This Easy Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes recipe is a winner! It combines ground beef, onions, and a zesty sauce that simmers to perfection. Just mix, set, and let your slow cooker do all the hard work!
You’ll love how the flavors blend together while you relax. Plus, serving them on soft buns makes it a fun meal. Perfect for busy days when you want yummy comfort food without the fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the base of the dish, giving that hearty flavor. You can use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Some people even enjoy using plant-based meat for a vegetarian alternative.
Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness and depth. If you’re not a fan of onions, leeks or shallots can work too. For a sweeter taste, try caramelizing your onions before adding them.
Green Bell Pepper: This ingredient is optional, but it adds great flavor and texture! If you don’t have it, try using diced carrots or celery instead for a different crunch.
Ketchup: The main component of the sauce. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, consider using low-sugar or homemade ketchup. You could also experiment with BBQ sauce for a smoky touch!
Brown Sugar: This balances out the acidity. If you prefer, honey or maple syrup can be a great substitute. You might also skip it if you’re watching your sugar intake.
How Do You Get the Beef Perfectly Cooked Before Slow Cooking?
Getting the beef cooked properly is crucial for flavor. Here’s how to do it well:
- Start by heating your skillet over medium heat. Avoid high heat, as this can burn the beef.
- Add the ground beef and break it apart with a spatula. Keep stirring it to cook evenly.
- Cook until the meat is brown with no pink remaining. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
- Don’t forget to drain off any excess fat. This keeps your sloppy joes from being too greasy.
Your beef should be nicely browned and flavorful, ready to blend with those tasty sauce ingredients in the slow cooker!
Easy Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sloppy Joe Mixture:
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
To Serve:
- 4 to 6 hamburger buns
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and then 4 to 6 hours of cooking in the slow cooker on low or 2 to 3 hours on high. Allow some extra time for stirring and serving, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef:
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until it’s no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, drain any excess fat to keep the mixture nice and lean.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
Add the chopped onion, optional green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked beef. Sauté everything for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are soft and fragrant. This adds great flavor to your sloppy joes!
3. Mix It All Together:
Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture to your slow cooker. Now, it’s time to add the sauce ingredients: ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, brown sugar, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well combined.
4. Slow Cook the Sloppy Joes:
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the sauce to thicken. You can give it a quick stir halfway through if you’d like!
5. Serve Your Sloppy Joes:
Before serving, stir the mixture to make sure everything is well combined. Spoon the delicious sloppy joe mixture onto hamburger buns and serve them warm. Enjoy these hearty sandwiches with a side of fries or a fresh green salad!
There you have it—easy and delicious slow cooker sloppy joes that are perfect for any day of the week!
FAQ about Easy Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be swapped for ground beef to make a leaner version of this dish. Just be aware that the flavor and texture might be slightly different, so season to taste!
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
If you’d like a vegetarian option, use plant-based ground meat or sautéed lentils as a substitute for ground beef. You can also add more vegetables like finely chopped mushrooms or black beans to enhance the texture!
Can I Make Sloppy Joes Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the sloppy joe mixture in advance. Cook it as directed, let it cool, and then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, place the cooled sloppy joe mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for later use; just make sure to leave some space in the container for expansion. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight, then heat on the stovetop until warmed through!
