This Easy Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes recipe is a comforting classic! It’s made with ground beef, savory sauce, and spices, all cooked together until juicy and delicious.
The best part? You just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work! It’s a great dish for busy nights when you want something tasty without the fuss.
I love serving mine on soft buns with some pickles on the side. It’s a meal that’s sure to make everyone smile at the dinner table!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the base of your Sloppy Joes. If you’re looking for a healthier option, ground turkey or chicken works great too. For a vegetarian version, you can use lentils, black beans, or a meat substitute.
Onion and Bell Pepper: These add a nice crunch and flavor. If you’re not a fan of bell peppers, feel free to use diced carrots or celery. You can skip the onion if you’d like; just add a bit more garlic for flavor!
Ketchup and Tomato Paste: They create the rich sauce. You could substitute homemade tomato sauce or any favorite barbecue sauce for a twist. Just keep in mind that this might alter the flavor a little.
Worcestershire Sauce: This adds depth to the sauce. If you don’t have it, soy sauce can work in a pinch, though it will change the taste slightly. Just use a little less salt in that case.
How Do You Avoid Soggy Buns?
One common struggle with Sloppy Joes is soggy buns at serving time. To avoid this, consider these helpful tips:
- Use fresh, thicker buns for better support. A toasted bun holds up better against the sauce.
- Add a layer of cheese on the bun before the filling. It creates a barrier that helps keep the bun from getting soggy.
- Consider serving the sloppy joe filling on the side. It allows everyone to scoop the amount they want, keeping the buns from getting too wet before serving.
Easy Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 3/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 6-8 hamburger buns
- Optional: sliced pickles or cheese for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes to prep and 4-6 hours to cook on low or 2-3 hours on high in the slow cooker. It’s mostly hands-off time, so you can relax while the flavors meld together!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Ground Beef:
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef to the skillet, cooking until it’s nicely browned. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once it’s browned, drain the excess fat to keep your Sloppy Joes from being greasy.
2. Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker:
Transfer the browned beef into your slow cooker. On top of the beef, add the chopped onion and green bell pepper. These will cook down as the meal simmers, adding great flavor!
3. Make the Sauce:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the ketchup, tomato paste, water, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, garlic powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
4. Mix Everything Together:
Pour this delicious sauce mixture over the meat and veggies in the slow cooker. Gently stir everything together to ensure the beef, veggies, and sauce are well combined.
5. Slow Cook Your Sloppy Joes:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture is thick and all the flavors have come together beautifully!
6. Serve the Sloppy Joes:
Once cooked, give the sloppy joe mixture a good stir and serve it hot on hamburger buns. For a little extra fun, top with sliced pickles or cheese—whatever you like!
Enjoy your flavorful, hands-off Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes! They’re perfect for a family dinner or a casual gathering.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great alternatives to reduce fat while still keeping the dish flavorful. Just make sure to cook it until fully browned and drain excess fat if necessary.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
If you’d like to make this recipe vegetarian, consider using lentils, black beans, or a plant-based meat substitute. Cook the lentils beforehand, or if using beans, just add them directly into the slow cooker with the sauce!
Can I Freeze Leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze any leftover Sloppy Joes! Just allow them to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating on the stove or in the microwave.
What Are Some Good Sides to Serve with Sloppy Joes?
Sloppy Joes pair wonderfully with a variety of sides! Try serving them with fries, coleslaw, corn on the cob, or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.
