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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- Meat Preparation: Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, methodically breaking apart until no pink remains, then drain excess fat thoroughly.
- 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.
- Flavor Fusion: Stir ingredients comprehensively, ensuring complete integration and uniform flavor distribution throughout the mixture.
- 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.
- Final Touches: Evaluate mixture’s consistency and seasoning, adjusting as needed to perfect the taste profile.
- Serving Preparation: Toast hamburger buns until golden and crisp, then generously ladle the sloppy joe mixture onto prepared buns, ensuring abundant portion coverage.
- 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