Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes: The Ultimate Hands-Off Weeknight Meal

Are you searching for that perfect, fuss-free dinner solution that brings back childhood memories and satisfies even the pickiest eaters? Look no further than the humble yet mighty Sloppy Joe! But forget the stovetop stirring and constant monitoring. Today, we’re diving into the effortless world of Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes – a game-changer for busy weeknights, potlucks, and casual gatherings. Imagine succulent, seasoned ground beef simmering all day in a rich, tangy, and slightly sweet sauce, transforming into a deeply flavorful mixture that’s ready to pile high on toasted hamburger buns the moment you walk through the door. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a promise of comfort, convenience, and a kitchen that smells absolutely divine. Say goodbye to last-minute meal stress and hello to a beloved classic, reimagined for the modern home cook. Get ready to embrace the magic of your slow cooker as it works its delicious wonders, delivering a meal that’s truly unforgettable.

Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes Recipe

There are countless reasons why this Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes recipe is about to become a permanent fixture in your weekly meal rotation. First and foremost, it’s the epitome of convenience. Life is busy, and sometimes the thought of preparing a wholesome, delicious meal after a long day feels daunting. That’s where your slow cooker steps in as your culinary superhero. With just a minimal amount of prep in the morning – browning the meat and chopping a few veggies – you can literally “set it and forget it.” The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, gently simmering the ingredients to perfection while you’re at work, running errands, or simply enjoying your day. This hands-off approach frees up your evening, allowing you to spend more quality time with family or unwind without the pressure of cooking.

Beyond convenience, the flavor development in this slow cooker version is simply unmatched. The low, slow cooking process allows all the incredible ingredients – from the savory ground beef and aromatic garlic to the tangy ketchup, sweet brown sugar, and zesty mustard – to meld together over hours. This prolonged simmering creates a depth of flavor that a quick stovetop version simply cannot achieve. The sauce thickens naturally, becoming wonderfully rich and coating every speck of the beef perfectly. Each bite is a symphony of sweet, savory, and tangy notes, perfectly balanced and incredibly satisfying. The meat becomes incredibly tender, absorbing all the deliciousness of the sauce, resulting in a texture that’s both hearty and melt-in-your-mouth.

Furthermore, this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser and incredibly family-friendly. Sloppy Joes have an undeniable nostalgic appeal, reminding many of carefree childhood dinners. This homemade version elevates that classic taste, making it even more appealing to both kids and adults. It’s a fantastic way to get picky eaters to enjoy a meal packed with flavor, and its inherent “fun” factor makes it a hit at dinner tables. For larger families or entertaining, the slow cooker makes it easy to scale up the recipe, providing ample portions without additional fuss. It’s also incredibly versatile in terms of serving; while classic on a bun, it’s also excellent over pasta, rice, or even baked potatoes, offering flexibility to suit different dietary preferences or simply to shake things up.

Finally, it’s an incredibly economical meal. Ground beef is often a budget-friendly protein, and the rest of the ingredients are common pantry staples. This makes Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes a smart choice for feeding a family without breaking the bank. Plus, it’s an excellent recipe for meal prepping. You can make a large batch and enjoy leftovers for lunches throughout the week, or even freeze portions for quick future meals. The flavor often improves with time, making those leftovers even more delicious. This combination of ease, incredible flavor, broad appeal, and cost-effectiveness truly makes this the ultimate weeknight winner.

Why You Should Try This Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes Recipe Today

If you’re still on the fence about whether to make these Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes, let me give you a few compelling reasons to add it to your menu this week. First, it addresses the age-old dilemma of finding a meal that requires minimal active cooking time but doesn’t compromise on taste or nutrition. We all have those evenings when time is short, and the last thing we want is a complicated recipe. This recipe demands very little of your precious evening hours, allowing you to unwind, help with homework, or simply relax knowing that a hearty, delicious dinner is patiently waiting for you.

Moreover, this specific recipe for Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes is designed to deliver consistent, mouth-watering results every single time. The precise balance of sweet, tangy, and savory ingredients ensures a flavor profile that resonates with classic sloppy joe goodness while also offering a homemade touch that’s superior to canned versions. The addition of apple cider vinegar provides a crucial bright note that cuts through the richness, while a touch of smoked paprika (if you choose to use it) adds a subtle, smoky depth that truly elevates the dish. This isn’t just about combining ingredients; it’s about creating a harmonious blend where each element contributes to a deeply satisfying culinary experience.

Beyond its culinary merits, this slow cooker recipe is incredibly forgiving, making it perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned pros. Unlike stovetop recipes that can quickly burn or dry out if neglected, the slow cooker’s gentle heat and moist environment ensure that your sloppy joe mixture remains tender and flavorful. Even if you’re delayed getting home, the food will remain warm and delicious, ready when you are. This robustness makes it an ideal choice for unpredictable schedules, ensuring a warm, comforting meal is always an option.

Finally, trying this recipe allows you to experience the true potential of your slow cooker beyond just stews and roasts. It demonstrates how this invaluable kitchen appliance can transform everyday ingredients into something extraordinary with minimal effort. It’s also a fantastic way to introduce a beloved American classic to a new generation or to rekindle fond memories for those who grew up with it. The aroma alone, filling your home as it cooks, is enough to get anyone excited for dinner. So, if you’re looking for a reliable, flavorful, and incredibly easy meal that promises comfort and satisfaction, give these Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes a try today. You won’t regret making this delicious addition to your family’s favorite meals.

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils for Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes

Creating the perfect batch of Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes requires a thoughtful selection of ingredients and a few essential kitchen tools. Each component plays a crucial role in building the rich, complex flavor that defines this beloved comfort food. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why it matters.

Essential Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds lean ground beef: The foundation of our sloppy joes. Opting for lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) is recommended to minimize excess grease, making the draining step quicker and resulting in a less greasy final product. While beef is traditional, you could substitute ground turkey or a plant-based ground for a different twist.
• 1 large onion, chopped: Onions are a flavor powerhouse, adding a sweet and savory aromatic base to the sauce. Chopping them finely ensures they soften and blend seamlessly into the mixture as it cooks slowly. You can use yellow, white, or even red onion for a slightly sharper flavor.
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped (optional): Bell peppers add a subtle sweetness, a touch of freshness, and a lovely vibrant color. While optional, it’s a classic addition to sloppy joes, contributing to the traditional texture and flavor. If you’re not a fan of green, a red or yellow bell pepper could offer a sweeter profile.
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is non-negotiable for depth and aroma. Minced garlic infuses the entire sauce with its pungent, savory notes. Don’t skip browning it briefly with the vegetables to unlock its full fragrance and flavor.
• 1 ½ cups ketchup: The primary base of the sloppy joe sauce, ketchup provides the quintessential tangy and sweet tomato flavor. It’s the ingredient that gives sloppy joes their characteristic bright red hue and classic taste.
• ¼ cup packed light brown sugar: This adds a crucial sweetness that balances the tang of the ketchup and mustard. Light brown sugar also contributes a subtle molasses note, enhancing the overall richness of the sauce. Adjust to your sweetness preference; some like it a bit sweeter, others less so.
• 2 tablespoons yellow mustard: Mustard introduces a sharp, tangy kick that cuts through the richness of the beef and ketchup, providing that signature sloppy joe zing. Don’t substitute with Dijon unless you’re looking for a more gourmet, less classic flavor.
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: A secret weapon for umami. Worcestershire sauce adds a savory, fermented depth that enhances the beefiness and rounds out the overall flavor profile. It’s subtle but essential for that “something extra.”
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: This is key for adding a bright, acidic lift that prevents the sauce from being too heavy or one-dimensional. It amplifies other flavors and provides a pleasant tang. White vinegar can be used in a pinch, but apple cider vinegar offers a milder, slightly fruitier note.
• 1 tablespoon chili powder: Don’t let the name fool you; chili powder in this context isn’t primarily for heat but for earthy, smoky, and slightly spicy flavor. It’s a blend of ground chiles, cumin, oregano, and other spices, contributing to the savory complexity.
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional): Smoked paprika adds a wonderful smoky aroma and a deeper, richer color. It’s an excellent addition if you enjoy a hint of BBQ-like flavor. If you don’t have it, regular paprika can be used for color, but the smoky note will be missed.
• 1 cup beef broth or water: This liquid helps to create the saucy consistency and ensures everything simmers smoothly in the slow cooker. Beef broth will add more flavor, but water works perfectly fine and allows the other ingredients to shine.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning. You’ll add these at the end, after all the other flavors have melded, allowing you to adjust perfectly.
• Hamburger buns, for serving: The classic vessel for Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes! Toasting them lightly can prevent them from getting too soggy and adds a nice textural contrast.

Recommended Tools and Utensils:

• Large Skillet or Pot: Absolutely essential for browning the ground beef and sautéing the aromatics (onion, bell pepper, garlic) before they go into the slow cooker. A good non-stick skillet or a heavy-bottomed pot like a Dutch oven works best for even browning.
• Slow Cooker (Crock-Pot): The star of the show! A 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker is ideal for this recipe, providing enough space for the ingredients to simmer without overflowing. Ensure it has both LOW and HIGH settings for flexible cooking times.
• Spatula or Wooden Spoon: For breaking up the ground beef as it browns and stirring the ingredients. A sturdy one is best for handling the meat.
• Slotted Spoon: Invaluable for transferring the browned beef mixture from the skillet to the slow cooker, leaving behind any excess grease.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measuring of all your liquid and dry ingredients, ensuring the perfect balance of flavors.
• Cutting Board and Sharp Knife: For safely and efficiently chopping the onion, bell pepper, and mincing the garlic.
• Small Bowl or Container: Useful for pre-mixing the sauce ingredients (ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, etc.) if you prefer, although you can also add them directly to the slow cooker.
• Meat Chopper Tool (Optional but Recommended): This gadget makes quick work of breaking up ground meat as it browns, ensuring a fine, consistent texture for your sloppy joes.

Having these tools and ingredients ready will ensure a smooth and enjoyable cooking experience, leading to truly delicious Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes.

Detailed Recipe Steps for Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes

Creating perfect Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes is an incredibly straightforward process, but paying attention to a few key steps will elevate your results from good to absolutely outstanding. Follow these detailed instructions to achieve that classic, comforting flavor with minimal effort.

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef and Drain

Begin by placing a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat on your stovetop. Once the skillet is hot, add the 1.5 pounds of lean ground beef. Using a wooden spoon or a meat chopper tool, break the beef apart into small, uniform crumbles as it cooks. Stir frequently to ensure even browning. The goal here is to achieve a nice brown sear on the meat, which develops a crucial layer of flavor known as the Maillard reaction. This browning step is vital and should not be skipped, as it adds depth that can’t be achieved by simply cooking the beef in the slow cooker. Once the beef is fully browned and no pink remains, carefully drain off any excess grease. Lean ground beef will produce less grease, but it’s still important to remove it for the best texture and to prevent the sloppy joes from being too oily. You can use a slotted spoon to transfer the meat, or tilt the pan and use a paper towel to blot the grease.

Tip: For really quick and efficient draining, once the beef is browned, you can transfer it to a colander lined with paper towels set over a bowl. This ensures maximum grease removal.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

With the browned beef removed, if there’s still a small amount of grease in the skillet (just a tablespoon or two, or add a tiny bit of olive oil if completely dry), add the chopped onion and green bell pepper (if using) to the same skillet. Cook these vegetables over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they have softened significantly, which typically takes about 5-7 minutes. Softening the vegetables beforehand is important because the slow cooker might not break them down sufficiently if they are added raw and chunky. Once the onion and bell pepper are tender, stir in the minced garlic. Cook for just another minute, stirring continuously, until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as burnt garlic can taste bitter and ruin the flavor of your Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes.

Cooking Trick: Adding a tiny pinch of salt to the onions as they cook can help draw out their moisture and speed up the softening process.

Step 3: Transfer to the Slow Cooker

Now, it’s time to bring all the foundational elements together. Carefully transfer the browned beef, the softened onion, and the bell pepper mixture from your skillet directly into the bowl of your slow cooker. Ensure you scrape out all the delicious bits clinging to the bottom of the skillet, as these are packed with flavor.

Step 4: Add the Sauce Ingredients

Once the beef and vegetables are in the slow cooker, it’s time to build the signature sloppy joe sauce. Add the following ingredients directly over the beef mixture: the ketchup, packed light brown sugar, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, chili powder, and smoked paprika (if you’re using it). Finally, pour in the beef broth or water. The broth will add more savory depth, but water is perfectly acceptable if you prefer to keep it simpler or don’t have broth on hand.

Step 5: Combine and Season

With all the ingredients in the slow cooker, stir everything exceptionally well to combine thoroughly. Make sure the brown sugar is dissolved and all the spices are evenly distributed throughout the beef and sauce. This initial stir is crucial for ensuring uniform flavor. After combining, season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remember, you can always add more seasoning later, but you can’t take it away, so start with a moderate amount. The flavors will concentrate as they cook, so don’t over-salt at this stage.

Step 6: Cook to Perfection

Once everything is mixed and seasoned, cover your slow cooker with its lid. You have two cooking options depending on your schedule:

• On LOW: Cook for 6-8 hours. This longer, gentler cooking time allows for maximum flavor development and tenderizes the meat beautifully.
• On HIGH: Cook for 3-4 hours. This is a great option if you’re shorter on time, but still want the convenience of a slow cooker meal.

During the cooking process, the sauce will naturally thicken, and all the incredible flavors will meld together into a cohesive, delicious mixture. If possible, give the mixture a stir once or twice during the cooking time, especially if you’re on the HIGH setting, to prevent any sticking and ensure even cooking, though it’s not strictly necessary for most modern slow cookers.

Step 7: Final Stir and Serve

Once the cooking time is complete, and the sloppy joes are bubbling hot and fragrant, give the mixture one final, thorough stir. This helps to redistribute any liquids and ensures a consistent texture. The beef should be incredibly tender, and the sauce rich and thick. Serve your hot Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes generously piled on toasted or untoasted hamburger buns. Feel free to add your favorite toppings like pickles, cheese, or onions. Enjoy this effortless and incredibly satisfying classic!

Tips, Variations, and Common Mistakes to Avoid

While the basic Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes recipe is fantastic on its own, there are many ways to customize it, elevate its flavor, and avoid common pitfalls. Here are some tips and variations to make your sloppy joes truly shine:

Ingredient Alternatives and Flavor Variations:

• Different Proteins: While ground beef is classic, you can easily substitute it with other proteins.
  • Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a leaner option, use ground turkey or chicken. Be sure to still brown it first for flavor. You might need to add a touch more oil to the pan if using very lean poultry to prevent sticking.
  • Plant-Based/Vegan Sloppy Joes: Replace the ground beef with cooked brown or green lentils (about 1.5 cups dry, cooked), textured vegetable protein (TVP), or a store-bought plant-based ground crumble. Ensure your Worcestershire sauce is vegan (some contain anchovies) or use soy sauce with a dash of liquid smoke as a substitute. This makes for delicious vegetarian sloppy joes.
• Add More Veggies: Boost the nutritional content and flavor by adding more vegetables to the slow cooker along with the onions and bell peppers.
  • Mushrooms: Sliced mushrooms add an earthy, umami depth.
  • Carrots or Celery: Finely diced carrots or celery (a classic mirepoix base) can add subtle sweetness and texture.
  • Corn or Peas: Stir in a cup of frozen corn or peas during the last 30 minutes of cooking for extra color and sweetness.
• Spice It Up: If you love a little heat, consider adding a pinch or two of cayenne pepper, a dash of hot sauce, or a finely diced jalapeño (seeded for less heat) to the slow cooker with the other ingredients.
• Smoky Flavor Boost: If you don’t have smoked paprika, a few drops of liquid smoke can impart a similar campfire-like aroma. A teaspoon of smoked chipotle powder can also add both smoke and heat.
• Sweeter/Tangier Sauce: Adjust the brown sugar and apple cider vinegar to your preference. For a sweeter sauce, add another tablespoon of brown sugar. For more tang, another teaspoon of apple cider vinegar can brighten it up. A splash of pickle juice can also add a unique tang.
• Add a Savory Kick: A teaspoon of dried onion flakes or a splash of liquid smoke can enhance the savory profile even further.
• Cheesy Joes: Stir in a cup of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking, or simply top your assembled sandwich with cheese and melt under a broiler.

Advice to Avoid Common Mistakes:

• Don’t Skip Browning the Beef: This is arguably the most critical step. Raw beef in the slow cooker will result in a bland, watery sauce and a less appealing texture. Browning creates deep, savory flavors and allows you to drain excess fat.
• Don’t Over-Salt Initially: Remember that flavors concentrate in the slow cooker as moisture evaporates. It’s always better to under-salt at the beginning and adjust to taste at the very end.
• Ensure Even Chopping: For onions and bell peppers, try to chop them into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly and integrate well into the sauce. Large chunks might remain too firm.
• Don’t Lift the Lid Too Often: Each time you lift the slow cooker lid, you release a significant amount of heat, which can extend the cooking time by 20-30 minutes. Resist the urge to peek frequently! A quick stir at the halfway mark is fine if necessary.
• Adjust Consistency at the End: If your sloppy joes turn out too thin, you can remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some moisture to evaporate, or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) during the last 15-30 minutes. If too thick, simply add a splash more beef broth or water until desired consistency is reached.
• Toast Your Buns: While not strictly a cooking mistake, serving sloppy joes on untoasted buns can lead to soggy sandwiches. A quick toast in a pan, broiler, or toaster oven adds a delightful crunch and prevents the bun from collapsing under the saucy meat.

By keeping these tips and variations in mind, you can effortlessly customize your Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes to perfectly suit your family’s preferences and ensure a delicious, hassle-free meal every time.

Nutritional Values and Benefits of Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes

Beyond being a comforting and incredibly easy meal, Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes can also offer a range of nutritional benefits, especially when made with lean ground beef and plenty of vegetables. While exact nutritional values will vary based on specific brands and portion sizes, we can look at the general benefits of the key ingredients.

Approximate Nutritional Information (per serving, without bun, estimated):

Please note that these are approximate values and can vary significantly. For precise nutritional data, it’s recommended to use a nutritional calculator with your specific ingredients.

• Calories: Approximately 250-350 calories (depending on leanness of beef and portion size).
• Protein: Around 20-25 grams. A significant amount, primarily from the ground beef.
• Fats: Roughly 10-15 grams (less if using leaner beef and draining well). This includes both saturated and unsaturated fats.
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 15-20 grams (mostly from ketchup, brown sugar, and vegetables).
• Fiber: 2-3 grams (from vegetables).
• Sodium: Can be high depending on ketchup and broth. Opt for low-sodium versions if concerned.
• Vitamins & Minerals: Contains various micronutrients.

Nutritional Benefits of Key Ingredients:

• Lean Ground Beef:
  • High-Quality Protein: Beef is an excellent source of complete protein, essential for muscle building and repair, enzyme production, and overall body function.
  • Iron: Provides heme iron, which is highly bioavailable and crucial for oxygen transport in the blood, preventing fatigue and anemia.
  • Zinc: Important for immune function, wound healing, and DNA synthesis.
  • B Vitamins: Rich in B12, niacin (B3), and B6, which are vital for energy metabolism and nervous system health.
• Onions and Bell Peppers:
  • Vitamins & Antioxidants: Bell peppers, especially green ones, are packed with Vitamin C (a powerful antioxidant for immune health) and Vitamin A. Onions contain antioxidants like quercetin.
  • Dietary Fiber: Both contribute dietary fiber, aiding in digestive health and promoting satiety.
  • Phytonutrients: These vegetables contain various plant compounds that may have anti-inflammatory and other health-promoting properties.
• Garlic:
  • Immune Support: Contains compounds like allicin, which are believed to have immune-boosting and antimicrobial properties.
  • Heart Health: May contribute to cardiovascular health by helping to regulate blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
• Ketchup, Brown Sugar, Mustard, etc.:
  • While these contribute to the flavor and energy (calories from sugar), they should be consumed in moderation, especially if watching sugar or sodium intake. However, tomatoes in ketchup do offer lycopene, an antioxidant.

Overall, Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes can be a balanced meal when paired with appropriate sides. Serving them on whole-wheat buns can increase fiber, and adding a side salad or steamed vegetables significantly boosts nutrient intake. It’s a satisfying way to get a good dose of protein and essential micronutrients, making it a valuable addition to a varied diet, particularly for active individuals and growing families. The slow cooking method also tends to preserve nutrients well, as the ingredients are cooked gently in a moist environment.

Frequently Asked Questions about Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes

Conclusion: The Irresistible Charm of Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes

There’s something truly magical about the aroma of Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes wafting through your home at the end of a long day. This recipe isn’t just about creating a delicious meal; it’s about simplifying your life, maximizing flavor with minimal effort, and bringing genuine comfort to your dinner table. We’ve explored how the slow cooker transforms simple ingredients into a deeply rich, tangy, and savory sloppy joe mixture, perfect for piling high on your favorite hamburger buns. From the critical step of browning the beef for unparalleled flavor development to the “set it and forget it” convenience, every aspect of this recipe is designed to make your life easier and more delicious.

We’ve also delved into the versatility of this dish, offering ideas for ingredient substitutions, additional vegetables, and ways to customize the spice level to suit your family’s preferences. Understanding the nutritional benefits of the lean protein and vibrant vegetables further enhances its appeal, making it a wholesome choice for a busy lifestyle. And with our detailed FAQ section, we’ve addressed common questions, ensuring you have all the tips and tricks to succeed, whether you’re a slow cooker novice or a seasoned pro.

This Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes recipe is more than just food; it’s a nostalgic journey, a family favorite, and a reliable solution for those hectic weeknights when you crave something hearty and homemade without the fuss. It’s comforting, economical, and consistently delivers a winning meal that both kids and adults adore. So, if you’re looking to add a truly effortless yet incredibly flavorful dish to your repertoire, look no further. Embrace the convenience and deliciousness that your slow cooker can offer.

Now it’s your turn! Gather your ingredients, set up your slow cooker, and let the magic happen. We encourage you to try this amazing Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes recipe this week. Once you experience the ease and incredible taste, it’s bound to become a staple in your home. Don’t forget to share your experience and any creative variations you try in the comments below – we love hearing from our wonderful community of home cooks! Happy cooking!

Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes

A hearty and flavorful classic, these Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes are incredibly easy to make, perfect for a family-friendly weeknight dinner with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 390 kcal

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Slow Cooker

Ingredients

  

For the Sloppy Joe Mixture

• 1.5 pounds lean ground beef
• 1 large onion chopped
• 1 green bell pepper chopped (optional)
• 2-3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 ½ cups ketchup
• ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• 1 cup beef broth or water
• Salt to taste
• freshly ground black pepper to taste

For Serving

• Hamburger buns for serving

Instructions

 

Instructions

• In a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until no pink remains. Drain off any excess grease.
• Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper (if using) to the same skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
• Transfer the browned beef, onion, and bell pepper mixture to the slow cooker.
• Add the ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, chili powder, smoked paprika (if using), and beef broth or water to the slow cooker.
• Stir all ingredients well to combine thoroughly. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Start with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper, then adjust as needed after cooking.
• Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. The sauce will thicken as it cooks, and the flavors will meld beautifully. Stir occasionally if possible, especially towards the end of cooking.
• Once cooked, stir the sloppy joe mixture thoroughly. Taste and adjust seasoning again if needed.
• Serve hot on toasted or untoasted hamburger buns. For an extra touch, lightly toast the buns in a skillet, oven, or broiler before serving to prevent them from getting soggy.

Notes

For best results, toast your hamburger buns lightly before serving to prevent them from getting soggy. This recipe is also fantastic for meal prep; leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Serve with a side of coleslaw, potato chips, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Keyword comfort food, easy, family friendly, ground beef, sloppy joes, slow cooker, weeknight meal