Slow Cooker BBQ Bacon Turkey Sloppy Joes Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To add a bit of heat, stir in a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce along with the barbecue sauce. This provides a nice contrast to the sweetness of the brown sugar and the savory bacon, rounding out the flavor profile of the sloppy joes for those who enjoy a spicier finish to their meals.

For a more robust texture, consider adding finely diced bell peppers or celery when you add the onions. These vegetables will soften during the slow cooking process and provide additional depth and crunch.

Always ensure that any additional vegetables are diced to a similar size as the onions to ensure they cook evenly within the allotted time frame.

Variations

• Spicy BBQ Turkey: Add two diced jalapeños and a tablespoon of chili powder to the mixture before cooking to introduce a bold, spicy kick that cuts through the sweetness.
• Smoky Apple Turkey: Incorporate one finely diced apple into the slow cooker to add a subtle fruitiness that pairs beautifully with the barbecue sauce and salty bacon bits.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat or in the microwave until hot throughout.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Ensure the mixture has cooled to room temperature, but no longer than two hours, before placing it in the fridge. This practice helps maintain the quality and safety of the dish, allowing you to enjoy the leftovers for a quick lunch or dinner later in the week.

This recipe is excellent for making ahead, as the flavors often deepen after sitting in the refrigerator overnight. Simply prepare the recipe as directed, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container.

When ready to serve, reheat the mixture gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce has become too thick during storage.

Serving ideas

Serve the warm sloppy joe mixture piled high on toasted brioche or sturdy hamburger buns. The toasted surface of the bun helps to prevent the sauce from making the bread soggy, providing a pleasant contrast in texture.

For a complete meal, pair these with a side of crunchy coleslaw or a simple green salad to balance the richness of the barbecue sauce.

Alternatively, serve the mixture over a baked potato or inside a toasted pita pocket for a different presentation. The versatility of this sloppy joe filling makes it a great option for various serving methods.

Always offer extra napkins on the side, as these are meant to be enjoyed in a messy, authentic, and delicious way, just as a classic sloppy joe should be.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker BBQ Bacon Turkey Sloppy Joes

Prep 10 minCook 4 hTotal 4 h 10 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 2 lb ground turkey
• 8 oz bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup onion, diced
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 1/2 cups barbecue sauce

Instructions

1. Place the raw ground turkey into the slow cooker insert. Add the crumbled cooked bacon, diced onion, brown sugar, and barbecue sauce on top of the turkey. Use a spoon to gently combine all the ingredients until the turkey is well coated in the sauce and the aromatics are distributed evenly throughout the mixture.
2. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours. This slow cooking process allows the turkey to cook through while absorbing the smoky flavors of the bacon and the sweetness of the barbecue sauce. The mixture will release juices as it cooks, which will eventually thicken into a rich, savory sauce. Ensure the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
3. Once the cooking time is complete, remove the lid and give the sloppy joe mixture a final stir to incorporate any juices that have settled at the bottom. If the sauce is too thin, stir it well to distribute the bacon and onion throughout. Serve the warm turkey mixture immediately on toasted buns or as preferred for a hearty meal.

Contains: gluten

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

320

Protein

28 g

Carbohydrates

22 g

Fat

12 g

Fiber

1 g

Sugar

18 g

Sodium

750 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.