Slow Cooker Buffalo Turkey Sloppy Joes Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To add extra texture, consider serving these sloppy joes on toasted buns, which provide a nice crunch to contrast with the tender turkey mixture. If you prefer a lighter option, the mixture can also be served over a bed of crisp shredded lettuce or alongside fresh vegetable sticks for a refreshing take on the classic sloppy joe format.

If you find the sauce is slightly too thin after the cooking time, leave the lid off for the final 15 minutes of cooking.

This allows excess moisture to evaporate, resulting in a thicker, more concentrated sauce that clings beautifully to the turkey. Adjusting the consistency at the end of the cooking process ensures your dish is exactly how you like it.

Variations

• Cheesy Buffalo Turkey: Stir in a half cup of shredded cheddar or blue cheese crumbles just before serving. The cheese melts into the sauce, adding a creamy, rich element that pairs perfectly with the spicy buffalo flavor.
• Extra Spicy Version: Add a few dashes of cayenne pepper or finely diced jalapeño peppers when adding the onions and celery. This increases the heat level for those who prefer a more intense, spicy kick in their sloppy joes.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure the food cools down to room temperature within 2 hours before refrigerating.

Freezer

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

Reheat

Reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat until steaming hot, or microwave in 30-second intervals until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure the mixture cools to room temperature within 2 hours of cooking before placing it in the fridge to maintain safety and quality.

When reheating, use a saucepan on the stove over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much while in storage.

This dish is an excellent candidate for making ahead, as the flavors often improve after sitting in the refrigerator for a day. You can prepare the mixture entirely, let it cool, and store it for later use.

When ready to serve, simply reheat it gently on the stovetop until it reaches a safe internal temperature, ensuring it remains as moist and flavorful as it was when first prepared.

Serving ideas

Serve the hot buffalo turkey mixture piled high on toasted brioche or hamburger buns for the most authentic experience.

The contrast between the soft, savory meat and the toasted bread creates a satisfying bite that is perfect for casual dinners. Providing extra napkins is recommended, as this is a hearty and saucy meal that is best enjoyed with enthusiasm.

For a more creative serving presentation, consider spooning the buffalo turkey mixture over baked potatoes or into lettuce wraps for a low-bun alternative. You can also pair the sloppy joes with a side of coleslaw or corn on the cob to round out the meal with fresh, crunchy elements that complement the bold, tangy heat of the buffalo tomato sauce.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Buffalo Turkey Sloppy Joes

Prep 10 minCook 4 hTotal 4 h 10 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 1/2 cup onion, diced
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 1/2 cups buffalo tomato sauce

Instructions

1. Place the raw ground turkey into the base of the slow cooker, breaking it into smaller crumbles with a spoon to ensure even cooking throughout the process.
2. Scatter the diced celery and onion over the turkey. Sprinkle the garlic powder evenly over the mixture, then pour the buffalo tomato sauce over the top.
3. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours. Once finished, stir the mixture thoroughly to combine the sauce and cooked meat. Ensure the ground turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.

Contains: celery

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

320

Protein

28 g

Carbohydrates

18 g

Fat

14 g

Fiber

2 g

Sugar

12 g

Sodium

750 mg

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