Zesty Slow-Cooker Sloppy Joes Recipe: Hands-Free Comfort

Lazy weeknight dinners demand a superhero meal like these hearty crock pot sloppy joes that promise maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Ground beef simmers slowly in a rich, tangy sauce that’ll make mouths water.

The classic comfort food comes together effortlessly with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of savory meat and zesty seasonings.

No stovetop battles or complicated techniques stand between you and a delicious meal.

Serve these messy, delectable sandwiches on soft buns for a crowd-pleasing dinner that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

This recipe transforms ordinary ground beef into a mouthwatering feast that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Tools You Need To Make Easy Crock Pot Sloppy Joes

• Crock Pot/Slow Cooker: Essential for effortless, tender sloppy joe cooking.
• Skillet: Perfect for browning ground beef to lock in delicious flavor.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for breaking up meat and stirring ingredients smoothly.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions and bell peppers.
• Sharp Knife: For precise vegetable preparation.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate seasoning and sauce quantities.
• Colander: Helpful for draining excess beef grease.

How To Throw Together Easy Crock Pot Sloppy Joes

• Fire Up the Skillet

Brown ground beef in a hot skillet, breaking it into delicious crumbles while sizzling over medium heat. Drain away any extra fat for a lean and tasty base.

• Create Flavor Magic in Crock Pot

Toss the browned beef into your slow cooker and unleash a flavor explosion by mixing in diced onions, peppers, zesty garlic, tangy tomato sauce, sweet BBQ goodness, bold Worcestershire sauce, rich brown sugar, zippy mustard, salt, pepper, smoky paprika, and a dash of chili kick. Stir everything into a mouthwatering blend.

• Let the Slow Cooker Work Its Wonder

Cover your crock pot and let the magic happen. Cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours, occasionally stirring to blend those incredible flavors.

• Serve Up Comfort

Scoop the juicy, saucy mixture onto warm, toasted hamburger buns and get ready for a taste sensation that’ll make everyone at the table cheer!

Tasty Tricks For Easy Crock Pot Sloppy Joes

• Flavor Boost: Add a splash of apple cider vinegar or a dash of hot sauce to enhance the tangy depth of the sloppy joe mixture.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire recipe in advance and refrigerate for up to 3 days, allowing flavors to meld and intensify even more.
• Dietary Swap: For a low-carb version, serve the sloppy joe mixture over cauliflower rice or in lettuce wraps instead of traditional hamburger buns.
• Veggie-Friendly Twist: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or finely chopped mushrooms for a vegetarian-friendly alternative that maintains the same rich, savory profile.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust the heat by reducing or increasing chili powder, or add diced jalapeños for those who love an extra kick of spiciness.

Fun Ways To Serve Easy Crock Pot Sloppy Joes

• Flavor Explosion Sides: Crispy potato wedges or sweet potato fries perfectly complement the tangy, rich sloppy joe mixture.
• Freshness Boost: Pair with a crunchy coleslaw or bright green salad to balance the hearty meat sauce and add some refreshing texture.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese on top of the sloppy joe filling for an extra creamy, melty experience.
• Family Fun Plating: Create a build-your-own sloppy joe bar with various toppings like pickles, sliced jalapeños, and extra BBQ sauce for personalized enjoyment.

Store Easy Crock Pot Sloppy Joes Without A Mess

• Meal Planning & Storage Magic
• Batch Cooking Brilliance: Prepare a double batch and freeze half for busy weeknights. Portion into airtight containers for quick future meals that save time and energy.
• Refrigerator Refresh Strategy: Store leftover sloppy joe mixture in sealed containers for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve overnight, making next-day lunches even more delicious.
• Freezer-Friendly Hack: Completely cool the meat mixture before freezing in freezer-safe containers. Will stay tasty for 2-3 months, providing instant comfort food whenever cravings hit.
• Lunch Box Transformation: Pack cold sloppy joe mixture in thermoses for school or work. Reheat gently and serve over rice, on baked potatoes, or inside warm tortillas for exciting meal variations.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 4-6 hours (Low) / 2-3 hours (High)

Total Time: 4-6 hours

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 9

What You’ll Need For Easy Crock Pot Sloppy Joes

• Ground Beef: Rich protein source that forms the hearty foundation, choose lean cuts for less grease and more robust flavor.
• Onion: Adds depth and aromatic sweetness, select firm bulbs without soft spots for maximum freshness.
• Bell Pepper: Introduces vibrant color and crisp texture, pick bright, firm peppers without blemishes.
• Garlic: Provides intense, earthy undertone, choose plump cloves with tight, unbroken skin.

• Tomato Sauce: Creates smooth, tangy base, opt for high-quality, preservative-free varieties.
• Ketchup: Enhances sweetness and classic sloppy joe profile, select traditional or organic brands.
• BBQ Sauce: Delivers smoky complexity, choose thick, rich sauce with balanced flavor.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Introduces umami and depth, look for authentic, traditional versions.
• Brown Sugar: Balances acidity and adds caramel notes, pick fresh, clump-free crystals.
• Mustard: Provides sharp, zingy accent, select smooth or whole grain for different textures.

• Salt: Elevates overall flavor, use kosher or sea salt for pure taste.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and dimension, freshly ground preferred.
• Smoked Paprika: Contributes smoky undertone, choose high-quality, vibrant red spice.
• Chili Powder: Introduces gentle warmth, select pure, freshly ground blend.

Hearty Crock Pot Sloppy Joes Recipe

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4.6 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 4-6 hours
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

This classic Sloppy Joes recipe blends savory ground beef with tangy sauce in a convenient slow cooker method. Home cooks can effortlessly prepare a crowd-pleasing meal that delivers rich flavor with minimal kitchen effort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 2 lbs ground turkey
• 1 small onion (finely chopped)
• 1 small green bell pepper (finely chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 15 oz (425 grams) can tomato sauce
• ½ cup ketchup
• ¼ cup barbecue sauce
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• 8 hamburger buns (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Meat Preparation: Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, methodically breaking apart until no pink remains, then drain excess fat thoroughly.
2. Slow Cooker Assembly: Transfer browned beef to slow cooker ceramic vessel, creating a robust flavor foundation by incorporating diced onions, bell peppers, minced garlic, tomato sauce, ketchup, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and chili powder.
3. Flavor Fusion: Stir ingredients comprehensively, ensuring complete integration and uniform flavor distribution throughout the mixture.
4. Cooking Process: Secure slow cooker lid and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours, intermittently stirring to prevent ingredient settlement and promote consistent flavor development.
5. Final Touches: Evaluate mixture’s consistency and seasoning, adjusting as needed to perfect the taste profile.
6. Serving Preparation: Toast hamburger buns until golden and crisp, then generously ladle the sloppy joe mixture onto prepared buns, ensuring abundant portion coverage.
7. Presentation: Serve immediately while warm, delivering a comforting and satisfying culinary experience that promises delightful enjoyment.

Notes

• Manage Meat Quality: Select lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) to reduce excess grease and maintain a robust, hearty flavor without overwhelming fat content.
• Prevent Watery Texture: Drain beef thoroughly and avoid adding extra liquid to maintain a thick, clingy sauce that perfectly coats each bun bite.
• Customize Flavor Complexity: Experiment with spice levels by adjusting chili powder and adding smoked paprika for deeper, more nuanced taste profiles that elevate the classic recipe.
• Dietary Adaptation Options: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based crumbles to create lighter, vegetarian-friendly versions without compromising the dish’s signature saucy, tangy character.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4-6 hours (Low) / 2-3 hours (High)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 300 kcal
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg