This Crock Pot Italian Sloppy Joe recipe is a delightful twist on a classic favorite, combining the rich flavors of Italian turkey sausage and crushed tomatoes with the freshness of bell peppers. It’s slow-cooked to perfection, making it an easy yet satisfying meal for any day of the week.
Photos of Crock Pot Italian Sloppy Joe Recipe
If you don’t usually have Italian turkey sausage or provolone in your home, you’ll want to make a special trip to the supermarket for these. The Italian turkey sausage adds a unique flavor profile that differentiates this dish from traditional Sloppy Joes, while the provolone offers a creamy, mild complement to the savory filling.
Ingredients For Crock Pot Italian Sloppy Joe Recipe
Italian turkey sausage: Lean and flavorful sausage that forms the base of our dish.
Onions: Adds sweetness and depth to the filling.
Garlic cloves: Provides a pungent, aromatic flavor.
Red bell pepper: Brings sweetness and vibrant color.
Green bell pepper: Adds a mild, slightly bitter taste to balance the sweetness of the red bell pepper.
Crushed tomatoes: Forms the saucy base of the Sloppy Joes.
Dried rosemary: A fragrant herb that adds a pine-like flavor.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
Fresh cracked pepper: Adds a hint of spiciness and complexity.
Whole wheat potato rolls: The sturdy vessel that holds the delicious filling.
Provolone: Creamy cheese that melts perfectly over the hot filling.
Baby spinach: Adds a fresh, green crunch to the Sloppy Joes.
One reader, Cori Danner says:
This crock pot Italian sloppy joe recipe is a game-changer! The flavors meld perfectly, and the turkey sausage adds a delicious twist. It's an easy, hearty meal that my whole family loves. The provolone and baby spinach are the perfect finishing touches. Highly recommend!
Cooking Techniques for Italian Sloppy Joes
How to cook sausage: Cook the sausage over medium-high heat in a non-stick skillet, breaking it up into small bits until it is cooked through, which takes about 5 to 6 minutes.
How to chop onions and garlic: Finely chop the onions and garlic cloves before adding them to the skillet.
How to transfer to slow cooker: After cooking the sausage, onions, and garlic, transfer the mixture to the slow cooker.
How to chop bell peppers: Chop the red and green bell peppers into small pieces before adding them to the slow cooker.
How to serve: Place a heaping ½ cup of the cooked meat mixture on a roll, and if desired, top with a slice of provolone cheese and baby spinach.
How To Make Crock Pot Italian Sloppy Joe
This sloppy joe recipe is full of Italian flavors. Slow-cooked turkey sausage, onions, tomatoes, and peppers are served on a roll with some melted cheese.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1lbItalian turkey sausage,removed from casing
- ½cuponions,chopped
- 3garlic cloves,minced
- 1red bell pepper,chopped in ½-inch pieces
- 1green bell pepper,chopped in ½-inch pieces
- 1⅓cupscrushed tomatoes,Tutorosso
- ½tspdried rosemary
- salt and fresh cracked pepper,to taste
For Serving:
- 6whole wheat 100-calorie potato rolls
- 6slicesprovolone,reduced fat, Sargento
- 1cupbaby spinach
Instructions
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In a medium non-stick skillet, cook the sausage over medium-high heat for about 5 to 6 minutes, breaking up as it cooks into small bits until cooked through
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Add onions and garlic, and cook for another 2 minutes.
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Transfer to the slow cooker and add the bell peppers, crushed tomatoes, rosemary and fresh cracked pepper.
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Cover and cook on Low for 4 hours.
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To serve, place heaping ½ cup of meat on a roll and if desired, top with cheese and baby spinach.
Nutrition
- Calories: 404.63kcal
- Fat: 15.66g
- Saturated Fat: 6.33g
- Trans Fat: 0.26g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 4.09g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.12g
- Carbohydrates: 36.18g
- Fiber: 5.90g
- Sugar: 9.76g
- Protein: 30.12g
- Cholesterol: 76.02mg
- Sodium: 1011.05mg
- Calcium: 367.12mg
- Potassium: 925.81mg
- Iron: 3.37mg
- Vitamin A: 138.32µg
- Vitamin C: 49.58mg
Pro Tip for Perfecting Italian Sloppy Joes
To enhance the flavor of the italian turkey sausage, consider browning it in the skillet until it develops a slight caramelization. This will add a deeper, richer taste to your sloppy joe mixture before transferring it to the slow cooker.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Crock Pot Sloppy Joes
Pre-cook the sausage: Cook the italian turkey sausage ahead of time and store it in the fridge. This way, you can just add it to the slow cooker when you're ready.
Chop vegetables in advance: Dice the onions, garlic, and bell peppers the night before and store them in airtight containers.
Use pre-crushed tomatoes: Opt for canned crushed tomatoes to save time on prep.
Pre-measure spices: Measure out the dried rosemary, salt, and pepper in advance and keep them in small containers.
Assemble the night before: Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker insert and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, just place the insert in the cooker and turn it on.
Substitute Ingredients For Crock Pot Italian Sloppy Joe Recipe
italian turkey sausage - Substitute with italian chicken sausage: Italian chicken sausage offers a similar flavor profile and texture, making it a suitable alternative.
onions - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder, slightly sweeter taste that can complement the other ingredients well.
garlic cloves - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used in a pinch, though fresh garlic is preferred for its robust flavor.
red bell pepper - Substitute with yellow bell pepper: Yellow bell peppers have a similar sweetness and texture, making them a good alternative.
green bell pepper - Substitute with poblano pepper: Poblano peppers offer a mild heat and earthy flavor that can add a different dimension to the dish.
crushed tomatoes - Substitute with tomato sauce: Tomato sauce can provide a similar consistency and flavor, though it may be slightly smoother.
dried rosemary - Substitute with dried thyme: Dried thyme offers a different but complementary herbal note that can work well in the recipe.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a savory depth of flavor, though it will also introduce a different taste profile.
fresh cracked pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar spiciness but with a slightly different flavor that can be interesting.
whole wheat 100-calorie potato rolls - Substitute with whole wheat hamburger buns: Whole wheat hamburger buns offer a similar texture and nutritional profile.
provolone - Substitute with mozzarella: Mozzarella has a mild flavor and melts well, making it a suitable alternative to provolone.
baby spinach - Substitute with arugula: Arugula provides a peppery flavor that can add an interesting twist to the dish.
How to Plate and Present Italian Sloppy Joes
Use artisanal rolls: Opt for freshly baked whole wheat potato rolls from a local bakery to elevate the presentation and flavor.
Shape the sausage mix: Form the italian turkey sausage mixture into a neat, compact mound using a ring mold for a refined look.
Layer with precision: Place a slice of provolone cheese on top of the sausage mound, allowing it to melt slightly for a visually appealing effect.
Add vibrant colors: Arrange a few leaves of baby spinach on top of the cheese, ensuring they are fresh and vibrant for a pop of color.
Garnish with finesse: Finely chop some fresh herbs like parsley or basil and sprinkle them over the top for an added touch of elegance and freshness.
Serve with a side: Pair the Italian Sloppy Joe with a small side salad of mixed greens, lightly dressed with a simple vinaigrette to complement the flavors.
Plate on fine china: Use a high-quality, elegant plate to serve the dish, ensuring it stands out and looks sophisticated.
Drizzle with sauce: Lightly drizzle a balsamic reduction around the plate for an added layer of flavor and a professional touch.
Add texture: Sprinkle a few toasted pine nuts or crispy fried onions on top for a contrasting texture that adds complexity to each bite.
Finish with a flourish: Place a small edible flower or microgreens on top of the baby spinach for a final, eye-catching garnish that impresses the judges.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Crock Pot Sloppy Joes
Medium non-stick skillet: Used to cook the sausage, onions, and garlic, ensuring they don't stick to the pan and cook evenly.
Spatula: Essential for breaking up the sausage into small bits as it cooks.
Knife: Needed for chopping the onions, garlic, and bell peppers.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables and garlic.
Slow cooker: The main cooking appliance for this recipe, allowing the ingredients to meld together over a low heat for several hours.
Measuring cups: Used to measure out the crushed tomatoes accurately.
Measuring spoons: Needed for measuring the dried rosemary and any additional salt and pepper.
Serving spoon: Useful for scooping the cooked mixture onto the rolls.
Tongs: Handy for placing the baby spinach and cheese slices onto the sandwiches.
Plates: For serving the finished Italian sloppy joes.
Storing and Freezing Leftover Sloppy Joe Meat
Storing leftovers: allow the sloppy joe mixture to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing instructions:
- Portion the cooled sloppy joe mixture into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving some space at the top for expansion during freezing.
- Label the containers or bags with the date and contents.
- Place in the freezer and store for up to 3 months.
- To reheat, thaw the frozen mixture overnight in the refrigerator.
- Transfer the thawed mixture to a saucepan and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through (about 10 minutes).
Freezing assembled sandwiches:
- Wrap each assembled sloppy joe sandwich (without the spinach) tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place the wrapped sandwiches in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
- To reheat, remove the plastic wrap or foil and wrap the sandwich in a damp paper towel.
- Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can thaw the sandwich overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
How To Reheat Leftover Sloppy Joe Meat
Reheat the leftover sloppy joe mixture in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired temperature. This method allows you to control the heat and ensure even reheating without drying out the meat.
If you prefer a quicker reheating method, transfer the leftover sloppy joe mixture to a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated through. The damp paper towel helps prevent the meat from drying out during microwaving.
For a crispy twist, place the leftover sloppy joe mixture on a baking sheet and top it with shredded provolone cheese. Broil in the oven for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This method adds a delightful cheesy crust to the top of the sloppy joes.
If you have leftover potato rolls, slice them in half and lightly toast them in a toaster or under the broiler before adding the reheated sloppy joe mixture. The toasted rolls add a pleasant crunch and help prevent them from getting soggy.
For a healthier option, serve the reheated sloppy joe mixture over a bed of fresh baby spinach or your favorite greens. The warm mixture will slightly wilt the spinach, creating a delicious and nutritious meal.
Interesting Trivia About Sloppy Joes
A fun fact about this crock pot Italian sloppy joe recipe is that using Italian turkey sausage instead of traditional ground beef not only adds a unique flavor but also makes the dish leaner and healthier.
Is Making Crock Pot Italian Sloppy Joes Cost-Effective?
This crock pot Italian sloppy joe recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. Using Italian turkey sausage and common vegetables like onions, garlic, and bell peppers, the ingredients are affordable and accessible. Whole wheat potato rolls and provolone cheese add a touch of indulgence without breaking the bank. The use of a slow cooker also means energy savings. Overall Verdict: 8/10. Approximate cost for a household of 4 people: $15-$20 USD.
Is This Sloppy Joe Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
The crock pot Italian sloppy joe recipe is a healthier twist on the classic comfort food. By using lean Italian turkey sausage instead of traditional beef, the recipe reduces the amount of saturated fat and calories. The inclusion of bell peppers and onions adds a good amount of vitamins and minerals, while the crushed tomatoes provide a source of lycopene, an antioxidant that may help reduce the risk of certain cancers. The whole wheat potato rolls also offer a healthier alternative to regular white buns, as they contain more fiber and nutrients.
However, there are a few areas where the recipe could be improved to make it even healthier:
- Use a low-sodium crushed tomato variety to reduce the overall sodium content of the dish
- Increase the amount of vegetables by adding more bell peppers or other nutrient-dense options like mushrooms or zucchini
- Opt for a lower-fat cheese, such as part-skim mozzarella, or reduce the amount of cheese used
- Consider using a leaner meat option, such as ground chicken or turkey breast, instead of sausage
- Serve the sloppy joes on a bed of leafy greens or with a side salad to increase the fiber and nutrient content of the meal
By making these small adjustments, you can boost the overall nutritional value of the recipe while still enjoying a delicious and satisfying meal.
Editor's Opinion on This Italian Sloppy Joe Recipe
This crock pot Italian sloppy joe recipe is a delightful twist on a classic. Using Italian turkey sausage adds a flavorful depth, while the combination of bell peppers, onions, and garlic enhances the dish's aromatic profile. The slow cooking process melds the flavors beautifully, resulting in a rich and hearty filling. Serving on whole wheat potato rolls with provolone and baby spinach not only adds texture but also a touch of freshness. It's a balanced, nutritious, and satisfying meal that's easy to prepare and perfect for a busy weeknight.
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Why trust this Crock Pot Italian Sloppy Joe Recipe:
This crock pot Italian sloppy joe recipe is a must-try for anyone seeking a delicious and easy meal. The combination of Italian turkey sausage and crushed tomatoes creates a rich, savory flavor, while the bell peppers add a delightful crunch. Cooking it in a slow cooker ensures the flavors meld perfectly. Topped with provolone and baby spinach, it's a nutritious and satisfying dish. Trust this recipe for its simplicity and the wholesome ingredients that promise a delightful dining experience.
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