Crock Pot Turkey Sloppy Joes – Easy & Hearty
Crock Pot Ground Turkey Sloppy Joes
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.8 from 2,500 fans)
📸 1100+ photo shares | ☀️ Updated December 2025
There’s nothing quite like the comforting hug of a classic Sloppy Joe, is there? But what if I told you we could take that beloved childhood favorite, make it a little lighter, and turn it into the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal? Enter these incredible Crock Pot Ground Turkey Sloppy Joes! This recipe takes all the nostalgic flavor you adore and transforms it into a wholesome, easy-peasy weeknight wonder that’s just as delicious on a busy Tuesday as it is for a laid-back weekend get-together. Get ready for a meal that will make everyone at your table smile!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe!
- Effortless: The slow cooker does 90% of the work for you. Perfect for busy days!
- Healthier Twist: Ground turkey keeps it lean without sacrificing any of that rich, savory flavor.
- Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike devour these! It’s pure comfort food joy.
- Meal Prep Dream: Makes fantastic leftovers and can even be frozen for future quick dinners.
- Versatile: Easy to customize with your favorite veggies or a kick of spice.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs lean ground turkey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or maple syrup for a refined sugar-free option)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 6-8 hamburger buns, for serving
- Optional: Cheese slices, pickles, or extra onion for topping
How to Make Crock Pot Ground Turkey Sloppy Joes
- Brown the Turkey: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until no longer pink. Drain any excess grease.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet with the turkey. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Combine in Slow Cooker: Transfer the turkey and vegetable mixture to your Crock Pot Ground Turkey Sloppy Joes.
- Add Sauce Ingredients: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, or until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded beautifully. Stir occasionally if desired.
- Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve generously on toasted hamburger buns. This Sloppy Joe mixture is simply divine!
Fun Twists & Serving Ideas
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture for some heat.
- Veggies Galore: Stir in finely diced carrots, celery, or even corn during the last hour of cooking for added nutrition and texture.
- Cheese Please: Top your Sloppy Joes with a slice of cheddar or provolone cheese for extra deliciousness.
- Different Servings: Instead of buns, serve over baked potatoes, sweet potatoes, rice, pasta, or even on lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
- Sliders: Use smaller dinner rolls to make cute and easy Crock Pot Ground Turkey Sloppy Joes sliders, perfect for parties!
Reader Reviews
Maria S. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“This recipe is a lifesaver! My kids absolutely loved these Crock Pot Ground Turkey Sloppy Joes. So easy to throw together in the morning and come home to a delicious meal. The turkey keeps it light, but it’s still packed with flavor. Definitely a new family favorite!”
David P. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“I was skeptical about turkey Sloppy Joes, but this recipe completely won me over. The slow cooker makes the sauce incredibly rich and tender. I added a little extra hot sauce for a kick, and it was perfect. Great for meal prepping lunches too!”
Sarah L. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“A solid, comforting meal. Prep was quick, and the slow cooker did its magic. I found it a touch sweet for my personal taste, so next time I’ll reduce the brown sugar, but overall, a very satisfying dinner. My husband devoured his!”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use ground beef instead of ground turkey?
A: Absolutely! If you prefer, you can substitute lean ground beef for the turkey. Just be sure to drain any excess fat after browning.
Q: How long can I store leftovers?
A: Leftover Crock Pot Ground Turkey Sloppy Joes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They reheat wonderfully!
Q: Can I freeze this recipe?
A: Yes! This recipe freezes beautifully. Let the mixture cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe bags or containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Q: What side dishes go well with Sloppy Joes?
A: Classic sides include coleslaw, potato chips, french fries, tater tots, a simple green salad, or corn on the cob. Pickles are also a must!
Conclusion
There you have it – a truly magical way to bring the joy of a Sloppy Joe to your weeknight table, made even easier and healthier with the power of your slow cooker and lean ground turkey. This Crock Pot Ground Turkey Sloppy Joes recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special and comforting. I hope it brings as much warmth and happiness to your family as it does to mine!
Recipe Note:
Total preparation time includes browning the turkey and chopping vegetables. Actual active cooking time is minimal.
Crock Pot Ground Turkey Sloppy Joes
Cook Time: Cook: 3-4 hours
Total Time: 3.5 – 8.5 hours
Course: Main
Servings: 6-8
Calories: Approx. 380 per serving (without bun)
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs lean ground turkey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar (packed)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup water or chicken broth (optional, for thinning if needed)
Instructions
1.Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned. Drain off any excess fat. Transfer the cooked turkey to a 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker.
2. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Transfer the vegetables to the slow cooker with the turkey.
3. To the slow cooker, add the tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir all ingredients well to combine.
4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, or until the sauce is bubbly and flavors are well melded.
5. If the mixture seems too thick, stir in 1/4 cup of water or chicken broth. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired.
6. Serve hot on toasted hamburger buns.
Chef’s Notes: For a thicker sauce, you can remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking on high, or the last hour on low. Adjust sugar and chili powder to your taste. Serve on toasted buns, with pickles, cheese, or a side salad.
