Description
Buffalo Sloppy Joes offer a spicy and flavorful twist on the classic sloppy joe sandwich, using lean ground turkey and a zesty mix of hot sauce, tomato, and spices. A vegetarian option with Morning Star Chik’n Strips provides a delicious alternative, topped with crumbled blue cheese for an extra tangy finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs extra lean ground turkey (vegetarian option: use Morning Star Chik’n Strips)
- 2 celery ribs, chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 medium carrot, grated
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Sauce and Seasonings
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (vegetarian option: vegetable broth)
- 1/4 cup Louisiana-style hot sauce (adjust to taste; use less for kids)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
To Serve
- 8 hamburger buns
- 1 cup crumbled blue cheese for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Chop the onions, celery, and garlic finely. Grate the carrot. This prep work ensures even cooking and flavor distribution in the sloppy joe mix.
- Cook the Base: In a large pan over medium heat, combine the ground turkey (or Morning Star Chik’n Strips for the vegetarian option), chopped celery, onion, grated carrot, and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the turkey is no longer pink and the vegetables have softened, about 8-10 minutes.
- Add the Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce, chicken or vegetable broth, hot sauce, brown sugar, red wine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer the Mixture: Continue cooking the mixture over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is heated through and slightly thickened. This allows the flavors to meld together.
- Assemble and Serve: Spoon the hot buffalo sloppy joe mixture onto hamburger buns. Garnish each sandwich with crumbled blue cheese if desired for a creamy, tangy contrast. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- For a milder version, reduce the amount of hot sauce or substitute with a milder pepper sauce.
- The vegetarian option swaps ground turkey with Morning Star Chik’n Strips and chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Blue cheese topping is optional but adds a great flavor contrast; substitute with shredded cheddar for a different twist.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free buns and ensure Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free.
