Beef | Dinner | One Pot | Recipes | slow cooker
Crock Pot Sloppy Joes
Crock-pot sloppy Joes are the ultimate easy, flavorful meal for busy nights! Let your slow cooker do the work as ground beef simmers in a rich, tangy sauce, creating the perfect filling for a hearty sandwich. These Slow-Cooker Sloppy Joes are a fuss-free classic the whole family will love!
If you love Crock Pot Sloppy Joes, try my Sloppy Joe Casserole for a fun twist on the classic, packed with hearty flavors and a cheesy topping. And if you’re craving something extra indulgent, Mississippi Sloppy Joes is a great change. Also, don’t miss my Philly Cheese Sloppy Joes, combining the best of both worlds with savory beef, peppers, and gooey cheese!
Handy tip: Prepare Ahead!
This recipe is great for meal prep! Cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop or slow cooker.
Crock Pot Sloppy Joes Ingredients
- 3 lbs ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 cup ketchup
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Buns or rolls for serving
Crock Pot Sloppy Joes Recipe
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Once the meat is no longer pink, drain any excess grease and transfer the cooked beef to the slow cooker.
- Add the chopped onion and red bell to the slow cooker with the beef.
- Add the ketchup, brown sugar, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika directly to the slow cooker. Stir all the ingredients together until everything is well combined and the beef is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on Low for 4 to 6 hours or High for 2 to 3 hours. Stir occasionally during cooking to ensure the mixture is evenly heated and to blend the flavors.
- Once cooking is complete, stir the mixture once more. Spoon the sloppy joe filling onto buns or rolls, and serve them with any toppings you prefer, like shredded cheese, pickle relish, or coleslaw. Enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
- Use Lean Ground Beef – Opt for 85/15 or 90/10 ground beef to reduce excess grease. If using fattier beef, be sure to drain it well before adding it to the slow cooker.
- Enhance the Flavor – For an even deeper flavor, let the beef mixture sit in the slow cooker on “Keep Warm” for an extra 30 minutes after cooking to allow the flavors to meld even more.
- Make It Spicier – Add a dash of hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes if you like a little heat in your Sloppy Joes.
- Swap the Meat – Try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, or even a mix of beef and sausage for extra flavor.
- Thicken the Sauce – If the mixture seems too thin, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to let excess moisture evaporate. You can also stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste or cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water).
- Toast the Buns – Lightly butter and toast the buns on a skillet or in the oven for an extra layer of texture and flavor.
- Toppings to Try – Take your Sloppy Joes up a notch with toppings like cheddar cheese, pickles, crispy fried onions, or coleslaw for added crunch and flavor.
- Double the Recipe for a Crowd – This recipe scales up easily—just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to hold the extra ingredients!
FAQs Crock Pot Sloppy Joes
Crock Pot Sloppy Joes
Yield:
12
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
4 hours
Total Time:
4 hours 15 minutes
Crock-pot sloppy Joes are the ultimate easy, flavorful meal for busy nights! Let your slow cooker do the work as ground beef simmers in a rich, tangy sauce, creating the perfect filling for a hearty sandwich.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 cup ketchup
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Buns or rolls for serving
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Once the meat is no longer pink, drain any excess grease and transfer the cooked beef to the slow cooker.
- Add the chopped onion and red bell to the slow cooker with the beef.
- Add the ketchup, brown sugar, yellow mustard, worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika directly to the slow cooker. Stir all the ingredients together until everything is well combined and the beef is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on Low for 4 to 6 hours or High for 2 to 3 hours. Stir occasionally during cooking to ensure the mixture is evenly heated and to blend the flavors.
- Once cooking is complete, stir the mixture once more. Spoon the sloppy joe filling onto buns or rolls, and serve them with any toppings you prefer, like shredded cheese, pickle relish, or coleslaw. Enjoy!
Notes
- Leftover sloppy joe filling can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a container.
- Reheat the filling on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Alternatively, use the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds to ensure even heating.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 366Total Fat: 20gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 101mgSodium: 447mgCarbohydrates: 13gFiber: 1gSugar: 8gProtein: 32g
