Crock Pot Turkey Sloppy Joes

This Crock Pot Turkey Sloppy Joes recipe is a savory and easy-to-make meal, which uses lean ground turkey and red bell pepper. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner, ready in about 6 hours and 10 minutes.

Crock Pot Turkey Sloppy Joes Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 large red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1 lb 93% lean dark meat ground turkey
• 1 tsp granulated garlic powder
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 3/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tsp yellow mustard
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1/4 cup water

How To Make Crock Pot Turkey Sloppy Joes

1. Sauté vegetables:
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and bell pepper and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Brown the turkey:
   Add ground turkey, ½ teaspoon salt, and garlic powder. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring and breaking up the meat until fully cooked.
3. Transfer to slow cooker:
   Move the cooked turkey mixture to a 6-quart slow cooker.
4. Add remaining ingredients:
   Stir in the remaining ½ teaspoon salt, ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, tomato paste, and water until fully combined.
5. Slow cook:
   Cover and cook on high for 3–4 hours or on low for 5–6 hours. The longer cook time will give you a more tender texture.

Recipe Tips

• Can I use white meat turkey instead of dark?
  Yes, but dark meat stays juicier and holds up better during slow cooking.
• How to thicken sloppy joes if too watery:
  Remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking on high to allow excess liquid to evaporate.
• Best buns for sloppy joes:
  Use soft sandwich buns, brioche, or hamburger buns for best results.
• How to add spice:
  Add a dash of hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes to give it a kick.
• Can I double the recipe?
  Yes, just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the extra volume.

What To Serve With Turkey Sloppy Joes

These sloppy joes are flavorful on their own but shine with classic sides like:

• Sweet potato fries
• Coleslaw
• Pickle spears
• Corn on the cob
• Baked beans

How To Store Turkey Sloppy Joes

Refrigerate:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freeze:
Let cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Turkey Sloppy Joes Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 188 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Protein: 15g
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 56mg
• Sodium: 775mg
• Sugar: 9g
• Fiber: 1g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I cook turkey sloppy joes without a slow cooker?
Yes, just simmer the mixture on the stovetop for 15–20 minutes after browning the meat.

What’s the best way to reheat sloppy joe meat?
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, adding a splash of water if needed.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can fully cook the mixture and store it in the fridge or freezer until ready to serve.

How to reduce sugar in this recipe?
Use sugar-free ketchup and reduce the amount of brown sugar to 1 tablespoon or omit it entirely.

Are turkey sloppy joes healthy?
Yes, using lean turkey keeps the fat low while still providing a high-protein meal.

Try More Recipes:

• Crock Pot Turkey Roast Recipe
• Crock Pot Turkey Taco Soup Recipe
• Crock Pot Turkey Rice Soup