TURKEY and VEGGIE JOES

Time to remaster a childhood favorite- the sloppy joe! And what better way to do it than making it healthier (and tastier) too! Lean ground turkey pairs perfectly with the mild flavors of zucchini and mushrooms and a full condiment shelf in the fridge makes this meal a snap to throw together. Though I haven't figured out how to make them less sloppy, I have figured out how to make them delicious! Try them tonight, and take a trip down memory lane...

INGREDIENTS:
1 lb ground turkey
1/2 cup green pepper, cut into 1/4" pieces
1/2 cup mushrooms, chopped
1/2 large zucchini, cut into 1/4" pieces (about 1/2-3/4 cup)
1 clove garlic, minced
8 oz. can tomato sauce
2-3 tbs. white vinegar
1/2 cup ketchup
1/2 cup bbq sauce
1 tbs. worcestershire sauce
1 tbs. yellow mustard
1/2 tsp. chili powder
salt and pepper to taste
1 tbs. hot sauce (optional)
extra virgin olive oil
buns for serving (optional)

DIRECTIONS:
-warm 2 tbs. olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat
-add turkey, bell pepper, zucchini, mushrooms, and garlic and cook until turkey is no longer pink, breaking up the meat into small pieces as it cooks
-add the rest of the ingredients, and simmer until slightly thickened and warmed through, about 10-15 minutes (reducing the heat to medium-low)
-serve on a bun or eat with a fork and enjoy!

serves approximately 5 people

SHOUT OUTS:
This dish was inspired by a recipe out of one of my favorite cooking magazines, Clean Eating.

TIPS and ADAPTATIONS:
-Save on money and calories: use less meat and add more green pepper, zucchini, and/or mushrooms.
-Reduce the calories even more by using a flat bread bun like Pepperidge Farm's Deli Flats or eat the meal with no bun at all!
-Make it vegetarian by skipping the meat and adding more veggies like eggplant, yellow summer squash, grated carrots, and/or butternut squash.
-Make a big batch, and freeze the leftovers for later: defrost in the refrigerator overnight and heat in the microwave or in a skillet over medium-low heat.
-Try the dish with ground chicken or ground beef too!
-Like your sloppy joes sweeter? Add a teaspoon or two of brown sugar.
-Instead of a bun, try the turkey meat on top of mashed potatoes, polenta, spaghetti squash, or pasta noodles.
-Make the joes extra spicy by adding extra hot sauce or a healthy pinch of cayenne pepper.