This Easy Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes recipe is a total crowd-pleaser! It’s filled with savory ground beef, sweet barbecue sauce, and spices all simmered to perfection.
What I love about this dish is how simple it is—just throw everything in the slow cooker and relax! Serve it on a bun and enjoy the messy goodness. Who doesn’t love a classic sloppy joe? 🍔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the main protein in the dish. You can substitute it with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you prefer plant-based meals, try using lentils or a meat substitute like Beyond Meat.
Onion: A medium onion adds a nice sweetness when cooked. If you don’t have one, shallots or even green onions can work. For a milder flavor, use sweet onions like Vidalia.
Green Bell Pepper: This ingredient is optional but adds flavor and crunch! You can swap it for red or yellow bell pepper for a sweeter taste. For a bit of heat, use jalapeños instead.
Tomato Sauce: Provides the base for the sloppy joe sauce. If you’re out of tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes will do. Just adjust the seasoning a bit so it’s not too watery.
Ketchup: Adds sweetness and tang. You can replace it with more tomato sauce or barbecue sauce if you’re looking for a different flavor.
How Do I Prepare Ground Beef for Sloppy Joes?
Brown the ground beef in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker. This step helps achieve better flavor and texture. Here’s how:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula.
- Cook until browned (about 5-7 minutes), stirring occasionally.
- Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, cooking until softened.
- Don’t forget to drain any excess fat to keep the mixture from becoming greasy!
By properly browning the beef and veggies first, you’ll enhance the dish’s flavor and make it even more enjoyable!
Easy Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 6 hamburger buns
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and can cook in a slow cooker for 4 to 6 hours on low or 2 to 3 hours on high. It’s perfect for a busy day when you want a hearty meal without the fuss!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Ground Beef:
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, chopped onion, and bell pepper (if using). Cook everything together until the beef is browned and the onion and pepper are soft—this should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Remember to drain any excess fat to keep your dish from getting greasy!
2. Transfer to the Slow Cooker:
Carefully move the cooked beef mixture from the skillet to your slow cooker. This is where the magic happens! Your house will soon smell amazing.
3. Mix the Sauce Ingredients:
In the slow cooker, add the tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until nicely combined. This sauce will give your sloppy joes that mouthwatering flavor!
4. Let It Cook:
Cover the slow cooker with its lid. If you have time, set it to cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. If you’re in a hurry, you can put it on high for 2 to 3 hours. Give it a stir every now and then if you can—this helps blend all the flavors!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
When the cooking time is up, it’s time to serve! Spoon the sloppy joe mixture generously onto hamburger buns—don’t be shy! You can also serve with pickles, cheese, or any of your favorite toppings. Dig in and enjoy your warm and hearty Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner substitute and will still provide a tasty result. Just be mindful that it might cook a bit faster, so check it regularly!
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils, mushrooms, or a plant-based meat alternative. You can use the same sauce ingredients for flavor and texture!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the sloppy joe mixture for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the refrigerator before reheating!
Can I Add Extra Spice to the Recipe?
Definitely! If you like a bit of heat, consider adding chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture. You can also boost the chili powder if you want more spice in the sauce.
