This Easy Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes recipe is all about tasty, saucy meat piled high on soft buns. Just mix ground beef with yummy seasonings and let the slow cooker do the magic!
I love how I can toss everything in, forget it, and come back to a delicious meal. Perfect for busy days—or when I’m just feeling lazy! Who doesn’t love easy comfort food? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the star of the dish, providing hearty flavor. For a lighter option, consider using ground turkey or chicken. You can also use plant-based ground meat for a vegan version!
Onion: A medium onion adds a great base flavor. If you’re not a fan, you can skip it or use onion powder instead. I sometimes use shallots for a milder taste!
Green Bell Pepper: This is optional but adds sweetness and crunch. Red or yellow bell peppers work well too. If you’re looking for a bit of spice, consider adding diced jalapeños.
Ketchup: This forms the sauce’s base. If you’d like to cut down on sugar, use no-sugar-added ketchup or tomato sauce. I’ve even used BBQ sauce for a fun twist!
Worcestershire Sauce: This adds depth. If you need a substitute, mix soy sauce with a bit of vinegar. It gives a similar savory boost!
How Do I Make Sure the Meat Is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking the ground beef is the first step that sets the tone for your sloppy joes. Here’s how to do it well:
- Heat your skillet on medium-high and add the ground beef, onion, and bell pepper.
- Break the beef apart as it cooks, stirring to brown it evenly.
- Once browned (about 7-10 minutes), make sure to drain any excess fat. This keeps your sloppy joes from becoming greasy!
- Transfer everything to the slow cooker promptly—it helps keep the flavors fresh!
Following these tips will ensure you have flavorful, tender meat that makes your sloppy joes a hit. Enjoy your meal! 🌟
Easy Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium green bell pepper, finely chopped (optional)
For the Sloppy Joe Sauce:
- 3/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
To Serve:
- 8 hamburger buns
- Butter or oil for toasting buns (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for prep and around 4 to 6 hours for cooking in the slow cooker. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it meal that allows you to enjoy a delicious dinner without the fuss!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Meat:
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, chopped onion, and green bell pepper (if you’re using it). Cook until the meat is browned and the veggies are soft, which should take around 7 to 10 minutes. Make sure to drain excess fat from the cooking pan to avoid greasy sloppy joes!
2. Transfer to Slow Cooker:
Once the meat is cooked and drained, carefully transfer it to your slow cooker. This is where the magic happens!
3. Mix the Sauce Ingredients:
Add the ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if you like a little extra flavor), and a good pinch of salt and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir everything together until well combined. This sauce is what makes your sloppy joes really shine!
4. Cook Low and Slow:
Cover your slow cooker and set it to low heat. Let everything cook for 4 to 6 hours. You can give it a stir every so often if you like, but it’s not necessary. Your kitchen will smell delicious while it cooks!
5. Prepare the Buns:
When you’re ready to serve, you might want to toast your hamburger buns. Just spread a little butter or oil in a skillet or on a baking tray and toast them until golden brown. This step is optional, but it adds a nice touch!
6. Serve & Enjoy:
Spoon generous portions of the sloppy joe mixture onto the toasted buns. They’re best enjoyed warm, so dig in and savor each bite of your tasty creation!
Enjoy your easy, hands-off slow cooker sloppy joes with friends and family!
FAQ for Easy Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes
Can I Use Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. Just be aware that leaner meats may produce less fat during cooking, so you might not need to drain as much fat when browning.
What Can I Use Instead of Ketchup?
If you are looking for a substitute, you can use tomato sauce or a combination of BBQ sauce and tomato paste for a different flavor twist. Just adjust the sweetness based on your taste!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the sloppy joe mixture a day in advance. Just cook it as directed, let it cool, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, reheat on the stove or in the slow cooker on low until warmed through, then serve on buns!
