This Easy Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes recipe makes a tasty meal that’s super simple! With ground beef, tangy sauce, and soft buns, it’s pure comfort food in a hurry.
I love how I can just throw everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic. Plus, who doesn’t enjoy messy, delicious sandwiches? They’re a hit with everyone! 🍔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the heart of the dish, providing texture and richness. If you’re looking for a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken works too, just keep an eye on moisture levels.
Onion: A small onion adds great flavor. If you’re not a fan of onions, you can leave them out or use onion powder as a milder alternative.
Green Bell Pepper: This ingredient is optional but adds a crunch. Feel free to substitute with red or yellow bell pepper for a sweeter taste, or omit it completely if you prefer.
Ketchup: The main sauce base! If you’re avoiding sugar, look for low-sugar or organic ketchup. You could also try BBQ sauce for a different twist.
Worcestershire Sauce: It adds depth to the flavor. Soy sauce can be an alternative, but use it sparingly as it can be saltier.
What’s the Best Way to Brown Ground Beef for Sloppy Joes?
Properly browning ground beef is crucial for flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat your skillet over medium-high heat. This helps get a nice sear.
- Add the ground beef and break it apart with a spoon. Stir occasionally to cook evenly.
- Cook until the meat is no longer pink. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
- Don’t forget to drain the excess fat – nobody wants greasy sloppy joes!
Taking the time to brown the meat well will enhance the overall taste of your sloppy joes. Enjoy meltingly delicious sandwiches!
Easy Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Sloppy Joe Mixture:
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon mustard (yellow or Dijon)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- 4 to 6 sandwich buns
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, and then you set the slow cooker to do its job! You’ll need to cook it on low for about 4 to 6 hours. So, with the prep time plus cooking, you’ll be enjoying these delicious sloppy joes in about 5 to 6 hours total—perfect for a busy day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Browning the Beef:
Start by heating a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and use a spoon to break it apart as it cooks. Keep stirring until the meat is browned and no longer pink. This usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Once done, drain any excess fat.
2. Getting Everything in the Slow Cooker:
Carefully transfer the browned beef into your slow cooker. Then add in the finely chopped onion, optional green bell pepper, and minced garlic. These will add lots of great flavor!
3. Mixing in the Sauce:
Next, stir in the ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well so that the flavors blend together nicely.
4. Cooking Time:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to low. Let it cook for 4 to 6 hours, giving it a stir occasionally if you can. The mixture should become saucy and thick by the end of the cooking time.
5. Final Touches:
Once done, taste your sloppy joe mixture and adjust the seasoning if needed. Then, it’s time to serve! Spoon the hearty filling onto sandwich buns.
6. Enjoy:
Dig into your delicious, homemade sloppy joes! They’re perfect for a casual dinner or game day snack. Enjoy every bite!
Happy cooking!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken is a great alternative for a lighter version. Just keep an eye on moisture levels, as they can be leaner than beef. You might need to add a bit more sauce to keep it juicy.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicy?
Yes! If you like a kick of heat, consider adding chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture. You could also increase the chili powder amount to suit your spice preference!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover sloppy joe mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. Just be sure to stir occasionally for even heating!
Can I Freeze Sloppy Joe Mixture?
Yes! This mixture freezes really well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating!
Easy Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes
Cozy, tangy slow cooker sloppy joes made with seasoned ground beef in a rich, slightly sweet sauce—perfect piled high on soft buns for an easy family dinner or game day meal.
Ingredients
- For the Sloppy Joe Mixture:
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon mustard (yellow or Dijon)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For Serving:
- 4 to 6 sandwich buns
Instructions
- Set a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is browned all the way through and no pink remains, about 5–7 minutes. Drain off any excess fat.
- Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker. Add the finely chopped onion, optional green bell pepper, and minced garlic, scattering them evenly over the meat.
- Pour in the ketchup and add the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, chili powder, smoked paprika (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together until the meat and vegetables are well coated and the sauce is evenly mixed.
- Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on LOW for 4–6 hours, stirring once or twice during the cooking time if you’re able. The mixture should thicken and become rich and saucy.
- When the sloppy joes are done, taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or a little extra chili powder if you like more heat.
- Serve the hot sloppy joe mixture spooned generously onto sandwich buns and enjoy right away.
Notes
You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version; just keep an eye on the moisture and add a bit more sauce if needed.
Store leftover sloppy joe mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until heated through.