Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Find it online: https://reemcook.com/slow-cooker-sloppy-joes-recipe/
