Description

This Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes recipe is a hearty and comforting meal perfect for busy days. Ground beef is browned with onions and bell peppers, then slow-cooked with a tangy and slightly sweet sauce made from ketchup, tomato sauce, mustard, and spices. The result is a flavorful, saucy filling that’s great piled onto toasted buns for an easy and satisfying sandwich.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

1 lb. ground beef (7% fat preferred)
1 yellow onion, diced
1 green or red bell pepper, diced

Sauce

1 cup ketchup
8 oz. can tomato sauce (NOT 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: Heat a large skillet on medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, diced onion, and diced bell pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and crumbled, and the vegetables are softened. Drain excess fat if necessary, especially if the beef is very fatty.
Transfer to Slow Cooker and Add Sauce: Place the browned beef mixture into your slow cooker. Add the ketchup, tomato sauce, mustard, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, chili powder, and brown sugar. Stir everything together to combine evenly.
Cook Slow and Low: Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on the HIGH setting for 2 hours or on LOW for 3 hours. Stir occasionally if the mixture looks like it might stick or burn at the edges.
Prepare to Serve: Toast your sandwich buns lightly to add texture and prevent sogginess. Spoon the hot sloppy joe mixture generously onto the buns.
Add Toppings and Serve: Top your sandwiches optionally with cheese slices, pickles, or any preferred toppings. Serve immediately to enjoy the warm and flavorful sloppy joes.

Notes

Choosing 7% fat ground beef helps reduce grease and keeps the sandwich less oily.
Drain excess fat after browning the meat to ensure a better texture and taste.
Use tomato sauce, not paste, for the correct sauce consistency.
Toast buns before assembling to prevent sogginess from the sauce.
You can customize toppings: cheese, pickles, or even a dash of hot sauce for more kick.
If using a slow cooker with different settings, adjust cooking times accordingly, making sure the beef is fully heated and sauce thickened.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 to 3 hours
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Sloppy Joes, Slow Cooker Recipes, Ground Beef Sandwich, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner