This easy slow cooker sloppy joes recipe is a total winner! It’s made with ground beef, tangy sauce, and spices, all simmered together to create a tasty, comforting dish.
I love how simple it is—just throw everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work. You can have dinner ready without the fuss, plus, who can resist that cheesy, messy goodness? 🍔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the heart of your sloppy joes! You can use lean beef or ground turkey for a healthier option. If you’re vegetarian, try crumbled tempeh or lentils as a substitute.
Onion and Bell Pepper: Freshly chopped onions add great flavor. If you’re short on time, you can use dried onion flakes. For bell peppers, mix it up with red or yellow ones, or skip them altogether.
Ketchup and Tomato Sauce: Ketchup is key for sweetness and tang. If you’re looking for a healthier choice, you can use low-sugar ketchup or even salsa for a twist. Just keep an eye on the flavors!
Worcestershire Sauce: This adds a nice depth to the flavor. If you need a substitute, soy sauce or tamari can work. You might want to add a little extra sugar if you use soy sauce, though.
Spices: Garlic powder and onion powder are handy for quick flavor. Feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat or swap in your favorite spices based on what you love!
How Do I Make Sure My Sloppy Joes Have Great Flavor?
Getting the flavor just right is important! Start by browning the meat with onions and peppers for extra deliciousness. This adds depth and enhances the overall taste.
- Make sure not to rush—cook it until the meat is fully browned and the veggies are soft.
- Mix the sauce ingredients well in the slow cooker to ensure even flavor distribution.
- Taste and adjust seasoning! You can add a bit more salt, sugar, or even hot sauce based on your personal preference.
By taking the time to prep and taste along the way, you’ll achieve that perfect sloppy joe flavor everyone will love!
Easy Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sloppy Joe Mixture:
- 1 ½ pounds (680g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 small green bell pepper, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 cup ketchup
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Serving:
- Hamburger buns
- Optional: sliced pickles or cheese for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare before cooking in the slow cooker. Once all the ingredients are combined in the slow cooker, let them cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. By the time dinner rolls around, you’ll have a tasty meal ready to go!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Meat and Vegetables:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef along with the finely chopped onion and green bell pepper (if you’re using it). Stir occasionally until the meat is browned and the veggies are soft, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, drain out any excess fat to keep the mixture from being too greasy.
2. Transfer to the Slow Cooker:
Carefully transfer the cooked beef mixture into the slow cooker. Be sure to scrape up all those tasty bits from the skillet!
3. Mix in the Sauces and Spices:
Add the ketchup, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if desired), salt, and black pepper to the slow cooker. Stir everything together until it’s well combined.
4. Cook to Perfection:
Cover the slow cooker and let it cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. If you can, stir the mixture occasionally for more even cooking. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors will blend together!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the mixture has cooked, give it a good stir. Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto hamburger buns, and if you like, top them with sliced pickles or cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy the deliciousness!
Now you have a super simple and hearty meal that everyone will love. Perfect for busy days or get-togethers!
FAQ for Easy Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great low-fat alternative. Just be aware that it may take a little less time to cook, so keep an eye on it to avoid drying out.
Can I Make These Sloppy Joes Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the sloppy joe mixture a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge and reheat it in the slow cooker or on the stovetop before serving. It also freezes well for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating!
What Can I Substitute for Ketchup?
If you want to try something different, you can use barbecue sauce or even a blend of tomato paste and a bit of water with some added sugar. Just keep in mind that this may change the taste slightly!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat them on the stovetop or in the microwave. If you find them a bit dry, add a splash of water or broth while reheating to moisten them up!
