This Easy Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes recipe is like a warm hug in a bun! It features ground beef cooked in a sweet and tangy sauce, all simmering to perfection in your slow cooker.
What I love most is how you can just toss everything in and forget about it. Perfect for busy days, and with minimal mess to clean up, you’ll have more time to enjoy those delicious sandwiches!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I usually go for 80/20 ground beef for a good balance of flavor and moisture. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try lean ground turkey or a plant-based meat alternative. Just adjust the cooking time as needed!
Onion: A small onion adds sweetness and depth to the mix. If you’re not a fan, shallots or green onions work just as well. You could also use onion powder in a pinch, though fresh is always best.
Green Bell Pepper: This is optional, but it gives a nice crunch and adds flavor. If you don’t have green, red or yellow bell peppers can be used for a sweeter taste. For a kick, consider adding jalapeños!
Ketchup: The base of the sauce, it gives that sweet and tangy flavor. If you’re cutting back on sugar, low-sugar ketchup is available. Alternatively, you can try BBQ sauce for a unique twist.
Worcestershire Sauce: This adds umami richness. If you need a substitute, mix soy sauce with a splash of vinegar, or use tamari for a gluten-free version.
How Do I Make Sure My Sloppy Joes Are Flavorful?
For super tasty Sloppy Joes, focus on proper seasoning and cooking time:
- Start by browning the ground beef well to develop that rich flavor. Don’t rush this step!
- Let the mixture simmer in the slow cooker long enough for the flavors to meld. Cooking on low for a longer time really enhances the taste.
- Taste before serving! If needed, adjust seasoning with a bit more salt or pepper for that perfect touch.
Remember, sloppy joes are all about personal preference—feel free to play around with spices and ingredients to make it your own!
Easy Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sloppy Joe Mixture:
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 small green bell pepper, finely chopped (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Hamburger buns, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation and around 4-6 hours to cook on low (or 2-3 hours on high) in the slow cooker. So, it’s perfect for a day when you have things to do while the meal cooks itself!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Beef:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook it until it starts to brown, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. This should take about 5 minutes. You want the beef to be nicely browned and cooked through.
2. Add Veggies:
Next, toss in the chopped onion, green bell pepper (if you’re using it), and minced garlic into the skillet with the beef. Stir occasionally and cook until the veggies soften, which should take about 3-4 minutes. If there’s too much fat after cooking, drain some off before the next step.
3. Transfer to Slow Cooker:
Carefully transfer the beef and veggie mixture to your slow cooker. This will be the base of our sloppy joe filling!
4. Mix the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, mix together the ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, chili powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined.
5. Combine Everything:
Pour this tasty sauce over the beef mixture in the slow cooker. Stir everything together so that the beef is nicely coated with that delicious sauce.
6. Let It Cook:
Cover the slow cooker and let it cook. For a low setting, allow it to simmer for 4-6 hours; if you’re short on time, you can cook it on high for 2-3 hours. The longer you let it go, the more the flavors will develop!
7. Serve It Up:
Once it’s cooked and the flavors are melded together, serve the sloppy joe mixture hot on toasted hamburger buns. They’re so comforting and delicious!
8. Bonus Toppings:
If you want to add a little something extra, consider putting pickles, cheese, or a bit of extra mustard on top for extra flavor. Enjoy your easy and comforting slow cooker sloppy joes!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative. Just be mindful that it may be a bit less juicy, so you might want to add a little olive oil or extra sauce to keep it moist while cooking.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you like a kick, try adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture. You could also increase the amount of chili powder or even sprinkle in some cayenne pepper for extra heat!
Can I Prepare This Dish In Advance?
Yes! You can prep the beef mixture the night before and store it in the fridge. Just combine it with the sauce in the slow cooker and cook it as per the recipe the next day. This makes it convenient for busy schedules!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stove or in the microwave until heated through, and enjoy it on fresh buns again!
