This Easy Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes recipe is a big hit with everyone! It uses ground beef, tangy sauce, and soft buns—perfect for a quick dinner or game day treat!
Cooking in a slow cooker makes this meal super simple. Just mix everything in and let it bubble away! Trust me, your kitchen will smell amazing while it’s cooking!
I love serving these with a side of potato chips for crunch. It’s an easy meal that makes everyone happy and is perfect for busy days. You’ll want to make it again and again!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the heart of the dish, giving it that classic sloppy joe flavor. If you’re looking for a leaner option, turkey or chicken works well too! You can even use a plant-based meat substitute if you want a vegetarian version.
Onion: A small onion adds sweetness and depth. If you’re in a pinch, you can swap it for shallots or even onion powder—just adjust the amount to taste.
Green Bell Pepper: This ingredient is optional, but I love how it adds a bit of crunch and flavor. If you’re not a fan, just skip it, or try a different color bell pepper for a sweeter flavor.
Tomato Sauce and Ketchup: Together, they create a rich base. If you only have barbecue sauce at home, you can use that for a fun twist, but adjust the sugar in the recipe as barbecue sauce is typically sweeter.
Worcestershire Sauce: This adds a lovely umami kick. If you’re out, soy sauce is a good substitute—just use a bit less to avoid overpowering the dish.
How Can I Get Perfectly Cooked Sloppy Joes?
The key to perfect sloppy joes lies in the slow cooking process. It allows all the flavors to blend beautifully. Here’s how to ensure your dish turns out great:
- First, make sure to brown the ground beef completely before adding it to the slow cooker. This step adds depth of flavor!
- Mix well when adding the sauce to ensure every bit of meat is covered—this helps the meat soak up all those tasty flavors.
- Stir occasionally while cooking. This will help everything mix and keep from sticking to the bottom.
- Before serving, taste the mixture. If it needs a little more punch, add a pinch more salt, pepper, or even a dash of hot sauce for heat.
Enjoy your cooking, and I bet your sloppy joes will become a family favorite!
Easy Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 ½ pounds (680 g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 small green bell pepper, finely chopped (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 6 hamburger buns
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep work, and then you’ll let the slow cooker do its magic for 4 to 6 hours. So, set it up early and relax while it cooks!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Browning the Beef:
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until it’s no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spatula as you go. Once done, drain any excess fat so you don’t have oily sloppy joes!
2. Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker:
Transfer the browned beef into your slow cooker. Add in the finely chopped onion, the optional green bell pepper, and the minced garlic. These veggies add great flavor!
3. Mixing the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, mix together the tomato sauce, ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, yellow mustard, chili powder (if you’re using it), salt, and pepper. Stir well until everything is well combined!
4. Pouring it All Together:
Now, pour the sauce mixture over the beef and veggies in the slow cooker. Give it a good stir to make sure everything is coated nicely.
5. Slow Cooking:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. Stir occasionally if you can, but it’s not a must!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
When it’s done cooking and the mixture is thick and flavorful, it’s time to serve! Spoon the sloppy joe mix onto the hamburger buns. You can serve it with chips or coleslaw on the side for a delicious meal!
Enjoy your easy, tasty Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes!
FAQ for Easy Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes
Can I Use Lean Ground Beef?
Absolutely! You can use lean ground beef to make this recipe healthier. Just be aware that it may have less flavor, so consider adding a bit more seasoning or a splash of broth to keep it moist.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or cooked lentils. Just follow the same instructions for mixing with the sauce!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it up on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. The flavors actually get better after a day in the fridge!
What Can I Serve with Sloppy Joes?
Sloppy Joes are delicious with a side of chips, coleslaw, or a simple salad. They also pair nicely with sweet potato fries for a fun twist!
