Description
A flavorful and spicy take on the classic sloppy joe, featuring lean ground turkey simmered with tangy tomato sauce, hot sauce, and a mix of vegetables. This versatile recipe also offers a vegetarian option using Morning Star Chik’n Strips, making it suitable for different dietary preferences. Served on hamburger buns and topped with crumbly blue cheese, these Buffalo Sloppy Joes strike the perfect balance of heat and savory comfort.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs extra lean ground turkey (vegetarian option: Morning Star Chik’n Strips)
- 2 celery ribs, chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 medium carrot, grated
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (8oz) tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (vegetarian option: vegetable broth)
- 1/4 cup Louisiana-style hot sauce (reduce to 1/8 cup for milder flavor)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 8 hamburger buns
- 1 cup crumbled blue cheese for topping
Instructions
- Prepare Vegetables: Chop the onion, celery, and garlic cloves finely. Grate the carrot to prepare all the vegetables needed for the sauce base.
- Cook Protein and Vegetables: In a large pan over medium heat, cook the ground turkey (or Morning Star Chik’n Strips for the vegetarian version) along with the chopped celery, onion, grated carrot, and minced garlic. Continue cooking until the turkey is no longer pink and the vegetables are soft, ensuring the mixture is well combined.
- Add Sauces and Seasonings: Stir in the tomato sauce, chicken or vegetable broth, Louisiana hot sauce, brown sugar, red wine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly and heat the entire mixture through until it simmers and flavors meld, about 5-7 minutes.
- Serve: Spoon the spicy Buffalo sloppy joe mixture onto hamburger buns. Top each sandwich with crumbled blue cheese if desired. Serve immediately for a delicious spicy meal perfect for casual dining or entertaining.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce to suit the spice tolerance of your guests, especially when serving children.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute ground turkey with Morning Star Chik’n Strips and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Extra blue cheese can be served on the side for those wanting a richer flavor.
- This recipe can easily be doubled to serve a larger crowd.
- Make sure to cook the turkey thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
