Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes Recipe

Introduction

Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes are a classic comfort food made easy with a hands-off cooking method. This recipe yields tender, flavorful meat simmered in a rich, tangy sauce perfect for sandwich buns. It’s a crowd-pleaser that works perfectly for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds leaner ground beef (90% lean or higher recommended)
• 1 large yellow onion (finely chopped)
• 1 bell pepper (any color, finely chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a hint of heat)
• 12 sandwich buns (for serving)
• Shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
• Sliced pickles (optional)
• Sliced red onion (optional)
• Sour cream (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease thoroughly.
2. Step 2: Add the finely chopped yellow onion and bell pepper to the skillet (or directly to the slow cooker if you prefer less cleanup). Cook over medium heat until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Transfer the browned beef and sautéed vegetables to your slow cooker. Add tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, dry mustard powder, and optional cayenne pepper.
4. Step 4: Stir all ingredients until well combined. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. The flavors will deepen as it cooks.
5. Step 5: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. Longer cooking on low results in tender meat and richer flavor.
6. Step 6: Before serving, uncover and stir the mixture. If the sauce is too thin, cook uncovered on HIGH for an additional 30-60 minutes or thicken with a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) stirred into the hot mixture.
7. Step 7: Spoon the hot Sloppy Joe mixture onto sandwich buns. Offer optional toppings like shredded cheddar, sliced pickles, sliced red onion, or sour cream for customization.

Tips & Variations

• Sautéing the onions and peppers before slow cooking boosts the flavor but you can add them raw directly to the slow cooker for a quicker prep.
• Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner alternative to beef.
• Add a splash of hot sauce or a pinch more cayenne if you like it spicy.
• For a thicker sauce without extra cooking time, mix in a cornstarch slurry towards the end.
• Serve on toasted buns for added texture and flavor.

Storage

Store leftover Sloppy Joe mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. You can also freeze the mixture for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. To avoid soggy buns, keep the mixture and buns separate until ready to serve.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook everything on the stovetop. After browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables, combine all ingredients in a large pot and simmer on low for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally to develop flavor and thicken the sauce.

What type of buns work best for Sloppy Joes?

Soft sandwich buns like hamburger buns or brioche work best because they hold the saucy filling well without falling apart. Toasting the buns lightly can also add a nice texture contrast.

Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 138 reviews

This Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes recipe features lean ground beef simmered with onions, bell peppers, garlic, and a flavorful blend of tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and spices. Cooked low and slow in a crockpot, the mixture becomes tender and rich, perfect for serving on sandwich buns with optional toppings like cheddar cheese, pickles, red onion, and sour cream. A comforting and easy-to-make meal ideal for busy days.

• Author: reem
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours (LOW) or 3.5 hours (HIGH) including simmering time to thicken
• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes (using LOW setting)
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Vegetables

• 1.5 pounds lean ground beef (90% lean or higher recommended)
• 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1 bell pepper (any color), finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce and Seasonings

• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

For Serving

• 12 sandwich buns
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sliced pickles
• Sliced red onion
• Sour cream

Instructions

1. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef by breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes, then drain any excess grease thoroughly.
2. Sauté Vegetables: Add the finely chopped onion and bell pepper to the same skillet. Cook over medium heat until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Transfer the browned beef and sautéed vegetables to a slow cooker. Add tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, dry mustard powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
4. Season and Adjust Flavor: Taste the mixture and add additional salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed, remembering that flavors will deepen during cooking.
5. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. This slow cooking allows flavors to meld and meat to tenderize beautifully.
6. Thicken Sauce if Needed: Uncover and stir. If the sauce is too thin, cook uncovered on HIGH for another 30-60 minutes to reduce liquid or stir in a slurry made from 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water.
7. Serve: Spoon the hot sloppy joe mixture onto sandwich buns. Offer toppings such as shredded cheddar cheese, sliced pickles, sliced red onion, and sour cream for guests to customize their sandwiches.

Notes

• Using lean ground beef reduces grease and makes the dish healthier.
• Sautéing the vegetables before adding to the slow cooker enhances flavor but can be skipped for an easier cleanup.
• Adjust cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder version.
• If the sauce is too thin after cooking, thickening with cornstarch slurry or additional simmering uncovered works well.
• These sloppy joes freeze well; cool completely before storing in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
• For a healthier twist, substitute ground turkey or chicken.

Keywords: Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes, Sloppy Joe Recipe, Easy Slow Cooker Recipes, Ground Beef Sloppy Joes, Comfort Food, Sandwich Recipes