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Sloppy Joe Lettuce Cups

Liz DellaCroce Avatar

LIZ DELLA CROCE

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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.

Sloppy Joe Lettuce Cups - The Lemon Bowl

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. 

Sloppy Joes Lettuce Cups - The Lemon Bowl

Naturally gluten-free and packed with protein, these lettuce cups were a huge hit and 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. Looking for more recipes like this? Try my Asian Style Sloppy Joes if you haven’t already!

No forks required.

Sloppy Joes Lettuce Cups - The Lemon Bowl

Sloppy Joe Lettuce Cups

4.80 stars average
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.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Serves12 lettuce cups
CourseMain Dish
Calories282

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
 

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Add Worcestershire, steak seasoning and smoked paprika to the pan and continue cooking until most of the liquid evaporates, about 7-9 minutes.
  4. 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.
  5. Check for seasoning before serving in iceberg lettuce cups. Garnish with red onion if you wish.

Nutrition

Calories: 282kcalCarbohydrates: 24.5gProtein: 23.6gFat: 8.6gSaturated Fat: 2.6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6.6gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 868mgFiber: 3.3gSugar: 11.4g

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4.80 from 5 votes (1 rating without comment)

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27 responses to “Sloppy Joe Lettuce Cups”

  1. Susan Avatar
    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.

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Yes exactly. :) Thank you Susan!

  2. Laurie {Simply Scratch} Avatar
    Laurie {Simply Scratch}

    I love the lettuce cups idea! And that you put zucchini and corn in your sloppy J sauce! <3

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      haha I couldn’t stop myself!

  3. Kelly Avatar
    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.

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Yes it really is so much harder with each kid! Let me know what you think of these! :)

  4. Taylor @ Food Faith Fitness Avatar
    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!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      ahha I totally hear you!! I’m the same way with my hubs. :)

  5. Amanda @ Once Upon a Recipe Avatar
    Amanda @ Once Upon a Recipe

    These look delicious! Using lettuce instead of bread or buns is a great idea!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Yes I am loving lettuce cups lately!!

  6. Kelly @ Trial and Eater Avatar
    Kelly @ Trial and Eater

    Lettuce wraps always make me feel so healthy! I love that you combined sloppy joes + lettuce!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      You and me both Kelly!

  7. Aggie Avatar
    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!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      No way really?? That’s so funny!! Make these for him!

  8. Sarah Avatar
    Sarah

    looks delish!! Can’t wait to make it for my lunches!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Let me know what you think!!

  9. Cassie Avatar
    Cassie

    Absolutely adore these, Liz. Sloppy Joes have been a go-to for me lately. Serving them in lettuce cups is total genius!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Thanks so much Cassie!! We hadn’t had them in AGES!

  10. Anna @ Crunchy Creamy Sweet Avatar
    Anna @ Crunchy Creamy Sweet

    This looks fantastic, Liz! We love lettuce cups!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Thank you Anna!