We went for a bit of nostalgia tonight with saucy slow cooker Sloppy Joes. For a paleo-friendly twist, we're using ground turkey as the base and serving the saucy meat in zucchini boats. Cooking methods: This recipe includes instructions for using the slow cooker or stovetop. Select your preferred method.
Onions / Bell peppers / Garlic - Prep as directed and combine. (Can be done up to 5 days ahead)
Make sauce - Combine tomato paste, stock, aminos, vinegar (portion for turkey), mustard (portion for turkey), and honey (portion for turkey). (Can be done up to 5 days ahead)
Make vinaigrette - Whisk together vinegar (portion for salad), mustard (portion for salad), and honey (portion for salad). Add olive oil while whisking. (Can be done up to 5 days ahead)
Zucchini - Slice in half lengthwise and then use a spoon to scoop out the center of each zucchini half, leaving ~1/2” / 1.25 cm thick shell on all sides (discard the center you scoop out or save it for another purpose). Check out this video. (Can be done up to 4 days ahead)
Pre-cook turkey - Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with cooking oil. Add turkey and saute until cooked through, 7 to 10 minutes. Add onions, bell peppers, and garlic and saute until translucent. Season with some salt and pepper. (Can be done up to 5 days ahead)
Slow cook turkey - In the bowl of a slow cooker, combine cooked turkey and sauce. Stir well. Cook on low for 4 hours. (We do not recommend cooking this on high because the tomato-based sauce may burn.)
Unlock this meal along with hundreds of smart meal plans and never stress about "What's for dinner?" again
Brush a sheet pan with some cooking oil. Place zucchini halves on pan, cut-side facing up. Sprinkle zucchini with Italian seasoning and some salt and pepper.
Transfer pan to heated oven and bake until zucchini halves are tender, 18 to 22 minutes.
When zucchini is nearly finished cooking, give turkey a stir. Season with some salt and pepper if needed.
Toss mixed greens and pepitas / pumpkin seeds in vinaigrette until dressed to your liking.
Fill zucchini boats with turkey. Serve with salad on the side. Enjoy!
Prep
Onions / Bell peppers / Garlic - Prep as directed and combine. (Can be done up to 5 days ahead)
Make sauce - Combine tomato paste, stock, aminos, vinegar (portion for turkey), mustard (portion for turkey), and honey (portion for turkey). (Can be done up to 5 days ahead)
Make vinaigrette - Whisk together vinegar (portion for salad), mustard (portion for salad), and honey (portion for salad). Add olive oil while whisking. (Can be done up to 5 days ahead)
Zucchini - Slice in half lengthwise and then use a spoon to scoop out the center of each zucchini half, leaving ~1/2” / 1.25 cm thick shell on all sides (discard the center you scoop out or save it for another purpose). Check out this video. (Can be done up to 4 days ahead)
Unlock this meal along with hundreds of smart meal plans and never stress about "What's for dinner?" again
Brush a sheet pan with some cooking oil. Place zucchini halves on pan, cut-side facing up. Sprinkle zucchini with Italian seasoning and some salt and pepper.
Transfer pan to heated oven and bake until zucchini halves are tender, 18 to 22 minutes.
While zucchini bakes, heat a skillet over medium-high heat with cooking oil. Add turkey with some salt and saute until cooked through, 7 to 10 minutes.
To turkey, add onions, bell peppers, and garlic and saute until translucent.
Pour sauce over turkey and continue cooking until sauce reduces and thickens, 5 to 8 minutes more. Remove turkey from heat. Taste and season with some salt and pepper if needed.
Toss mixed greens and pepitas / pumpkin seeds in vinaigrette until dressed to your liking.
Fill zucchini boats with turkey. Serve with salad on the side. Enjoy!