
Ingredients in Gluten-Free Sloppy Joes
- Ground turkey
- Olive Oil
- Red Bell Pepper-you can substitute yellow or orange if you prefer
- Garlic Powder
- Red Onion
- Tomato Paste- I use this so I don’t have to constantly throw out half used cans
- Bay Leaf
- Tomato Sauce
- Lentils
- Water
- Worcestershire sauce
- Yellow Mustard
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Brown Sugar- I used light, dark would work fine as well if that is what you have on hand.
- Chili Powder
- Pepper
- Cayenne Pepper
Do sloppy joes contain gluten?
Sloppy Joes can sometimes contain gluten, depending on the recipe and ingredients used. The main ingredient in Sloppy Joes is typically ground beef, which is gluten-free. However, the sauce used to make Sloppy Joes may contain gluten if it includes ingredients such as wheat flour, soy sauce, or malt vinegar. Additionally, the buns or rolls traditionally used for Sloppy Joes contain gluten. Rest assured however that our recipe is fully gluten free as are our serving options (see below).
Gluten-Free Ways to Serve Sloppy Joes
- Gluten-free buns: Look for gluten-free hamburger buns or rolls to serve as the base for your Sloppy Joe sandwich. You can usually find these in the gluten-free section of your grocery store.
- Lettuce wraps: Instead of using bread, you can serve your Sloppy Joes in lettuce wraps. Choose large lettuce leaves, such as iceberg or butter lettuce, and spoon the Sloppy Joe mixture onto the leaves.
- Gluten-free bread: If you prefer bread, look for gluten-free bread or bread alternatives, such as rice cakes or gluten-free crackers, to serve as the base for your Sloppy Joe sandwich.
- Over a bed of rice: You can also serve the Sloppy Joe mixture over a bed of rice or quinoa for a gluten-free option.
- On top of a baked potato: Another gluten-free option is to serve the Sloppy Joe mixture on top of a baked potato. Simply bake a potato, slice it open, and spoon the Sloppy Joe mixture on top.
Remember to always check the labels of the ingredients you use to make sure they are gluten-free.
How to Make Turkey Lentil Sloppy Joes
First cook the turkey until no longer pink and remove to a plate.

Next cook the peppers, onion, garlic powder and tomato paste.

And it really is that simple. Add the remaining ingredients, bring to a boil and simmer. Done. Just-like-that! Perfect for a weeknight. Serve your turkey lentil sloppy joes on buns, sliders or in lettuce wraps. Top with yellow mustard, diced red onion and dill pickle chips.
Any leftovers will reheat well, or remix them into a taco salad, some nachos or blend with some eggs or farro for a hearty protein bowl.

Side Dishes for Gluten-Free Sloppy Joes
- French fries: Crispy French fries are a classic side dish for Sloppy Joes. You can make your own fries from scratch or buy frozen fries from the grocery store.
- Coleslaw: A creamy, tangy coleslaw is a refreshing complement to the savory Sloppy Joes. You can make your own coleslaw or buy pre-made coleslaw from the grocery store.
- Baked beans: Hearty and flavorful baked beans are a great side dish for Sloppy Joes. You can make your own baked beans or buy canned baked beans from the grocery store.
- Corn on the cob: Sweet and juicy corn on the cob is a simple and tasty side dish for Sloppy Joes. You can boil or grill the corn and serve it with butter and salt.
- Sweet potato fries: Crispy and slightly sweet, sweet potato fries are a healthier alternative to traditional French fries. You can make your own sweet potato fries or buy frozen sweet potato fries from the grocery store.
- Salad: A fresh salad with greens, vegetables, and a tangy dressing is a light and healthy side dish for Sloppy Joes.
- Potato salad: Creamy and tangy potato salad is another classic side dish for Sloppy Joes. You can make your own potato salad or buy pre-made potato salad from the grocery store.
Other Dishes you may enjoy:
- Lemon Roasted Vegetables: These easy veggies are a perfect side for so many dishes and have a bright, fresh flavor that you will love!
- Strawberry Apple Jam: Home-y meets homemade, what isn’t there to love about making your own jam!?

Gluten-Free Sloppy Joes with Turkey and Lentils
Ingredients
For the Sloppy Joes
- 1 pound lean ground turkey
- 1 Tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon of olive oil divided
- 1 red bell pepper finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ cup diced red onion
- 4 Tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 large bay leaf
- 15 ounce tomato sauce
- 1 cup lentils rinsed and sorted
- 2 cups water
- 3 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 Tablespoons yellow mustard
- 3 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- 3 teaspoons light brown sugar
- 1 Tablespoon chili powder * See note 1
- 1 teaspoon ground pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne
To serve:
- 4 buns or 8-12 slider buns or 8-12 lettuce wraps or any combination you like* See note 2
- yellow mustard
- diced red onions
- dill pickle chips
Instructions
- Heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high. Cook the turkey, breaking up, until no longer pink. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Heat the remaining 1 Tablespoon of oil over medium-high. Add the bell pepper & red onion and cook until softened. Add garlic powder and tomato paste and cook 1 more minute.
- Return turkey to the pan along with the remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil. Cover and simmer 30 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
- Serve warm on buns or lettuce wraps topped with yellow mustard, diced red onions and/or dill pickle chips.
Notes
2: Be sure to choose gluten free buns if you want to ensure your dish remains gluten free
Gluten-free sloppy joes