Description
This Greek Crock Pot Sloppy Joes recipe is a flavorful and healthier twist on the classic sloppy joe sandwich. Using lean ground turkey, chickpeas, and a blend of Mediterranean seasonings, this slow-cooked filling is perfect for a comforting meal. Served on whole wheat buns with crumbled reduced-fat feta cheese and fresh sliced cucumber, it offers a delicious combination of hearty and fresh flavors making it ideal for a family-friendly dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 pound ground turkey (93% lean)
- 1 cup chopped red onion (about 1 small/medium onion)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (plus additional to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 red bell pepper (chopped into 1/2-inch pieces)
- 1 can reduced-sodium chickpeas (14.5 ounces), rinsed and drained
- 1 can tomato sauce (15 ounces)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
To Serve
- 8 whole wheat hamburger buns (toasted if desired)
- 6 ounces reduced-fat crumbled feta cheese
- Sliced cucumber
Instructions
- Prepare the slow cooker: Coat a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking and set it aside for later use.
- Cook the turkey mixture: Heat the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey and chopped red onion. Cook while breaking up the meat until turkey is fully cooked and onions are tender, about 5-6 minutes.
- Add seasonings and garlic: Stir in the minced garlic, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Cook for about 30 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant, then transfer this mixture into the prepared slow cooker.
- Add remaining ingredients to slow cooker: Add chopped red bell pepper, drained chickpeas, tomato sauce, tomato paste, honey, and dried oregano to the slow cooker. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Slow cook the filling: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4 hours. This allows the vegetables to soften, the flavors to meld together, and the filling to become hot and ready to serve.
- Assemble and serve: Spoon the warm mixture onto the bottom half of whole wheat hamburger buns. Top with crumbled reduced-fat feta cheese and sliced cucumber, then cover with the top bun. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Using 93% lean ground turkey keeps the dish lower in fat while ensuring juicy flavor.
- Rinsing and draining the chickpeas helps reduce sodium content and prevents the filling from becoming too liquidy.
- If you prefer a spicier taste, consider adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes during cooking.
- To make the buns toasty, toast them lightly before serving for added texture.
- This recipe can be doubled easily by adjusting slow cooker size or cooking in batches.
- Leftover filling can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Greek