Speaking of recipes with silly names, this one might be right up there. Where the heck did the inspiration come from to call them Sexy Joes? I haven’t the faintest. If I had to surmise a guess, I’d say that since this recipe came from Biggest Loser Cookbook, they’re thinking that you’ll be bringing sexy back if you make and eat these. If that’s not the reason behind the name, I haven’t a clue.
But that being said, no matter what you call them, your plate will be clean once you’re done. Know how I know? Because when I made these, along with the incredibly delicious Roasted Parmesan Cauliflower from the same book, not one person who ate them mentioned eating ground turkey. For some reason, people don’t readily embrace ground turkey. Not sure why, exactly, but I’d hasten to guess it’s more of a mind over matter thing, and that most wouldn’t necessarily be able to pick out ground turkey from, say, ground chicken. Sure, it won’t pass for beef, but this one is packed with enough flavor that I bet it might even win over the palate of your most discerning eater. No one even complained about the whole wheat rolls, and The Husband hates whole wheat bread, so that should tell you something.
So … let’s recap. Healthy, healthy food from the folks behind The Biggest Loser. Tasty and full of flavor. Easy to make and quick to table. Need I say more? I didn’t think so.
P.S. And yes, as you can see in the picture, I added a slice of melted cheese. Shhh, don’t tell Bob.
Sexy Joes
Recipe courtesy of Biggest Loser Cookbook
A healthier version of Sloppy Joes
1 lb extra lean ground chicken, turkey or beef
1 tb white vinegar
2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1-1/2 tsp. honey
1/2 tsp. hot pepper sauce
2/3 c. chopped yellow onion
1/3 c. chopped green bell pepper
3/4 c. tomato sauce
3/4 c. chili sauce
1/4 tsp. chili powder
4 whole grain hamburger buns
In skillet cook chicken. In small bowl, combine vinegar, Worcestershire, honey, and hot pepper sauce. Whisk to blend. Set aside. Drain any liquid from the meat. Add onion, bell pepper, tomato sauce, chili sauce, chili powder, and the reserved vinegar mixture to the pan. Stir to blend. Bring mixture to a boil then reduce the heat so mixture simmers. Cook for 20 minutes, or until mixture is thickened. Spoon onto buns.
Serves 4.
Though I’ve fully embraced ground turkey, I’d have to say that my cooking audience isn’t a big fan either. I’d love to try these and tell my husband the name. He’d be a big fan :) So, the Biggest Loser Cookbook is worthwhile, huh? I may need to check it out.
This sounds good. I love turkey, but for some strange reason have not used ground turkey. I use ground chicken in a lot of recipes.
These look great – they will be on the “To try” list.
When I make tacos I usually use ground turkey – nobody knows the difference.
The other day I bought a package of ground beef and it was $15 – sticker shock! Thanks goodness it was buy one get one free.
Actually for being healthy (I am anti-healthy) it does not look like it would be bad at all. I was actually looking for a good sloppy joe recipe to have this weekend so thanks!
I have to say, it was very good. I’d make them again.
At first glance I thought these were filled with beans instead of meat–I bet that would work, too! Whatever’s inside, they look great.
These look great! My family is okay with ground turkey usually. My FIL came over one night, though, and I served chili with ground turkey. Afterwards he said “that was really good….I thought it would be gross with ground turkey but I wasn’t going to say anything.” Now my MIL makes their chili with ground turkey all the time. She was always afraid to try it before b/c at their house he wouldn’t even try it. It totally backs up your “mind over matter” reason for not liking it!
I don’t think that my family knows that there is another type of ground meat!
I’m super psyced to try this.
Where do you find hot pepper sauce and chili sauce? I’ve never purchased these ingredients before. Also, is this extra spicy?
It looks delicious!
Hands down the best sloppy joe recipe I have ever had is the one from Whole Foods. I was skeptical about adding vegetables to sloppy joe but it had an amazing flavor.
Sharon – I’m 2-for-2 on recipes from that cookbook, so we’re doing good so far. Number three coming this weekend.
N&J – When I make our more traditional beef sloppy joe recipe, no vegetables; this was the first time and it’s a great way to sneak some in. Will have to take WF’s version for a spin next time we’re there.
Smiling Mom – both are usually found in the condiment aisle. The chili sauce is usually next to the shrimp cocktail sauce and looks nearly identical to it. Our hot sauce is usually in the same aisle, next to all the mustards, ketchups, etc.
Merry – sometimes, it’s just safer not to tell ’em. ;)
Ricki – I bet the beans would be a great addition!
Jeff – I’m all for recipes that are healthy, but don’t necessarily taste it.
Kris – $15 for a package of ground beef is crazy!
Maria – I don’t use ground chicken that often, but we have a few chicken burger recipes that we like … mmm, burgers.