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Summer Squash Sloppy Joes

These summer squash sloppy joes offer a nutritious, vegetable-packed twist on the classic American comfort food. By incorporating finely diced squash and carrots into lean minced beef or turkey, this high-protein dish provides a wealth of vitamins without compromising on the rich, savoury flavour you expect from a traditional sloppy joe. The result is a vibrant, saucy filling that pairs perfectly with melted cheddar cheese and toasted buns.

Perfect for a quick midweek dinner or a relaxed weekend lunch, this recipe is a brilliant way to encourage the family to eat more seasonal produce. The mild spices and aromatic oregano create a depth of flavour that works beautifully with the natural sweetness of the summer squash. Serve these sandwiches alongside a crisp green salad or some oven-baked potato wedges for a satisfying and balanced homemade meal.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Summer Squash Sloppy Joes

  • 450g ground lean beef or turkey

  • 1/2 onion, finely chopped (about 180ml )

  • 1 carrot, chopped

  • 350ml summer squash, diced

  • 1 170g can tomato paste

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1 tablespoon mild chilli powder

  • 1 teaspoon paprika

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

  • 90g cheddar cheese, thinly sliced

  • 6 hamburger buns

How to make Summer Squash Sloppy Joes

  1. Preheat the grill. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sauté the beef mince or turkey until browned, about 7 minutes. Add the onion and sauté 2 minutes. Add the carrot and sauté 2 minutes. Add the squash and sauté 1 minute more.

  2. Stir in the tomato paste and 350ml water, stirring until the paste has dissolved. Add the garlic, chilli powder, paprika, and oregano, and season with the salt and pepper. Reduce heat to medium and continue to cook until the mixture has thickened, 8 to 10 minutes.

  3. Divide the cheese among the bottom halves of the hamburger buns. Transfer both halves of the buns to the grill, open-faced, and toast until the cheese has melted and the top buns are toasted.

  4. Remove the buns from the oven and fill each sandwich with the squash-and-meat mixture. Serve immediately.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 17 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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