These Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes are one of my favorite hands-off dinners! Cooking for two young kids is no small feat, but this recipe makes it easy. Made with ground beef, brown sugar, mustard, and a host of lip-smacking seasonings, these crockpot sloppy joes come out perfectly saucy.
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Ingredients for Sloppy Joes in a Slow Cooker
Crockpot sloppy joes are the easy way to feed the crowd! Juicy and loaded with flavor, it’s a family favorite in our home. Let the beef and sloppy joe seasonings simmer away, then serve on soft buns – the kids (old and young!) will love them.
- Ground Beef: Lean ground beef works best for this recipe. Make sure to drain off any excess grease before adding it to the crockpot.
- Onion: Adds a sweet and earthy flavor to the meat.
- Bell Pepper: I like green bell peppers for their earthy flavor, but any color of bell pepper works well to add a bit of texture to this dish.
- Garlic: Enhances the savory flavor of the sauce.
- Tomato Sauce: Forms the base of the sloppy joe sauce. I like to use homemade marinara sauce, but jarred also works.
- Ketchup: Enhances the tomato flavor and adds sweetness.
- Chili Sauce: Enhances the tomato flavor of the sauce. I used Heinz.
- Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar has a great balance of sharpness and sweetness. You could also use white wine vinegar, though.
- Mustard: Classic yellow mustard adds tanginess to the sauce.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a smoky, caramelly sweetness to the sauce. Regular granulated sugar will also work in a pinch, but use brown if you have it.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Enhances the umami flavor of the sauce.
- Chili Powder: Adds just a hint of spice to the sauce. Feel free to omit if you’re not a fan!
Variations To Try
You can use any ground meat you’d like, such as chicken, turkey, or vegan meat crumbles. The sandwiches may have a slightly different taste, but the sauce is flavorful enough to compensate.
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftover slow cooker sloppy joes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the meat separately from the buns. Reheat the meat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
How to Freeze
Freeze crockpot sloppy joe meat in an airtight container or Ziplock bag for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
I love these crockpot sloppy joes heaped onto homemade hamburger buns. If you’re short on time, a brioche or potato roll from the store works well too! Add a side of potato chips or french fries and a dill pickle spear, and you’ve got one tasty meal!
Notes from the Test Kitchen
These slow cooker sloppy joes are just pure joy! Perfect for birthdays, BBQs, or as an easy weeknight dinner, these delicious sandwiches are bound to please kids and adults alike! Whipped up in the slow cooker for maximum flavor, you’ll never be stuck for an easy meal again!
Crockpot Sloppy Joes Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 pounds 85% lean ground beef
- ½ cup finely chopped onion
- ½ cup finely chopped green bell pepper
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 8 ounces tomato sauce (½ jar)
- ½ cup ketchup
- ⅓ cup chili sauce such as Heinz
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1½ tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon ground chili powder
- 12 hamburger buns for serving
Instructions
- In a large skillet set over medium-high heat, add the ground beef, onion, and green pepper. Season with salt and pepper and cook for 4-5 minutes until no pink remains. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Drain any excess fat, then transfer the beef to the crock of a 6-quart crockpot.2 pounds 85% lean ground beef, ½ cup finely chopped onion, ½ cup finely chopped green bell pepper, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, 3 cloves garlic
- Stir in remaining ingredients, cover, and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.8 ounces tomato sauce, ½ cup ketchup, ⅓ cup chili sauce, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1½ tablespoons yellow mustard, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon ground chili powder
- Serve on hamburger rolls or slider buns.12 hamburger buns
Video
Becky’s Tips
- This recipe can easily be halved.
- Brown the meat first. This adds a richer flavor to the sauce.
- Drain the excess grease from the meat to keep the sauce from becoming runny or greasy.
- Toast your buns. This will help prevent the sloppy joes from getting soggy too quickly.
- Feel free to add toppings such as cheese, pickles, or raw chopped onion.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did you make this? Leave a comment!
How to Make Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes Step by Step
Sauté the Beef: In a large skillet set over medium-high heat, add 2 pounds of lean ground beef, ½ cup of finely chopped onion, and ½ cup of finely chopped green bell pepper. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of pepper and cook for 4-5 minutes until no pink remains. Stir in 3 minced cloves of garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Drain any excess fat, then transfer the beef to the crock of a 6-quart crockpot.
Cook the Filling: Stir in 8 ounces of tomato sauce, ½ cup of ketchup, ⅓ cup of chili sauce, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, 1½ tablespoons of yellow mustard, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, and 1 tablespoon of ground chili powder. Cover, and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Serve on hamburger rolls or slider buns.
This is oddly my first time making sloppy joes! This recipe is amazing! I substituted the apple cider vinegar for red wine vinegar and didn’t use the chili sauce. Was still so so delicious! Will be making again!
Hi, just a question before I try this. I cannot eat green bell pepper. What substitution would compensate for that flavor? Thank you! (Love slow-cooker recipes.)
If you can have other types of bell peppers, those would work. Otherwise, poblano, jalapeño or anaheim peppers also work (but are spicier)!