Slow Cooker Mississippi Sloppy Joes Recipe: Cozy Southern Magic

Comfort food reaches new heights with these delectable slow cooker mississippi sloppy joes that promise to satisfy even the most discerning taste buds.

The classic sandwich gets a mouthwatering upgrade with a rich, tangy sauce that simmers to perfection.

Tender beef melts into a robust blend of flavors, creating an irresistible meal that screams home-cooked goodness.

Chuck roast transforms into a succulent filling that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of savory and slightly sweet notes that dance across your palate.

The slow cooker works its magic, infusing every morsel with deep, complicated flavor profiles.

These sloppy joes are more than just a meal – they’re a culinary experience that brings warmth and joy to any dinner table.

Dig in and let the deliciousness sweep you off your feet.

Make Slow Cooker Mississippi Sloppy Joes With These Steps

• Brown Ground Beef

Sizzle the beef in a hot skillet until it turns a beautiful golden color, breaking it into small crumbles. Drain away any extra fat to keep things light and tasty.

• Create Flavor Magic

Toss the beef into your trusty slow cooker and sprinkle in all the delicious seasonings. Drop in pepperoncini peppers, chopped onions, and minced garlic for an explosion of flavor. Pour in beef broth and add a dash of black pepper and paprika to make your taste buds dance.

• Let the Slow Cooker Work Its Wonder

Cover the slow cooker and let it simmer on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The magic happens as the flavors mingle and the meat becomes incredibly tender and juicy.

• Serve and Enjoy

Scoop the saucy, mouthwatering meat onto soft burger buns. Get ready for a flavor adventure that’ll make everyone at the table cheer with delight!

Change It Up With Slow Cooker Mississippi Sloppy Joes

• Make-Ahead Magic: Prep the beef mixture up to 2 days in advance and store in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to deepen and intensify before slow cooking.
• Lean Protein Swap: Replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version that still packs incredible flavor and keeps the dish protein-rich.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Use gluten-free ranch seasoning and au jus mix to make this recipe completely safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust pepperoncini quantity to increase or decrease heat – remove seeds for milder taste or add extra for a spicier kick.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve on toasted brioche buns, whole wheat rolls, or lettuce wraps for different texture and dietary preferences.

Tasty Ways To Serve Slow Cooker Mississippi Sloppy Joes

• Hearty Burger Companion: Serve these sloppy joes alongside crispy sweet potato fries or classic golden french fries for a satisfying meal that balances the rich, tangy meat.
• Picnic Perfect Plating: Pack these messy delights in sturdy buns, wrap individually in parchment paper, and pack for outdoor gatherings, tailgate parties, or casual family picnics.
• Veggie Balance Boost: Complement the robust meat with a fresh, crunchy coleslaw or a light garden salad to add color, texture, and nutritional balance to the plate.
• Leftover Magic Transform: Use any remaining sloppy joe mixture as a topping for baked potatoes, nachos, or as a hearty filling for quesadillas, extending the delicious flavor beyond the original dish.

Keep Slow Cooker Mississippi Sloppy Joes Fresh Longer

• Smart Portioning: Divide leftovers into individual meal-sized containers for easy grab-and-go lunches during the week. These containers keep the sloppy joe mixture fresh and convenient.
• Chilled Storage Strategy: Refrigerate remaining meat in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool the mixture completely before sealing to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Freeze portions in sealed freezer bags or containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently in a skillet or microwave for best results.
• Quick Reheating Technique: Warm leftover sloppy joe mixture in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of beef broth to restore moisture and prevent drying out, ensuring the meat stays juicy and delicious.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours

Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes

Calories: 500 kcal

Servings: 7

Things You’ll Need For Slow Cooker Mississippi Sloppy Joes

• Ground Beef: Rich protein powerhouse that creates the hearty foundation of these sloppy joes, select 80/20 lean blend for perfect moisture and flavor.
• Beef Broth: Enhances deep meaty essence and keeps the mixture juicy, choose low-sodium for better control of salt levels.

• Ranch Seasoning: Adds zesty southwestern kick with creamy herbal notes, look for packets with minimal preservatives.
• Au Jus Mix: Boosts savory depth and provides luxurious umami undertones, select gluten-free options if needed.
• Black Pepper: Introduces subtle warmth and aromatic complexity, freshly ground provides superior taste.
• Paprika: Contributes sweet-smoky undertone and beautiful rustic color, Hungarian varieties offer most robust flavor.

• Butter: Creates silky richness and helps bind ingredients, opt for unsalted to control seasoning.
• Pepperoncini: Brings tangy brightness and gentle heat, choose jarred peppers for consistent flavor.
• Onion: Provides sweet aromatic base and textural dimension, yellow onions work best for slow cooking.
• Garlic: Delivers pungent depth and classic savory notes, fresh cloves preferred over pre-minced.

Helpful Kitchen Tools For Slow Cooker Mississippi Sloppy Joes

• Skillet: Large pan for browning ground beef evenly and draining excess grease.
• Slow Cooker: Essential for slow-cooking the meat and developing rich, deep flavors.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients and mixing beef with seasonings.
• Cutting Board: Clean surface for prep work if chopping onions or pepperoncini.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Precise tools for adding correct amounts of seasonings and broth.

Hearty Slow Cooker Mississippi Sloppy Joes Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Mississippi sloppy joes bring bold Southern comfort to dinner tables across America. Hearty ground beef simmers in tangy sauce, creating a satisfying meal that hungry families will devour with enthusiasm.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs (907 g) ground beef
• 2 lbs (907 g) ground turkey
• ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, sliced
• 6 brioche or sandwich buns
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup (75 g) sliced pepperoncini peppers
• 2 tbsps (30 mL) pepperoncini juice
• ½ cup (56 g) shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
• ½ cup (56 g) shredded provolone cheese (optional)
• 1 packet (28 g) ranch seasoning mix
• 1 packet (28 g) au jus gravy mix
• 1 cup (240 mL) beef broth
• ½ tsp (2.5 mL) black pepper
• ½ tsp (2.5 mL) smoked paprika (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Meat Preparation: Sear ground beef in a hot skillet, breaking into crumbly texture until fully cooked and excess fat drains completely.
2. Layering Foundation: Transfer caramelized meat into slow cooker, creating an even base layer while incorporating ranch seasoning and au jus mix for comprehensive flavor coverage.
3. Moisture and Aromatics: Integrate softened butter chunks, pepperoncini peppers, chopped onions, and minced garlic, distributing ingredients evenly to enhance taste complexity.
4. Liquid Integration: Gently pour beef broth around meat edges, allowing liquid to merge with seasonings while sprinkling freshly cracked black pepper and smoky paprika for additional depth.
5. Slow Cooking Process: Stir all components thoroughly, ensuring complete coating, then secure slow cooker lid and allow mixture to transform into a rich, tender preparation.
6. Temperature and Timing: Slow cook on low setting for 4-5 hours or high setting for 2-3 hours, monitoring until meat becomes incredibly tender and sauce reaches optimal consistency.

Notes

• Sear Meat Thoroughly: Create deep caramelization by ensuring ground beef browns completely, removing all pink color and excess fat for rich, concentrated flavor.
• Season Strategically: Distribute ranch and au jus mix evenly to guarantee consistent taste throughout the entire dish, preventing bland spots.
• Control Moisture Balance: Add beef broth carefully around meat edges, preventing over-saturation while maintaining optimal sauce consistency and tenderness.
• Pepper Selection Matters: Choose mild pepperoncini for subtle tang; adjust quantity based on heat preference to customize spice level without overwhelming the recipe.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg