This Easy Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes recipe is a family favorite! With ground beef, onions, and a zesty sauce simmering all day, it’s full of flavor and super simple to make.
Who doesn’t love a meal that cooks itself while you relax? 🎉 I enjoy serving these on soft buns with pickles. It’s messy, but that’s half the fun, right?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the heart of your Sloppy Joes. I recommend 80/20 ground beef for a nice balance of flavor and juiciness. For a healthier option, try ground turkey or chicken—both work well and cut down the fat.
Onion: Yellow or white onions add sweetness and depth to your dish. If you’re not fond of onions, shallots can be a great substitute, or you can even skip them entirely.
Bell Pepper: While optional, green bell peppers add nice texture and flavor. You can swap with red, yellow, or even diced zucchini if you prefer a different taste or want to sneak in more veggies!
Tomato Sauce and Ketchup: These create the base of your sauce. If you’re not a ketchup fan, try BBQ sauce instead for a fun twist. You can also use canned crushed tomatoes for a chunkier texture.
Worcestershire Sauce: This ingredient adds a rich, umami flavor. If you’re avoiding it due to dietary restrictions, tamari or a splash of soy sauce can be a good alternative.
How Do You Ensure Your Sloppy Joes Have the Right Flavor?
The secret to amazing Sloppy Joes is the sauce. To get that perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory, pay attention to the ratios of your ingredients. Here’s how to make it shine:
- Cook the ground beef properly—browning it adds a lot of flavor!
- Mix your sauce ingredients well before adding to the slow cooker. This ensures the flavors meld together.
- Taste as you go! The balance can vary based on your tomato products, so adjust the sugars, vinegar, or spices accordingly.
- Let it cook low and slow! This allows the flavors to deepen and blend beautifully.
By following these tips, you’ll have a delicious batch of Sloppy Joes that’s sure to please everyone! Enjoy your meal prep hassle-free! 🍔
Easy Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium green bell pepper, finely chopped (optional)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Hamburger buns, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation, and then you can let it cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. It’s hands-off cooking at its best—perfect for busy days!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, crumble the ground beef and cook until it’s fully browned, about 5-7 minutes. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat before moving on to the next step!
2. Combine in the Slow Cooker:
Transfer the cooked beef to your slow cooker. Add the finely chopped onion, green bell pepper (if you’re using it), and minced garlic. This mixture will create a delicious base for your sloppy joes.
3. Mix the Sauce:
In a bowl, combine the tomato sauce, ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder (if you’re into a bit of spice), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk it all together until smooth.
4. Combine Everything:
Pour the sauce mixture over the meat and veggie mixture in the slow cooker. Give it a big stir so everything is mixed well together. This is where all that yummy flavor comes from!
5. Cook It Low & Slow:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. The longer you cook, the more the flavors will develop, so low and slow is best!
6. Stir & Adjust Seasoning:
If you can, give it a stir about halfway through cooking. Before serving, taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Maybe a little more salt? You got this!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Grab some hamburger buns and serve the hot sloppy joe mixture on top. Feel free to add pickles, cheese, or your favorite slaw for an extra kick. Enjoy your delicious homemade Sloppy Joes!
FAQ for Easy Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or even ground chicken can be used as a healthier alternative. Just be aware that they may have a slightly different flavor and texture, but they’ll still result in a delicious dish!
What If I Don’t Have Worcestershire Sauce?
No worries! If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce on hand, you can substitute it with soy sauce or a combination of vinegar and a bit of sugar to mimic the flavor. Just use less to avoid overpowering the dish.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm gently on the stove until heated through. You can also freeze the mixture for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes, you can! Substitute the ground beef with lentils, crumbled tempeh, or a veggie burger mixture. You may need to adjust the seasoning since these options vary in flavor.
