Savor the Sloppy Jane: A healthy twist on a classic comfort

Have you met my friend, Sloppy Jane? You probably already know her cousin, Sloppy Joe. They may be similar, but here’s how you can tell them apart. This Sloppy Jane recipe not only offers a healthier alternative to its cousin, the Sloppy Joe, but it also keeps your wallet happy by being cost-conscious while creating mouthwatering sandwiches that won’t weigh you down.

What sets Sloppy Janes apart from their traditional counterpart is the focus on lean meats and fresh, wholesome ingredients -- all without breaking the bank. Unlike the canned sauce varieties loaded with additives and preservatives, our Sloppy Janes sauce prioritizes nutrition and affordability without compromising taste.

These Sloppy Janes are a breeze to whip up, making them perfect for busy weeknights. And the best part? They reheat like a dream, so leftovers are just as delightful the next day! I always make a double batch.

This recipe was crafted with ground turkey for a lighter profile without sacrificing an ounce of flavor. However, feel free to get creative with your protein choice. This recipe works well whether you use beef, pork or whatever ground meat is least expensive this week!

SLOPPY JANES

Yield: 4 servings

Total Time: 20 minutes 1 tablespoon olive oil

1 (12 or 16 ounce) bag frozen 3 pepper and onion blend, defrosted (or fresh equivalent) 1 pound 90% lean ground turkey

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

2 teaspoons granulated garlic

1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce

1 tablespoon yellow mustard

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon chili powder

Optional: 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or more to taste

For serving:

4 hamburger buns

1/2 cup shredded cheese

Optional: bread and butter pickles and/or pickled jalapeno slices

Add the olive oil to a skillet over mediumhigh heat. Add the onion and pepper blend. Cook for 5-7 minutes until they release most of their moisture and are cooked through. Push the peppers to the side and add the turkey. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and no longer pink. Add the salt, pepper and garlic, and stir it all together. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Meanwhile, in a small bowl stir together the tomato sauce, mustard, brown sugar, vinegar, chili powder and cayenne, if using.

Add the sauce to the turkey mixture and simmer for 5 minutes or until Sloppy Joes are thickened to your liking, making sure to stir frequently. Adjust seasoning, if needed.

Serve hot on toasted buns. Top with shredded cheese and pickles.

Pair this with a crisp green salad or crunchy carrot and celery sticks for a well-rounded meal. Add some French fries or onion rings to really make the kiddies (and kids at heart) happy.

And for those who prefer a set-it-and-forget-it approach, this slow cooker method ensures tender, flavorful Sloppy Janes with minimal effort. Just brown the turkey, toss all the ingredients in your slow cooker, cook on high for 2-3 hours or on low for 6 hours and let the slow cooker work its magic.

If you’d like to stretch this recipe to add extra servings, there are several affordable options. First, you can double the veggies. Or you can just add more chopped onion. A nice, big, chopped sweet onion would be delicious. A can or two of beans would be a good addition, especially pork and beans or baked beans. Also, check your crisper drawer and add any peppers, tomatoes, celery or shredded carrot.

These sandwiches are sure to become a household favorite. So tuck in your napkin, because these are delightfully sloppy!

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Lifestyle expert Patti Diamond is the penny-pinching, party-planning, recipe developer and content creator of the website Divas On A Dime -- Where Frugal, Meets Fabulous! Visit Patti at www. divasonadime.co m and join the conversation on Facebook at Divasonadimedotcom. Email Patti at divapatti@divasonadime.com