Welcome to your new favorite comfort food recipe! These **Buffalo Sloppy Joes** are an absolute must-try, especially when you’re craving something warm, hearty, and packed with flavor. Crafted with lean ground turkey and infused with just the right kick of spice, they’re not only a healthier twist on a beloved classic but also a fantastic choice for a quick weeknight dinner or an exciting game day feast. Prepare to impress your family and friends with this unbelievably easy and incredibly delicious dish!
Hey there, fellow food enthusiasts!
If you’re anything like me, you appreciate a meal that brings both excitement and ease to the table. This week, we’re diving headfirst into the exhilarating world of “buffalo” flavors, and trust me, if you’re a connoisseur of the classic Sloppy Joe, then you are going to absolutely adore this **Buffalo Sloppy Joe** rendition. It’s a culinary journey that combines the nostalgic comfort of a sloppy joe with the vibrant, tangy heat of buffalo sauce, creating a dish that’s truly unforgettable.
The Ultimate Buffalo Sloppy Joes Recipe: A Flavorful Twist
What makes these **turkey buffalo sloppy joes** truly stand out? It’s all in the details! We start with lean ground turkey, providing a lighter yet equally satisfying base compared to traditional ground beef. The secret to that unmistakable zesty kick comes from my personal favorite, Frank’s Buffalo Sauce. But we don’t stop there; a generous blend of shredded cheddar jack cheese is incorporated directly into the mixture, adding a delightful creaminess that perfectly mellows the spice. For the grand finale, these flavorful sloppy joes are piled high on soft slider buns and crowned with tangy blue cheese crumbles – an optional but highly recommended addition that truly elevates the experience.
There’s genuinely nothing better on a bustling weeknight than preparing a dinner that comes together in mere minutes, yet is utterly bursting with the bold, spicy buffalo flavor that my family, and undoubtedly yours, will adore. The beauty of this **easy buffalo sloppy joe recipe** lies in its simplicity and speed. You can have a hearty, flavor-packed meal on the table in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal solution for those evenings when time is precious but you still want to serve something homemade and delicious.
Furthermore, I consciously chose to use ground turkey meat in this recipe not just for its versatility, but to keep things a bit on the healthier side. Ground turkey offers a leaner protein option without sacrificing any of the robust flavors we’re building. It absorbs the buffalo sauce beautifully, resulting in a juicy and incredibly tasty filling that won’t leave you feeling weighed down. This makes our **healthy-ish buffalo sloppy joes** a guilt-free indulgence.
Essential Ingredients for Homemade Buffalo Sloppy Joes
Crafting these delectable **spicy turkey sloppy joes** requires a thoughtful blend of fresh produce and pantry staples. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the layered flavors that define this dish:
- Butter: For sautéing and adding richness to the base.
- Ground Turkey: The lean protein star of our sloppy joes.
- Celery & Yellow Onion: Diced finely to create an aromatic and flavorful mirepoix base. They add a subtle crunch and savory depth.
- Garlic Powder: For an essential aromatic boost that complements the other flavors.
- Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: To deglaze the pan and add moisture, ensuring a saucy consistency.
- Tomato Sauce & Tomato Paste: These form the classic tangy foundation of any good sloppy joe, providing body and depth to the buffalo mixture.
- Brown Sugar: A touch of sweetness is key to balancing the tanginess of the tomatoes and the heat of the buffalo sauce, creating a more complex flavor profile.
- Salt and Pepper: Fundamental seasonings to enhance all the other ingredients.
- Frank’s Buffalo Sauce: The undeniable hero, delivering that iconic tangy, spicy kick. Using Frank’s ensures an authentic buffalo flavor.
- Red Pepper Flakes: For an adjustable extra layer of heat, allowing you to customize the spice level to your preference.
- Shredded Cheddar Jack Cheese: Melts beautifully into the mixture, providing creamy texture and a mild, cheesy counterpoint to the spice.
- Blue Cheese Crumbles: (Optional, but highly recommended!) A classic pairing with buffalo flavors, adding a sharp, salty, and pungent note that truly completes the dish when sprinkled on top.
Mastering the Creation of Spicy Buffalo Sloppy Joes
Making these **homemade buffalo turkey sloppy joes** is a straightforward process that yields incredible results. Follow these simple steps for a mouthwatering meal:
- Sauté the Aromatics and Turkey: Begin by melting the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add your ground turkey, diced celery, and diced yellow onion. Cook this mixture, stirring occasionally, until the ground turkey is no longer pink and has started to brown, and the vegetables have softened nicely. This initial step is crucial for building a flavorful foundation. Be sure to drain any excess fat or liquid from the skillet to prevent a greasy final product.
- Build the Flavorful Sauce: Once your turkey and veggies are cooked, it’s time to introduce the rich, tangy sauce components. Stir in the garlic powder, chicken broth, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Then, add the brown sugar, salt, pepper, Frank’s Buffalo Sauce, and red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing all the ingredients to meld together and the flavors to deepen. Continue to heat through for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly and everything is wonderfully aromatic.
- Incorporate the Cheese: The final touch to make these sloppy joes truly irresistible is the cheese. Reduce the heat to low, then add the shredded cheddar jack cheese to the skillet. Gently mix until the cheese is completely melted and beautifully incorporated into the buffalo turkey mixture, creating a creamy and cohesive filling.
- Serve and Enjoy: Spoon generous portions of the hot, cheesy buffalo sloppy joe mixture onto your favorite slider buns or regular hamburger buns. For an authentic buffalo experience, don’t forget to sprinkle a handful of tangy blue cheese crumbles over the top before serving. This adds a fantastic contrast in flavor and texture.
You absolutely need to get these **spicy buffalo sloppy joes** on your weekly menu, friends! You’re going to fall in love with how incredibly easy they are to whip up and how quickly they disappear from the table. They strike the perfect balance between spicy and savory, making them an ideal choice for your next busy weeknight dinner, a fun casual gathering, or even an epic game day celebration. They offer big flavor with minimal effort, making them a winner in any household. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Please do me a favor and let me know if you give this fantastic recipe a try. Your feedback is always appreciated! And, as always, if you find yourself with any questions about the recipe or need further tips, feel free to drop a comment below. I’m here to help you achieve sloppy joe perfection. Enjoy!
Expert Cook’s Notes and Customization Tips for Perfect Buffalo Sloppy Joes
To ensure your **buffalo sloppy joes** are nothing short of spectacular, here are a few additional insights and tips from my kitchen:
- Protein Flexibility: As highlighted, I opted for ground turkey for a slightly healthier profile, which makes these **lean sloppy joes** a fantastic choice without compromising on taste. However, if you prefer the classic taste of beef, feel free to substitute with ground beef. Both options deliver excellent results, so choose what best suits your palate. You could even try ground chicken for a different lean meat alternative.
- Don’t Skip the Cheese: The cheddar jack cheese isn’t just for show; it’s integral to the creamy texture and balanced flavor of these sloppy joes. It helps to mellow the heat of the buffalo sauce and adds a rich, satisfying element. I truly believe you’ll appreciate its inclusion, so I strongly advise against omitting it. If cheddar jack isn’t available, a blend of Monterey Jack and sharp cheddar would work beautifully, or even a good melting provolone.
- Adjusting the Heat: The amount of Frank’s Buffalo Sauce and red pepper flakes can be adjusted to your family’s heat preference. For a milder version, reduce the red pepper flakes or even the buffalo sauce slightly. For an extra fiery kick, don’t hesitate to add a bit more of both!
- Bun Choices: While slider buns are perfect for appetizers or smaller portions, feel free to use regular hamburger buns for a more substantial sandwich. For a low-carb alternative, serve the buffalo sloppy joe mixture in crisp lettuce cups or over baked sweet potatoes.
- Make Ahead & Storage: This sloppy joe mixture is fantastic for meal prep! You can cook the mixture ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. It also freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Perfect Pairings: These sloppy joes pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Think classic crispy french fries, sweet potato fries, a refreshing coleslaw, a simple green salad, or even some crunchy dill pickle spears to cut through the richness.
Explore More Delicious Recipes Featuring Zesty Buffalo Sauce
If you’re a true devotee of the bold and versatile flavors of buffalo sauce, you’ll be thrilled to discover these other fan-favorite recipes from our collection. Each one offers a unique and exciting way to enjoy that signature tangy heat:
- Buffalo Cauliflower Soup: A surprisingly creamy and hearty soup that transforms cauliflower into a spicy, comforting delight. Perfect for a cozy night in!
- Easy Buffalo Turkey Meatballs: These tender, flavorful meatballs are drenched in buffalo sauce, making them an incredible appetizer or a main course when served with rice or pasta.
- Buffalo Chicken Crunchwrap Supreme: Take your taco night to the next level with this ingenious recipe, featuring spicy buffalo chicken, crispy tostadas, and all your favorite toppings wrapped in a grilled tortilla.
Buffalo Sloppy Joes
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Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. butter
- 2 lb. ground turkey
- 1 1/2 cups celery, diced
- 1 cup yellow onion, diced
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 8 oz. can tomato sauce
- 3 Tbsp. tomato paste
- 1 Tbsp. brown sugar, firmly packed
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. pepper
- 3/4 cup Frank’s Buffalo Sauce
- 1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes
- 4 oz. shredded cheddar jack cheese
- blue cheese crumbles for sprinkling optional
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add turkey, celery and onion and cook until turkey is no longer pink. Drain excess fat/liquid.
- Stir in garlic powder, chicken broth, tomato sauce and paste, brown sugar, salt, pepper, buffalo sauce and red pepper flakes. Heat through.
- Add the shredded cheese and mix until melted.
- Serve on slider buns and sprinkle with blue cheese crumbles if desired.
Notes
I added the cheddar jack cheese for some creaminess. I think you’ll enjoy that, so I wouldn’t omit.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 9g |
Protein: 32g |
Fat: 10g |
Saturated Fat: 5g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g |
Monounsaturated Fat: 2g |
Trans Fat: 0.1g |
Cholesterol: 84mg |
Sodium: 1324mg |
Potassium: 612mg |
Fiber: 2g |
Sugar: 5g |
Vitamin A: 665IU |
Vitamin C: 6mg |
Calcium: 130mg |
Iron: 2mg
Note on Content Updates: This post has been thoughtfully updated and re-shared! Originally published in September 2016, this beloved recipe has been given a fresh look with all-new photos and expanded content. We’ve also added more detailed notes and tips to enhance your cooking experience and ensure these Buffalo Sloppy Joes become an enduring family favorite.