This Easy Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes recipe is a big hit with everyone! It mixes ground beef with a sweet and tangy sauce, perfect for piling onto soft hamburger buns.
Getting dinner ready has never been easier! Just toss the ingredients in the slow cooker, let it simmer, and enjoy a delicious meal without much fuss. You can even sneak in some veggies if you like! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I use 80/20 ground beef for a good mix of flavor and fat. If you’re not keen on beef, ground turkey or chicken can work too! For a vegetarian option, try lentils or chickpeas.
Onion and Bell Pepper: These veggies add great flavor! I recommend yellow onion for sweetness. If you’re short on time, you can use frozen, pre-chopped onions and peppers.
Tomato Sauce and Ketchup: This mix gives the dish its signature tangy taste. In a pinch, substitute tomato paste with a bit of water, or use homemade spaghetti sauce for added flavor.
Brown Sugar: For sweetness, you can replace it with honey or maple syrup. If you’re watching sugar intake, a bit of stevia or erythritol can do the trick!
How Do I Get the Best Flavor When Cooking in a Slow Cooker?
Getting great flavor in your slow cooker comes down to layering your ingredients. Browning the ground beef with onions and bell peppers first boosts the taste significantly. After that:
- Mix all your sauces and spices into the meat mixture well.
- Cooking longer on the low setting helps develop flavor. Aim for 4-6 hours, but you could leave it for 8 hours if needed.
- Stirring occasionally adds more depth to the flavors, so don’t forget this step!
These simple tips will help ensure your Sloppy Joes are delicious and satisfying!
Easy Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 small green bell pepper, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Hamburger buns, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes recipe will take you about 10 minutes to prep the ingredients, and then you will let it cook in the slow cooker for 4 to 6 hours on low heat. It’s a simple and quick setup, perfect for a busy day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ground Beef:
In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, chopped onion, and bell pepper (if you’re using it). Cook this mixture until the meat is browned and the vegetables are softened, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Remember to drain any excess fat from the skillet.
2. Transfer to Slow Cooker:
Now, scoop your cooked beef mixture and put it into the slow cooker. This is where all the magic will happen!
3. Mix in the Sauces:
Add the tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, yellow mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the slow cooker. Give everything a good stir so that the flavors mix together nicely.
4. Cook:
Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for about 4 to 6 hours. If you’re around, stir it occasionally to help meld the flavors.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
When it’s time to serve, give it a nice stir to combine everything again. Fill up your hamburger buns with the sloppy joe mixture, and it’s ready to enjoy! Grab some napkins, and dig in!
Can I Use Leaner Meat for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use lean ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a lighter option. Just keep in mind that leaner meats might result in a drier mixture, so you might want to adjust the sauce ingredients slightly to keep it moist.
Can This Recipe Be Made Vegetarian?
Yes! You can easily make vegetarian Sloppy Joes by substituting the ground beef with cooked lentils, finely chopped mushrooms, or a plant-based meat substitute. Just season as instructed, and you’ll have a delicious meat-free version!
How to Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stovetop. If the mixture seems too thick after refrigerating, you can add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.
What Should I Serve with Sloppy Joes?
Sloppy Joes go great with simple sides like potato chips, coleslaw, or a green salad. You can also serve them with baked fries or sweet potato fries for a fun twist!
