Slow Cooker Pizza Sloppy Joes for Easy Weeknight Dinners Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For those who enjoy extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes into the mixture before cooking to introduce a subtle heat.

If you prefer a cheesier experience, you can stir in a handful of shredded mozzarella or parmesan cheese during the final stirring phase, allowing it to melt into the hot sauce just before serving. This adds a delightful creaminess that complements the pizza-inspired profile perfectly.

Serving suggestions are endless. While the mixture can be enjoyed directly from a plate, it is traditionally served on toasted buns or slider rolls. To elevate the presentation, consider adding a side of fresh green salad or roasted vegetables.

The leftovers also work well when served over cooked pasta or even as a topping for baked potatoes, making this a highly versatile dish to keep in your regular meal rotation.

Variations

• Veggie-Packed Version: Add finely diced bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms to the slow cooker along with the turkey. These vegetables add extra texture and sweetness, making the dish even more hearty and flavorful.
• Spicy Pizza Sloppy Joes: Incorporate a tablespoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the mix. This variation brings a welcome heat that pairs beautifully with the savory pepperoni and pizza sauce.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezer

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

Reheat

Reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat until steaming hot, or microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring until reaching 165°F (74°C).

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Ensure the mixture cools down to room temperature within two hours of cooking before placing it in the fridge to maintain food safety. When storing, ensure the container is sealed tightly to prevent the sauce from drying out or absorbing other odors from the refrigerator.

This recipe is excellent for making ahead of time. You can prepare the mixture the day before and reheat it when ready to serve. The flavors often deepen and improve after sitting in the refrigerator overnight.

Simply store the cooled mixture in the fridge and gently reheat it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much during storage.

Serving ideas

Serve the pizza sloppy joes hot, ideally spooned onto toasted hamburger buns or soft brioche rolls. The contrast between the warm, savory filling and the slightly crisp bread provides a satisfying texture.

For a more substantial meal, serve with a side of crispy oven-baked potato wedges or a fresh garden salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pizza sauce.

If serving for a larger group, you can keep the mixture warm in the slow cooker on the 'keep warm' setting for a limited time. Provide a variety of toppings on the side, such as additional shredded cheese, fresh basil leaves, or even some extra pepperoni slices, allowing guests to customize their own sloppy joe experience according to their personal preferences.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Pizza Sloppy Joes for Easy Weeknight Dinners

Prep 5 minCook 4 hTotal 4 h 5 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground turkey
• 4 oz pepperoni slices
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 24 oz pizza sauce

Instructions

1. Place the raw ground turkey into the slow cooker insert. Add the pepperoni slices, Italian seasoning, and pizza sauce on top of the turkey. Do not stir yet, as the ingredients will meld during the cooking process.
2. Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Set the cooker to the low setting and cook for approximately 4 hours, or until the turkey is fully cooked through and the sauce is bubbling. The turkey must reach 165°F (74°C).
3. Remove the lid and use a large spoon to stir the mixture, breaking up any remaining large turkey crumbles and ensuring the sauce and pepperoni are well incorporated. Serve warm on plates.

Contains: gluten

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

320

Protein

35 g

Carbohydrates

12 g

Fat

14 g

Fiber

2 g

Sugar

6 g

Sodium

850 mg

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