A modern twist on the childhood classic, these sweet and smoky turkey sloppy joes are served in a crisp lettuce cup for a naturally gluten free spin on America’s favorite sandwich.
I know people always say this but losing weight has been so much harder and slow going after baby number 2 than it was after my first. I am constantly having to take a step back to reevaluate my nutrition and fitness routine as I work to break through one plateau after another.
One trick that always seems to work is increasing the percentage of calories that come from protein in my diet. These Turkey Sloppy Joe Lettuce Cups started out as a “clean the fridge” late summer dinner using up a head of iceberg lettuce, zucchini, and corn but they ended up being one of the most delicious, FAST dinner ideas to date.
Naturally gluten free and packed with protein, these lettuce cups were a huge hit and totally fun to eat. The minced red onion added a hint of spicy sweetness to every crunchy bite. A little sriracha on top never hurts either.
No forks required.
Sloppy Joe Lettuce Cups
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey breast or beef
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 zucchini diced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon all-purpose steak seasoning I use McCormick’s
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 14 ounce can tomato sauce salt free
- ¼ cup barbecue sauce I use Trader Joe’s all natural
- ½ cup corn fresh or frozen
- salt and pepper to taste
- cups iceberg lettuce – to serve
- minced red onion optional garnish
Instructions
- Heat a large, deep sauté pan over medium-high heat and spray with cooking spray. Add ground turkey and begin breaking up with a wooden spoon.
- While turkey is browning, dice up the onion, garlic and zucchini then toss into the pan. Stir occasionally while meat continues to brown and veggies begin to soften.
- Add Worcestershire, steak seasoning and smoked paprika to the pan and continue cooking until most of the liquid evaporates, about 7-9 minutes.
- Add tomato sauce and barbecue sauce to the pan and bring to a boil. Stir then reduce heat to low to simmer. Stir in corn then continue to simmer on low for 10 minutes.
- Check for seasoning before serving in iceberg lettuce cups. Garnish with red onion if you wish.
Kelli H (Made in Sonoma)
This was really easy! I didn’t have an onion on hand so I used a red bell pepper — still delicious. I’ll definitely make it again in the future as it came together in less than 30 minutes.
Liz DellaCroce
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Phi @ The Sweetphi Blog
LOVE the sound of these! Sloppy Joes are something that I never really had as a kid, but now that I’m an adult, funnily enough I’ve had them a few times and love them, so I’ll have to try them with lettuce cups!
Liz DellaCroce
You know I didn’t either and I swear I love them more now as an adult!
Susan
I’ve been reading a lot about healthy nutrition lately, and the bottom line I’ve gotten is that protein is the key to losing weight, especially if you cut back on starchy carbs. And sugar. Protein is far more satisfying than fast carbs and does not create cravings like those carbs do. I wish you the best in your quest to lose the extra weight.
Liz DellaCroce
Yes exactly. :) Thank you Susan!
Laurie {Simply Scratch}
I love the lettuce cups idea! And that you put zucchini and corn in your sloppy J sauce! <3
Liz DellaCroce
haha I couldn’t stop myself!
Kelly
I love sloppy joes and I never use a bun anymore but I like the idea of putting them in a lettuce wrap.
I hear you about losing the baby weight. After child #1, the weight came right off. Then there was child #2 that I gained more with in utero and never managed to get all of that weight off. Then there was child #3 where I only gained 12 pounds while preggars but the weight is just stuck there it seems. Anyways, thanks for the wonderful idea.
Liz DellaCroce
Yes it really is so much harder with each kid! Let me know what you think of these! :)
Taylor @ Food Faith Fitness
I am a protein Nazi. My hubs will just eat cereal for breakfast, and I’ll be like NO…you must have Greek yogurt too, protein!
So these? These are my JAM! Pinned!
Liz DellaCroce
ahha I totally hear you!! I’m the same way with my hubs. :)
Amanda @ Once Upon a Recipe
These look delicious! Using lettuce instead of bread or buns is a great idea!
Liz DellaCroce
Yes I am loving lettuce cups lately!!
Kelly @ Trial and Eater
Lettuce wraps always make me feel so healthy! I love that you combined sloppy joes + lettuce!
Liz DellaCroce
You and me both Kelly!
Aggie
If I ever ask Larry – what do you want me to make for dinner – he always says SLOPPY JOE’S! It’s a given. :) These look perfect. I love the lettuce cups!
Liz DellaCroce
No way really?? That’s so funny!! Make these for him!
Sarah
looks delish!! Can’t wait to make it for my lunches!
Liz DellaCroce
Let me know what you think!!
Cassie
Absolutely adore these, Liz. Sloppy Joes have been a go-to for me lately. Serving them in lettuce cups is total genius!
Liz DellaCroce
Thanks so much Cassie!! We hadn’t had them in AGES!
Anna @ Crunchy Creamy Sweet
This looks fantastic, Liz! We love lettuce cups!
Liz DellaCroce
Thank you Anna!