This Easy Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes recipe is a big hit! It combines ground beef in a tangy sauce, all simmered to perfection in your trusty slow cooker.
Who doesn’t love a messy sandwich? I like to pile mine high with cheese for that extra gooey goodness. Perfect for game nights or busy days!
Making it in the slow cooker means more time for fun and less time in the kitchen! Just set it and forget it until it’s time to eat. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the star! You can use lean ground beef for less fat. If you prefer, turkey or even plant-based ground meat are great alternatives. Turkey gives it a lighter feel, and plant-based options cater to vegetarian diets.
Onion: A small onion adds flavor, but if you don’t have one, use a shallot, or onion powder as a backup (1 teaspoon equals about half an onion). I always prefer finely chopping the onion for a smoother mix.
Green Bell Pepper: Totally optional! If you love crunch and a bit more flavor, leave it in. If not, you can swap it with a red or yellow bell pepper for a sweeter taste, or just skip it altogether.
Ketchup: This is your base sauce. In a pinch, you can use BBQ sauce, but it will add a different flavor. You can also mix ketchup with a bit of vinegar and sugar for a similar taste.
Brown Sugar: For sweetness, you can substitute with honey or maple syrup. You might want to adjust the quantity to taste; start with less and add more if needed!
How Do You Get the Perfect Sloppy Joe Consistency?
The key to a good sloppy joe is achieving that perfect mix of flavors and the right thickness. Follow these tips to get it just right:
- Make sure to drain any excess fat after browning the meat. This helps avoid a greasy sauce.
- If your mix is too runny after cooking, remove the lid and let it cook for a bit longer on high to thicken.
- For a thicker texture right from the start, add a little more tomato paste or even a splash of cornstarch mixed with water during cooking.
With these tips, your sloppy joes will be flavorful and have the right texture every time! Enjoy your meal!
Easy Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup 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 pepper to taste
- 6 hamburger buns
- Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, pickles
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy slow cooker sloppy joes recipe will take approximately 15 minutes of prep time, plus cooking time of 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high. Just mix your ingredients and let your slow cooker do the work!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Ground Beef:
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s browned, breaking it up into smaller pieces as it cooks. Once there’s no pink left, drain any excess fat to keep your sloppy joes from being greasy.
2. Combine Meat and Veggies:
Now, transfer the browned beef into your slow cooker. Toss in the finely chopped onion, and if you’re using it, the green bell pepper, along with the minced garlic. This adds great flavor!
3. Mix the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, combine the ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, yellow mustard, chili powder, smoked paprika, and some salt and pepper. Stir it all together until well mixed.
4. Add Sauce to Slow Cooker:
Pour the sauce mixture over the beef and veggies in the slow cooker. Give it a good stir to make sure everything is coated in that delicious sauce!
5. Slow Cook the Mixture:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. If you can, stir it occasionally to help the flavors blend even better.
6. Serve the Sloppy Joes:
When the cooking time is up and the mixture is bubbly and thick, it’s time to serve! Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto your hamburger buns.
7. Add Toppings:
Feeling a little indulgent? Top your sloppy joes with shredded cheddar cheese or pickles for that extra zing!
8. Enjoy!
Serve your warm, delicious sloppy joes and enjoy every bite! Perfect for a family dinner or a casual get-together!
FAQ for Easy Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative. It will still give you a delicious sloppy joe, just make sure to keep an eye on cooking time as turkey may cook a bit faster.
What Can I Use if I Don’t Have Ketchup?
If you’re out of ketchup, you can use BBQ sauce for a different flavor profile or create a homemade mix using crushed tomatoes, vinegar, and a bit of sugar for a similar taste. Adjust seasonings to your preference!
Are Leftovers Safe to Store?
Yes! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. You can even freeze the mixture for up to 3 months!
How Can I Make This Spicier?
If you love a kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the sauce mixture before cooking. You can also diced jalapeños for a fresh heat!
