Wild Turkey Sloppy Joes

I’m always trying to invent new ways that I can use the leg meat on wild turkeys, so when our friend Will came over for dinner and suggested sloppy joes, the gears started turning in my head. I realized this would be a great way to use the leg meat. Slow cooked for 8 hours means that meat falls right off the bone and is perfect to use in a sloppy joe recipe.

Serves:  4 Generous Servings –  Prepare Time: 8.5 hours +/-

INGREDIENTS:

WILD TURKEY LEGS:

• 2-3 Wild Turkey Legs, whatever will fit in the crockpot and still be fully submerged in liquid
• 1 Medium White Onion, Roughly Chopped
• 3 Garlic Cloves, Smashed
• 4 Cups Chicken Broth
• 1 Tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar
• 2 Tablespoons Brown Sugar
• 2 Tablespoons Tomato Paste
• 2 Teaspoons Salt
• 2 Teaspoons Garlic Powder
• 1/2 Teaspoons Dry Mustard
• 1/4 Teaspoons Black Pepper
• Additional Salt & Pepper, to taste

SLOPPY JOES:

• 1/2 Bell Pepper, Diced
• 1 Small Onion, Diced
• 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
• 3/4 Cup Ketchup
• 1/4 Cup Chicken Broth
• 1 Tablespoon Tomato Paste
• 1 Cup Spaghetti Sauce
• 1/2 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1/4 Teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
• 1/2 Teaspoon Mustard
• 1/2 Teaspoon Paprika
• Salt & Pepper, to taste
• 4 Hamburger Buns

DIRECTIONS:

1.) Give turkey legs a once over and pluck any stray feathers. Salt and pepper both sides of legs generously. Place crockpot on low and add all ingredients to pot. Cover and let cook for 8 hours, flipping legs once at the halfway mark.

2.) Once meat has finished cooking, it should be very tender and falling off the bone, remove legs from pot and place on baking sheet with sides (to catch any juice). If necessary, let cool down until meat can be handled. Strip meat from bones. Strain crock pot broth to remove any large pieces of onion and/or garlic. Pour broth back into crock pot and add shredded leg meat back into pot to prevent meat from drying out.

3.) Place a large frypan on medium heat and add olive oil, bell pepper, and onion. Let cook for 5-7 minutes, until onions are softened & translucent. Add remaining ingredients to saucepan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until sauce begins to bubble. Turn heat down to medium low. Strain meat and add to sauce. Cook for an additional 8-10 minutes.

4.) Smear hamburger buns with butter and place cut side down on a frypan set on medium heat. Let cook until lightly browned. Serve a generous helping of sloppy joes on hamburger buns & enjoy. Serve alongside your favorite side, like french fries, pasta salad, or coleslaw!