can mushrooms, chopped fine
salt and pepper
4 whole-wheat sandwich thins (100 calories each)

Heat oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat until shimmering.  Add the onion and cook until softened and lightly browned, 6 to 8 minutes.  Stir in the garlic and chili powder and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Stir in the turkey and cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink, about 4 minutes.  Stir in the tomato sauce, water, ketchup, Worcestershire, vinegar, sugar, and mushrooms.

Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce has thickened slightly, about 5 minutes.  Season with salt and pepper to taste, divide the mixture among the hamburger buns, and serve.

Serves 4.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving = 1 Sloppy Joe)
Calories:  311
Protein:  24.5g
Carbs:  35.6g
Fat:  9.8g (2.3g)
Fiber:  7.6g
Sugars:  10.7g