Easy Slow Cooker Root Beer Turkey Sloppy Joes Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a deeper flavor, you can toast the buns before adding the sloppy joe mixture. This adds a nice crunch that contrasts with the soft, saucy turkey. If you prefer a bit of heat, consider stirring in a dash of red pepper flakes or a small amount of hot sauce during the final 30 minutes of the cooking process.

Always allow leftovers to cool for no more than 2 hours before transferring them to airtight containers for refrigeration. This practice ensures food safety and maintains the quality of the sauce.

When storing, keep the meat mixture separate from the buns, as the sauce will cause the bread to become soggy if they are stored together.

Variations

• Spicy Root Beer Turkey: Add two finely minced jalapeño peppers along with the onions and bell peppers to introduce a gentle heat that balances the sweetness of the root beer and brown sugar.
• Smoky BBQ Turkey: Substitute half of the ketchup with your favorite smoky barbecue sauce to create a deeper, wood-fired flavor profile that complements the ground turkey perfectly.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure it is cooled within 2 hours of cooking.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat until steaming hot, adding a tablespoon of water if the sauce is too thick.

Store any leftover turkey sloppy joe mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Ensure the container is sealed tightly to prevent the sauce from drying out or absorbing other odors from the fridge. For longer storage, the mixture can be frozen for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe bag or container.

This dish is an excellent candidate for making ahead, as the flavors often improve after sitting for a day. Simply prepare the recipe as instructed, allow it to cool completely, and refrigerate.

When ready to serve, reheat the mixture gently on the stove over low heat, adding a small splash of water or root beer if the sauce has become too thick.

Serving ideas

Serve the sloppy joes warm on toasted brioche or hamburger buns. The softness of the bun is the perfect vessel for the rich, saucy turkey filling. For a complete meal, consider pairing the sloppy joes with a crisp coleslaw or a side of oven-roasted potato wedges to balance the sweetness of the root beer glaze.

If you prefer a lower-carb option, the mixture is excellent served over a baked sweet potato or inside large lettuce leaves.

The savory-sweet profile of the turkey pairs beautifully with fresh, crunchy toppings like diced red onion, pickles, or a sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese. Adjust the toppings based on personal preference to create a customized dinner experience.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Easy Slow Cooker Root Beer Turkey Sloppy Joes

Prep 10 minCook 4 hTotal 4 h 10 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 2 lb ground turkey
• 1 cup diced onion
• 1 cup diced green bell pepper
• 1 tsp dry mustard
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 12 oz root beer
• 1 cup ketchup

Instructions

1. Add the ground turkey to the base of the slow cooker insert. Scatter the diced onion and green bell pepper over the top. Sprinkle the dry mustard and brown sugar evenly over the mixture to ensure the flavors distribute well as the turkey cooks.
2. Pour the root beer and ketchup over the turkey and vegetable mixture. Use a spoon to gently stir everything together until the ingredients are well incorporated and the turkey is coated in the liquid. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 4 hours.
3. Once the cooking time is complete, verify that the internal temperature of the turkey has reached 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer. Stir the mixture one last time to ensure the sauce has thickened and the flavors are balanced. Serve hot on toasted buns or as preferred.

Contains: gluten, mustard

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

320

Protein

24.5 g

Carbohydrates

32 g

Fat

8.5 g

Fiber

1.5 g

Sugar

22 g

Sodium

650 mg

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