Description
This Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes recipe offers a convenient and delicious way to enjoy a classic American favorite with minimal effort. Ground beef is browned with onions and bell peppers, then combined with a tangy tomato-based sauce and slow-cooked to perfect tenderness. Served on toasted buns, these sloppy joes are ideal for a hearty family meal or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb. ground beef (7% fat preferred, but any works)
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 green or red bell pepper, diced
Sauce and Seasonings
- 1 cup ketchup
- 8 oz. can tomato sauce (NOT tomato paste)
- 2 Tbsp. mustard
- 1 tsp. apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 3/4 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. pepper
- 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp. chili powder
- 1 Tbsp. brown sugar
Instructions
- Brown the Meat and Vegetables: Place a large skillet on the stovetop over medium-high heat. Once hot, add ground beef, diced onion, and diced bell pepper. Cook while crumbling the beef until browned and vegetables are softened. If the beef releases a lot of fat, drain the excess before proceeding.
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Transfer the browned beef, onion, and bell pepper mixture into the slow cooker. Add ketchup, tomato sauce, mustard, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, chili powder, and brown sugar. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Slow Cook the Mixture: Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on HIGH for 2 hours or on LOW for 3 hours. During cooking, monitor occasionally and stir if the mixture appears to be sticking or burning around the edges to ensure even cooking and flavor integration.
- Prepare the Buns and Serve: Toast the buns lightly until golden. Spoon a generous amount of the cooked sloppy joe mixture onto each bun. Optionally, add toppings such as cheese slices or pickles for extra flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Use lean ground beef (around 7% fat) to reduce excessive grease, but any fat content works.
- Do not substitute tomato paste for tomato sauce, as the sauce offers a thinner consistency essential for proper texture.
- Adjust seasoning amounts to taste, especially salt and chili powder for spiciness.
- Carefully monitor the slow cooker to prevent burning and stir occasionally if needed.
- Sloppy Joes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This recipe can be doubled for larger groups; just adjust cooking time slightly if necessary.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 to 3 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes, Sloppy Joe Recipe, Easy Family Dinner, Ground Beef Recipe, Slow Cooker Recipes
