Ingredients for Sloppy Joes in a Slow Cooker
Crockpot sloppy joes are the easy way to feed the crowd! Juicy and loaded with flavor, it’s a family favorite in our home. Let the beef and sloppy joe seasonings simmer away, then serve on soft buns – the kids (old and young!) will love them.
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef works best for this recipe. Make sure to drain off any excess grease before adding it to the crockpot. Onion: Adds a sweet and earthy flavor to the meat. Bell Pepper: I like green bell peppers for their earthy flavor, but any color of bell pepper works well to add a bit of texture to this dish. Garlic: Enhances the savory flavor of the sauce. Tomato Sauce: Forms the base of the sloppy joe sauce. I like to use homemade marinara sauce, but jarred also works. Ketchup: Enhances the tomato flavor and adds sweetness. Chili Sauce: Enhances the tomato flavor of the sauce. I used Heinz. Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar has a great balance of sharpness and sweetness. You could also use white wine vinegar, though. Mustard: Classic yellow mustard adds tanginess to the sauce. Brown Sugar: Adds a smoky, caramelly sweetness to the sauce. Regular granulated sugar will also work in a pinch, but use brown if you have it. Worcestershire Sauce: Enhances the umami flavor of the sauce. Chili Powder: Adds just a hint of spice to the sauce. Feel free to omit if you’re not a fan!
Variations To Try
You can use any ground meat you’d like, such as chicken, turkey, or vegan meat crumbles. The sandwiches may have a slightly different taste, but the sauce is flavorful enough to compensate.
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftover slow cooker sloppy joes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the meat separately from the buns. Reheat the meat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
How to Freeze
Freeze crockpot sloppy joe meat in an airtight container or Ziplock bag for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
I love these crockpot sloppy joes heaped onto homemade hamburger buns. If you’re short on time, a brioche or potato roll from the store works well too! Add a side of potato chips or french fries and a dill pickle spear, and you’ve got one tasty meal!
Notes from the Test Kitchen
These slow cooker sloppy joes are just pure joy! Perfect for birthdays, BBQs, or as an easy weeknight dinner, these delicious sandwiches are bound to please kids and adults alike! Whipped up in the slow cooker for maximum flavor, you’ll never be stuck for an easy meal again!
How to Make Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes Step by Step
Sauté the Beef: In a large skillet set over medium-high heat, add 2 pounds of lean ground beef, ½ cup of finely chopped onion, and ½ cup of finely chopped green bell pepper. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of pepper and cook for 4-5 minutes until no pink remains. Stir in 3 minced cloves of garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Drain any excess fat, then transfer the beef to the crock of a 6-quart crockpot. Cook the Filling: Stir in 8 ounces of tomato sauce, ½ cup of ketchup, ⅓ cup of chili sauce, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, 1½ tablespoons of yellow mustard, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, and 1 tablespoon of ground chili powder. Cover, and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Serve on hamburger rolls or slider buns.
More Crockpot Ground Beef Recipes To Try
Crockpot Goulash Crockpot Stuffed Peppers Crockpot Swedish Meatballs Crockpot Taco Soup Crockpot Cabbage Roll Soup Crockpot Meatloaf
