Sloppy Joe Lettuce Cups
Try this Sloppy Joe Lettuce Cups recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Sloppy Joe Lettuce Cups recipe, or contribute your own.
- 1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 pound ground turkey breast (or beef)
- 1 medium onion - diced
- 2 garlic cloves - minced
- 1 zucchini - diced
- 1 teaspoon all-purpose steak seasoning (i use mccormick's)
- 14 ounce can tomato sauce - salt free
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce (i use trader joe's all natural)
- 1/2 cup corn - fresh or frozen
- iceberg lettuce cups - to serve
- minced red onion - optional garnish
- Carbohydrate 0.373228333892651 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.0226625 g
- Fiber 0.0654500026702881 g
- Protein 0.02583 g
- Saturated Fat 0.003675 g
- Serving Size 1 1 lettuce cup (39g)
- Sodium 20.082881104556 mg
- Sugar 0.307778331222363 g
- Trans Fat 0.002275 g
- Calories 2 calories
Step-by-step
- Heat a large, deep saute 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.
My Go-To Weeknight Dinner: Sloppy Joe Lettuce Cups
As a working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Dinner needs to be quick, healthy, and something the whole family will enjoy. Forget spending hours in the kitchen – I've found the perfect solution: Sloppy Joe Lettuce Cups! This recipe is not only incredibly fast to prepare, but it's also a delicious and surprisingly healthy twist on a classic comfort food. No more heavy buns or excessive carbs; these lettuce cups are light, refreshing, and packed with flavor.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. I often find myself juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and after-school activities. The last thing I want is a complicated recipe that requires a dozen ingredients and a culinary degree. This Sloppy Joe Lettuce Cups recipe is different. With just a handful of pantry staples and some readily available fresh produce, I can whip up a delicious and satisfying dinner in under 30 minutes. The ground turkey (or beef, if you prefer) cooks quickly, and the vibrant mix of vegetables adds a satisfying crunch and boost of nutrients. Plus, the use of lettuce cups instead of bread significantly reduces the carbohydrate content, making this a healthier and lighter option than traditional Sloppy Joes.
Why I love this recipe:
- Speed: Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Healthier Twist: Lower in carbs and calories than traditional Sloppy Joes.
- Flavorful: The combination of Worcestershire sauce, steak seasoning, and smoked paprika creates a depth of flavor that's both savory and satisfying.
- Versatile: Easily customizable to your preferences – add different vegetables, spices, or even a bit of cheese for extra flavor.
- Kid-Friendly: My kids devour these! The fun presentation in lettuce cups always makes them a hit.
Beyond the practical aspects, this recipe has become a staple in my household for its deliciousness. It's the perfect balance of sweet and savory, with the tangy barbecue sauce complementing the savory ground turkey and the subtle sweetness of the corn. The crisp lettuce cups add a fresh element, preventing the dish from feeling too heavy. The vibrant colors of the ingredients also make it a visually appealing meal, which is always a bonus!
This isn’t just a weeknight dinner; it’s a quick and easy lunch option too. I often make a double batch on the weekend and have leftovers for lunch throughout the week. Simply pack the sloppy joe mixture in a container and the lettuce cups separately, assembling just before you’re ready to eat. This ensures the lettuce remains crisp and the whole meal stays fresh. This recipe is so versatile, adaptable and delicious that it has quickly become a family favorite, proving that healthy and convenient meals don't have to be boring.
I encourage you to try this recipe and adapt it to your own tastes and preferences. Add your favorite vegetables, experiment with different spices, or use ground chicken or pork instead of turkey. The possibilities are endless! Let me know in the comments what variations you try and how your family enjoys this quick and easy meal.
