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

Tips for success

For a slightly more toasted bun that stands up to the saucy filling, lightly butter the cut sides of the sandwich buns before placing them under the broiler for a minute or two. This creates a protective barrier that prevents the bread from soaking up the sauce too quickly, keeping your sandwich intact until the very last bite.

If you prefer a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture before cooking. These additions will intensify the flavor profile without changing the fundamental preparation of the recipe, making it easy to customize the heat level to suit personal preferences while keeping the method simple and straightforward.

Variations

• Cheesy Turkey Sloppy Joes: Stir in one cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese during the final five minutes of cooking. The cheese melts into the sauce, creating a creamy and indulgent texture that pairs perfectly with the savory turkey.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Add a small can of diced green chiles and a teaspoon of cumin to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients. This variation adds a subtle kick and a smoky depth to the traditional profile.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.

Reheat

Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop until steaming hot.

Store any leftover sloppy joe filling in an airtight container. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature for no more than two hours before placing it in the refrigerator.

Properly stored, the filling will maintain its quality for up to three days. When ready to eat, simply scoop the desired amount into a saucepan and heat gently over low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.

This dish is excellent for making ahead, as the flavors often improve after sitting in the refrigerator overnight. You can prepare the mixture entirely as directed, let it cool completely, and then store it in the refrigerator.

When you are ready to serve, reheat the mixture on the stovetop or in the microwave until it is heated through, then toast your fresh buns and assemble the sandwiches just before eating.

Serving ideas

Serve these sloppy joes alongside classic sides like coleslaw, potato chips, or a crisp green salad to balance the richness of the meat. The combination of the warm, savory filling and the cool, crunchy sides creates a satisfying meal.

Consider setting out a variety of toppings such as sliced pickles, diced red onion, or shredded cheddar cheese to allow guests to personalize their sandwiches further.

For a more substantial meal, serve the filling over a baked potato or inside a toasted bread bowl instead of a traditional bun. The versatility of this sloppy joe filling makes it a great option for casual gatherings or easy family dinners.

Ensure the filling is served hot to get the best texture and flavor, and keep extra napkins on hand for the inevitable mess that makes sloppy joes so fun.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Ground Turkey Sloppy Joes

Prep 10 minCook 4 hTotal 4 h 10 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 cup green bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup yellow onion, diced
• 1 packet sloppy joe seasoning mix
• 15 oz tomato sauce
• 6 sandwich buns, toasted

Instructions

1. Place the raw ground turkey into the bottom of the slow cooker. Break it up slightly with a spoon. Add the diced green bell pepper and diced onion on top of the turkey.
2. Sprinkle the seasoning packet over the mixture in the slow cooker. Pour the tomato sauce over everything. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours until the turkey reaches 165°F (74°C).
3. Remove the lid and stir the mixture well to break apart any large pieces of turkey and incorporate the sauce. Serve immediately on toasted sandwich buns.

Contains: gluten

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

320

Protein

22 g

Carbohydrates

35 g

Fat

9 g

Fiber

3 g

Sugar

12 g

Sodium

750 mg

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