Turkey Sloppy Joes with Pears Recipe

Cook Time: 25 minutes

This savory-sweet turkey slider recipe is perfect for a quick dinner or a weekend gathering. Packed with lean turkey, fresh vegetables, and a hint of pear, it offers a unique twist on classic sliders.

Ingredients

• 2 ripe pears
• 1 pound ground turkey breast
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 teaspoons spicy brown mustard
• 1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
• 8 whole wheat hamburger buns

Directions

1. Peel one pear and chop half of it (about 1/2 cup). Set the chopped pear aside for later use.
2. In a large nonstick skillet, cook the ground turkey, chopped onion, bell pepper, and the chopped pear over medium-high heat. Stir frequently, breaking up the turkey as it cooks, until the meat is browned (about 8 minutes).
3. Add the tomato sauce, ketchup, spicy brown mustard, minced thyme, and ground cloves (if using) to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer uncovered for 10 minutes. If the mixture becomes too thick, add a little water to reach your desired consistency.
5. While the turkey mixture simmers, slice the remaining pear.
6. To serve, spoon the turkey mixture onto the whole wheat buns and top with fresh pear slices. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	5g Fat	38g Carbs	30g Protein
307	5g	38g	30g

Servings Per Recipe: 6

Daily Value Percentages (per serving)

• Total Fat: 5g (7% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 1g (6% DV)
• Cholesterol: 54mg (18% DV)
• Sodium: 586mg (25% DV)
• Total Carbohydrate: 38g (14% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 5g (18% DV)
• Total Sugars: 12g
• Protein: 30g (59% DV)
• Vitamin C: 39mg (44% DV)
• Calcium: 109mg (8% DV)
• Iron: 3mg (17% DV)
• Potassium: 610mg (13% DV)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The History of Turkey Sloppy Joes with Pears

The Sloppy Joe sandwich is a classic American comfort food, tracing its roots back to the early 20th century. Traditionally made with ground beef, onions, tomato sauce, and spices, it gained popularity during the Great Depression for its affordability and simplicity. The turkey variation emerged later as health-conscious cooks sought leaner protein alternatives. Adding pears is a modern twist that reflects contemporary culinary trends toward balancing savory and sweet flavors, enhancing the classic sandwich with natural fruit sugars and subtle aromatic notes.

Regional Characteristics

While the original Sloppy Joe is widely associated with the Midwest, especially Iowa and New Jersey, turkey versions with fruit additions are more commonly found in health-focused urban areas across the United States, such as California and New York. In these regions, chefs often incorporate local fruit varieties like Bartlett or Red dAnjou pears to complement the lean turkey, giving the dish a seasonal, farm-to-table quality. Regional adaptations may also include unique spices such as cloves or fresh thyme, which are not part of the traditional recipe.

Differences from Similar Dishes

Turkey Sloppy Joes with pears differ from classic beef Sloppy Joes in both texture and taste. Ground turkey provides a lighter, less fatty base, allowing the natural sweetness of the pears to stand out. Unlike BBQ sandwiches or pulled pork variants, this recipe emphasizes a saucier, fruit-infused profile rather than smoky or heavily spiced notes. The combination of pears and a hint of cloves creates a subtly complex flavor, setting it apart from other American sandwiches that rely solely on tomato or mustard-based sauces.

Typical Serving Occasions

These sandwiches are usually served as casual dinners or lunch items. They work well for family meals, weekend gatherings, or backyard cookouts. Often paired with whole-grain buns and simple side dishes like a green salad or roasted vegetables, Turkey Sloppy Joes with pears are also popular in school and office lunches because they are easy to prepare and transport while offering a healthier alternative to traditional fast-food sandwiches.

Interesting Facts

• The addition of pears to a Sloppy Joe is a relatively recent innovation, reflecting a growing interest in combining fruit with protein in savory dishes.
• Ground cloves, while optional, add a depth of flavor that was historically used in European cooking and has now crossed over into modern American comfort foods.
• Using whole-wheat buns increases the fiber content significantly, making this version of the Sloppy Joe not only tastier but also more nutritious.
• Some chefs experiment with roasted or caramelized pears instead of raw slices, creating a richer, more dessert-like sweetness that contrasts with the savory turkey.
• Despite its origins as a humble, inexpensive meal, the Sloppy Joe has inspired countless gourmet variations, demonstrating the versatility of this classic American sandwich.

FAQ about Turkey Sloppy Joes with Pears Recipe