This Easy Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes recipe is a tasty and fuss-free meal that the whole family will love! With ground beef, sweet sauce, and a soft bun, it hits all the right spots.
Honestly, who doesn’t enjoy a messy, saucy sandwich? I love serving these for parties or cozy nights in. Plus, making them in the slow cooker means I can kick back and relax while they cook!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is your main protein. I like using 80/20 ground beef for a good balance of flavor and moisture. If you prefer leaner meat, ground turkey or chicken also works well.
Onion: A chopped onion adds a nice flavor base. If onions aren’t your thing, you could skip them or use onion powder instead.
Bell Pepper: This ingredient is optional, but it adds sweetness and crunch. Feel free to swap with any color pepper or even diced carrots for a slightly different taste.
Ketchup: It’s a key ingredient for sweetness and tang. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, you can use low-sugar ketchup or even homemade tomato sauce.
Dijon Mustard: I love this for a hint of zest. Yellow mustard is a great substitute if that’s what you have on hand. You can also adjust the amount based on your taste.
How Can I Make Sure My Sloppy Joes Are Flavorful?
To get the most flavor out of your sloppy joes, focus on the browning of the meat and veggies. Browning releases rich flavors. Here’s how to do it:
- Cook the ground beef over medium heat until nicely browned, around 6-8 minutes.
- Add onions and peppers, and sauté until they soften, about 3-4 minutes. This builds the base flavor.
- Mix in the sauce ingredients thoroughly. Allow it to cook in the slow cooker long enough for the flavors to meld—at least 4 hours on low.
- Taste at the end to adjust seasonings; small tweaks can make a big difference!
Enjoy the process and don’t worry about making it perfect; every batch can be a little different, and that’s what makes cooking fun!
Easy Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sloppy Joe Mixture:
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (or yellow mustard)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder (optional for a bit of heat)
For Serving:
- Hamburger buns
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal requires about 15 minutes of preparation time. Depending on how you set your slow cooker, it’ll take about 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high to cook. Perfect for a day when you want to set it and forget it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until it’s browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a spoon as it cooks, which should take about 6-8 minutes. Once browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
2. Add Vegetables:
Next, add the chopped onion, bell pepper (if you are using it), and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir and cook for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables start to soften. This adds great flavor to your Sloppy Joes!
3. Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker:
Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture into your slow cooker. It’s important to get all those delicious bits into the pot!
4. Mix in the Sauces:
Now, add ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and chili powder (if using) into the slow cooker. Stir everything together until well combined. This is where the magic happens!
5. Let it Cook:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. Stir occasionally if you can, but it’s not mandatory. Just let those flavors meld together.
6. Final Touches:
When the cooking time is done, give the mixture a good stir and taste it. Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your liking.
7. Serve:
To serve, spoon the Sloppy Joe mixture onto hamburger buns. If you like a little crunch, try toasting the buns before adding the meat! It’s a great way to prevent the bun from becoming soggy.
8. Enjoy!
Dig in and enjoy your easy slow cooker Sloppy Joes! They go perfectly with sides like potato chips, coleslaw, or a simple salad. Happy eating!
FAQ About Easy Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner alternative and will work just as well in this recipe. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it may be slightly shorter than with beef.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the Sloppy Joe mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before cooking. Just reheat in the slow cooker or on the stovetop until heated through.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftover Sloppy Joes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight before reheating!
Can I Add Vegetables or Other Ingredients?
Definitely! Feel free to add in shredded carrots, diced mushrooms, or corn for extra flavor and nutrition. Just chop them finely and add them when you mix in the sauces. Adjust the cooking time if needed to ensure everything is cooked through.
