Sweet Jerk Sloppy Joes

1 lb. ground turkey
1 Sweet Jerk Sloppy Joe mix
3/4 cup water
4 buns

There isn’t an easier Spice & Easy meal to make in our collection than this one. Janet and I always travel with it, that’s how much we love it. Whether we’re camping or vacationing in the Caribbean, we can have one of our favorite meals on the table in 15 minutes. It’s hard to beat that for quick and easy.

Shop all our Founders' Favorite spices and blends.

When Janet and I first discovered jerk flavors paired with sweet barbecue during our travels in the Caribbean, it opened my eyes to how well that sweet-and-spicy balance works. It was only a matter of time before I started thinking about other American classics that could carry those flavors, and Sloppy Joes were at the top of the list. Sweet Jerk Sloppy Joe takes the warm spices of jerk, allspice, clove, and ginger, and layers them with pineapple, lime, and just a touch of Scotch bonnet for gentle heat. With Spice & Easy, it comes together fast: brown your ground beef or turkey, stir in the mix with water, and simmer until thick and saucy. Spoon it onto toasted buns, add a slice of grilled pineapple or some slaw if you’re feeling adventurous, and you’ve got a Sloppy Joe with unmistakable island swagger. Best of all, it’s on the table in minutes, making it one of the easiest ways to bring bold Caribbean flavor to a weeknight meal. Try making Sweet Jerk Sloppy Joes at home: Brown ground beef or turkey, stir in seasoning packet with water, and simmer until thick. Serve on toasted buns and top with grilled pineapple or slaw for a quick Caribbean-inspired twist on an American classic.

This mix pairs tropical jerk spices like allspice, clove, and ginger with sweet pineapple and sour lime for a tangy sauce. Just cook your ground beef or turkey, add Sloppy Joe seasoning mix and water, and you'll have an American classic on ready on the dinner table in no time. With Spice & Easy, making sloppy joes is as easy as 1, 2, 3! Just open, spice and serve. Each sloppy joe seasoning packet includes the pre-measured seasonings needed to make a quick, simple and tasty recipe.

DIRECTIONS:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook turkey until browned. Add Sweet Jerk Sloppy Joe mix and water. Stir to combine. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer (uncovered) for 4 to 5 min. until sauce is slightly thickened. Scoop meat onto buns and serve immediately.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS:
Top with chives, jalapeño, or red onion. Serve with plantain chips or grilled pineapple.

NOTES:
You can also use ground beef instead of turkey.
For a vegetarian/vegan version, use ground seitan or impossible meat.

YIELDS:
Serves 4

Sweet Jerk Sloppy Joes Q&A

What's in Sloppy Joe mix?

Most Sloppy Joe seasoning mixes just have salt, sugar, and spices, meaning you have to add a can of tomato paste. Our Sloppy Joe Meal Starter Spice Mix includes tomato powder, so you don't have to worry about having an extra ingredient on hand.

How do you make Sloppy Joes?

Sloppy Joes are probably so popular because they are quick and easy to make. Simply brown your ground meat and add the seasoning and water to create a sauce.

What do you add to Sloppy Joe mix?

With our Sweet Jerk Sloppy Joe mix, you only have to add meat and water. We added tomato powder and tropical spices to create a bold, ready-to-use seasoning mix.

How can you thicken Sloppy Joes?

If your sloppy joes are too thick, just let them simmer a few minutes longer. Some of the water will evaporate, resulting in a thicker sauce. In a pinch, you could add a bit of tomato paste or Tomato Powder to thicken it, but that will neutralize some of the spice flavor.