This Easy Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes recipe is perfect for a cozy meal. With ground beef, sweet and tangy sauce, and toasted buns, it’s a hit with everyone!
I love how simple it is—just throw everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work. Perfect for those busy days when you need a tasty dinner without the fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using 80/20 ground beef for a juicy result. If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works well too, just keep an eye on the moisture.
Bell Pepper: The green bell pepper adds a nice crunch and flavor. If you don’t like it or have a different color on hand, feel free to use a red or yellow bell pepper, or omit it entirely.
Ketchup: This is key for the sauce’s sweetness. If you want a healthier version, look for lower-sugar ketchup or make your own using tomato sauce with a bit of honey or maple syrup.
Worcestershire Sauce: This adds depth to the flavor. If you don’t have it, soy sauce can be a good alternative in a pinch, or just a splash of vinegar for acidity.
Brown Sugar: It balances the flavors nicely. For less sugar, you can use honey or maple syrup, or even leave it out if you want a more tangy taste.
How Do You Brown the Meat Perfectly?
Browning the meat is crucial for flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat your skillet over medium heat and add a little bit of oil.
- Add the ground beef and break it apart with a spatula.
- Let it sit for a minute before stirring—this helps to get a nice brown color.
- Cook until there’s no pink left, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Don’t forget to drain any excess fat so your sloppy joes aren’t greasy!
Easy Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 small green bell pepper, finely chopped (optional)
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Serving:
- 6 hamburger buns
- Optional: sliced pickles or cheese slices for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time. You’ll need to cook the mixture in the slow cooker for 4 to 6 hours on LOW or 2 to 3 hours on HIGH. So, just a little hands-on time and then let the cooker do the work!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Meat:
Start by placing a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef along with the finely chopped onion. Cook until the beef is no longer pink and the onions become soft, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess fat to keep it light!
2. Combine Ingredients:
Transfer the cooked beef and onion mixture to your slow cooker. If you’re using bell peppers, now is the time to add those too! Then, pour in the ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, brown sugar, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together so it’s well mixed.
3. Slow Cook:
Cover the slow cooker and set it on LOW for 4 to 6 hours or HIGH for 2 to 3 hours. Give it a stir occasionally if you remember, but it will be delicious either way!
4. Prepare the Buns:
About 10 minutes before you’re ready to eat, toast your hamburger buns until they’re golden and crispy. This adds a nice crunch that complements the sloppy joe filling!
5. Assemble and Serve:
Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto the toasted buns. If you’d like, add some sliced pickles or cheese on top for extra flavor. Serve warm and enjoy your meal!
Enjoy your easy, flavorful slow cooker sloppy joes!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be a great leaner alternative to beef. Just be sure to monitor the cooking time, as leaner meats can dry out faster, so you might need to adjust accordingly.
How Can I Make Sloppy Joes Vegetarian?
You can easily make this dish vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with lentils, black beans, or a meat substitute like tempeh or veggie crumbles. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning to your taste!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead and Freeze It?
Yes, you can make the sloppy joe mixture ahead of time! Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on the stove or in the microwave.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover sloppy joe mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, and serve it on fresh buns for the best flavor!
