In a 12-inch nonstick skillet set over medium heat, add the onions and beef (or ground turkey). Cook, breaking the meat into small pieces, until the meat is cooked through and the onions are translucent, 7-8 minutes. Drain excess grease.
Stir in the tomato paste, BBQ sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire, and soy sauce and a pinch of black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer ,and cook until the sauce is slightly thickened, 4 to 5 minutes. Add additional salt and pepper, to taste, if needed.
Serve the sloppy joe meat warm on buns or rolls.
Notes
Smaller Batch: this recipe can easily be halved.Soy Sauce: regular soy sauce might make this recipe too salty. I always use low-sodium. If you only have regular soy sauce, consider decreasing the amount to 2 tablespoons.BBQ Sauce: my favorite storebought BBQ sauces are Sweet Baby Ray's or Kinders. This homemade BBQ sauce is amazing.Freezing: the prepared sloppy joe meat freezes great (it can also be made several days ahead of time, refrigerated, and reheated).Nutrition Facts: The bun is not calculated into the nutrition facts.