Skip to content
Allquickyrecipes Search recipes

Dinner · Part 3 of 3: Tips & recipe card

Slow Cooker Turkey Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

A close-up view of the slow cooker filled with cooked turkey, peppers, onions, and melted provolone cheese.
Prep
Cook
Total
Serves
6

Tips for success

For an even more authentic Philly cheesesteak experience, consider lightly toasting your rolls or buns with a little bit of butter before adding the turkey mixture. This adds a nice crunch and helps prevent the bread from becoming soggy. You can also serve the sandwiches with a side of pickles or a simple green salad to balance the richness of the cheese and meat.

If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding a dash of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños along with the bell peppers. This subtle addition of spice can complement the savory notes of the steak seasoning and the creaminess of the provolone.

Experimenting with different types of onions, such as red or sweet yellow onions, can also slightly alter the flavor profile to suit your personal preference.

Variations

  • Spicy Philly Style: Add two chopped banana peppers or a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the slow cooker along with the green peppers to give the dish a pleasant, tangy heat.
  • Mushroom Philly: Include one cup of sliced cremini or button mushrooms in the slow cooker. The mushrooms add an earthy depth and absorb the savory juices, making the mixture even more flavorful.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge
Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer
Freeze in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.
Reheat
Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove over low heat until steaming hot.

Allow any leftovers to cool to room temperature for no more than two hours before transferring them to an airtight container. Storing the mixture in smaller portions can help it cool faster and make it easier to reheat individual servings later. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent the mixture from drying out while in the refrigerator.

This dish is an excellent candidate for making ahead, as the flavors often improve after sitting in the refrigerator overnight. You can prepare the entire mixture, let it cool completely, and then store it in the refrigerator for up to three days.

When you are ready to eat, simply reheat the desired amount on the stovetop or in the microwave until it is heated through and the cheese is melted and creamy.

Serving ideas

Serve this mixture warm, scooped generously onto toasted hoagie rolls or crusty sandwich buns. The classic way to enjoy this is as a sandwich, but it also works well served over a bed of fluffy rice or with a side of roasted potatoes for a different kind of meal.

The combination of tender turkey and melted cheese makes for a very satisfying and filling main course that is sure to please.

For a fun family dinner, set up a small station with different toppings like pickled peppers, extra grated cheese, or a drizzle of hot sauce, allowing everyone to customize their own sandwiches.

This makes the meal interactive and ensures that each person gets exactly what they like. The versatility of this sloppy joe filling means it pairs well with a variety of sides, so feel free to get creative with your serving choices.

Frequently asked questions

Can this recipe be made using high heat instead of low?
Cooking on high is not recommended for this recipe. A lower, slower cooking temperature is essential for ground turkey to ensure it stays tender and does not become tough or dry. The four-hour low setting provides the perfect environment for the vegetables to soften and the flavors to meld without overcooking the meat.
Why does the mixture seem watery after cooking?
Vegetables like peppers and onions release a significant amount of water as they cook. If the mixture appears too liquid, you can leave the lid off during the final 15 to 20 minutes of cooking time to allow some of the moisture to evaporate. Alternatively, you can use a slotted spoon to serve the meat and vegetables, leaving the excess liquid behind.
Is it possible to use a different cheese?
While provolone is the classic choice for a Philly cheesesteak, you can certainly experiment with other melting cheeses. Mild white American cheese, Swiss, or even a low-moisture mozzarella will work well. The key is to select a cheese that melts smoothly and has a mild flavor that does not overpower the seasoning of the turkey and vegetables.
Recipe card

Slow Cooker Turkey Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes

Prep 10 minCook 4 hTotal 4 h 10 minServes 6
A close-up view of the slow cooker filled with cooked turkey, peppers, onions, and melted provolone cheese.

Ingredients

  • 2 lb ground turkey
  • 2 cups green bell pepper strips
  • 1 cup onion slices
  • 1 tbsp steak seasoning
  • 6 slices provolone cheese

Instructions

  1. Place the raw ground turkey into the bottom of the slow cooker, breaking it up slightly into loose crumbles. Evenly scatter the sliced green bell peppers and onions over the top of the turkey. Sprinkle the steak seasoning generously over the vegetables and meat to ensure even flavor distribution throughout the cooking process.
  2. Arrange the slices of provolone cheese in a single layer over the top of the seasoned turkey and vegetable mixture. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 4 hours. This slow cooking method allows the turkey to become tender and the vegetables to soften perfectly while the cheese melts into the mixture. Ensure the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  3. Once the cooking time is complete, remove the lid and gently stir the mixture to combine the melted cheese, softened vegetables, and cooked turkey crumbles into a cohesive sloppy joe filling. Serve immediately while hot, portioning the mixture onto your choice of toasted rolls or buns for a classic sandwich experience.
Contains: milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories
380
Protein
32 g
Carbohydrates
8 g
Fat
24 g
Fiber
1.5 g
Sugar
3 g
Sodium
650 mg
Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.
Recipe by Clara Weller (pen name) · Allquickyrecipes · https://recipes.allquickyrecipes.com/slow-cooker-turkey-philly-cheesesteak-sloppy-joes/part-3