This Easy Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes recipe gives you a tasty, messy meal without much hassle. Just toss your ground beef, onions, and sauce in the slow cooker and let it do its magic!
These sandwiches are perfect for busy days. I love to serve them with some crispy chips on the side. It’s hard to resist a meal that’s this simple and so delicious—who needs fancy? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for a healthier option. If you’re looking for something lighter, ground turkey or chicken works just as well. For a vegetarian twist, consider using lentils or plant-based ground meat.
Onion and Bell Pepper: Onions add great flavor; I suggest using yellow onions for sweetness. You can swap in red onions or even shallots if you want a different taste. Leave out the bell pepper if you’re not a fan or try using chopped carrots instead for some sweetness.
Ketchup: This is the base of your sauce, giving it sweetness and tang. If you’re avoiding sugar, use no-sugar ketchup or homemade tomato sauce with Italian spices. If you’re feeling adventurous, BBQ sauce can give a nice smoky twist!
Worcestershire Sauce: This adds depth to the flavor. If you don’t have any, soy sauce can be a good alternative, though it will change the taste slightly. Vegan Worcestershire sauce is also available if needed.
How Do I Keep My Sloppy Joes from Being Too Runny?
To avoid watery Sloppy Joes, make sure to drain the fat from the cooked ground beef. If the mix seems too runny after cooking, you can simmer it uncovered on the stovetop for a few minutes to reduce the liquid. I also recommend adding a bit more tomato paste to thicken it up.
- Brown the beef first and drain excess fat.
- Mix in the sauce ingredients thoroughly, but don’t add too much liquid.
- If it gets soupy, simmer on low for 10-15 minutes to thicken.
Using these tips, you can make the perfect Sloppy Joes just the way you like them! Enjoy!
Easy Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 green bell pepper, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4-6 hamburger buns
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus cooking time in the slow cooker. You can let it cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for about 2-3 hours, making it perfect for busy days when you’re not in a rush!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Meat:
Start by heating a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s no longer pink, breaking it up into small crumbles as it cooks. Once it’s browned, drain any excess fat to avoid a greasy mixture.
2. Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker:
Next, transfer the cooked ground beef to your slow cooker. Then add the chopped onion, and optional green bell pepper. After that, pour in the ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), and season with salt and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.
3. Slow Cook the Mixture:
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for about 2-3 hours. Let the flavors blend together for that comforting, hearty taste!
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s cooked, give the mixture a good stir before serving. Spoon the delicious Sloppy Joe filling onto hamburger buns, and feel free to add extra toppings like pickles or cheese if you’d like. Enjoy your meal!
There you go—your easy, hands-off Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes are ready to be devoured!
FAQs for Easy Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works great as a leaner alternative. Just be sure to monitor the cooking time, as they may cook slightly faster than beef.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
You can easily make this recipe vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with lentils, chopped mushrooms, or a meat substitute like a plant-based ground meat. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as necessary!
Can I Freeze Leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the leftover Sloppy Joe mixture! Cool it completely, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What Should I Serve with Sloppy Joes?
Sloppy Joes are delicious on their own, but you can serve them with a side of crispy chips, coleslaw, or a simple green salad for a complete meal. Enjoy!
