Comforting Crockpot Sloppy Joes Recipe: Set It & Forget It Fun

Whipping up delicious crockpot sloppy joes requires minimal effort and maximum flavor!

Slow cookers simplify meal preparation with their magical culinary powers.

Hearty ground beef mingles with tangy sauce, creating a comfort food classic that satisfies deep hunger.

Messy yet irresistible, these sandwiches bring smiles around any dinner table.

Weekend gatherings or weeknight dinners become instantly memorable with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Soft buns cradle the rich, savory meat mixture, promising a taste experience that feels like a warm hug.

Ready to become the kitchen hero who serves an unforgettable meal?

Helpful Tips for Crockpot Sloppy Joes

• Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a healthier dish.
• Chop vegetables finely for better texture and even distribution throughout the meat mixture.
• Add a splash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes for those who enjoy extra spiciness.
• Consider using ground turkey as a lighter alternative to beef for a lower-calorie option.
• Prep ingredients the night before to save time and simplify morning cooking process.

Flavor Twists for Crockpot Sloppy Joes

• Vegetarian Joe's: Replace ground beef with lentils, black beans, or crumbled tofu for a plant-based protein option.
• Spicy Southwest Joe's: Add diced jalapeños, chipotle peppers, and swap ketchup for salsa to create a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Joe's Lettuce Wraps: Skip hamburger buns and serve the meat mixture inside crisp lettuce leaves for a carb-conscious alternative.
• Turkey Lean Joe's: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner, lighter version of the classic sloppy joe recipe.

Serving Ideas for Crockpot Sloppy Joes

• Game Night Crowd-Pleaser: Serve these sloppy joes during movie marathons or sports events for a hearty, fun meal that keeps everyone satisfied and happy.
• Family Picnic Star: Pack the warm sloppy joe mixture in a thermos and bring soft buns separately for an easy outdoor dining experience that travels well.
• Leftover Lunch Remix: Transform extra sloppy joe mix into a delicious topping for baked potatoes, nachos, or as a savory filling for quesadillas, giving new life to your meal.
• Gourmet Twist Option: Top the sloppy joes with crispy onion strings, melted cheese, or pickled jalapeños to elevate the classic comfort food and add exciting textures.

Storing Crockpot Sloppy Joes Correctly

• Refrigerate leftover sloppy joe mixture in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze the cooled mixture in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags for maximum 3 months.
• Thaw frozen sloppy joes overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat on stovetop by warming in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave option: Place in microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until completely hot.
• When reheating, add a splash of water or extra tomato sauce to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• Always ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety before serving.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works perfectly in this sloppy joe recipe. Just make sure to drain any excess moisture after cooking.

• How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add some diced jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or sprinkle in red pepper flakes to give your sloppy joes an extra kick of heat.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Sloppy joes are a classic kid-favorite meal that’s messy, fun to eat, and packed with flavor that children typically love.

• Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can brown the meat and prep ingredients the night before, then combine everything in the crockpot in the morning for an easy, hands-off meal.

Why Crockpot Sloppy Joes Are A Hit

• Boost Family Meal Excitement: Crockpot sloppy joes transform an ordinary dinner into a fun, interactive experience that gets everyone gathered around the table with big smiles.
• Simplify Cooking Process: This recipe requires minimal prep work and lets the slow cooker do most of the heavy lifting, making meal preparation stress-free and convenient for busy households.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add personal touches like extra spices, different meats, or unique toppings to make this classic dish perfectly tailored to your family's taste preferences.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Packed with rich flavors and nostalgic appeal, these sloppy joes deliver a hearty meal that satisfies both kids and adults, making it perfect for casual gatherings or weeknight dinners.

Ingredients for Crockpot Sloppy Joes Recipe

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the foundation of these classic sloppy joes.

• Onion, Bell Pepper, Garlic: A flavor-packed trio that adds depth and aromatic complexity to the dish.

• Tomato Sauce, Ketchup: Create a rich, tangy base for the sloppy joe mixture.
• Brown Sugar: Provides a subtle sweetness that balances the savory elements.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a complex, umami flavor to the meat mixture.
• Mustard: Introduces a sharp, tangy note to the sauce.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Brings a bright, acidic touch to cut through the richness.
• Paprika: Offers a mild, sweet pepper flavor and beautiful color.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Hamburger Buns: The classic vessel for serving these delicious sloppy joes.

How to Prepare Crockpot Sloppy Joes

Step 1: Sizzle and Brown Ground Beef

Heat a skillet over medium temperature and cook ground beef until it transforms into a rich, golden brown color. Carefully drain away any excess fat to keep the dish light and delicious.

Step 2: Create Flavor Magic in Crockpot

• Diced onions
• Chopped bell peppers
• Minced garlic
• Tomato sauce
• Ketchup
• Brown sugar
• Worcestershire sauce
• Mustard
• Apple cider vinegar
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 3: Simmer and Blend Flavors

Gently stir all ingredients until beautifully combined. Cover the crockpot and let the magic happen.

Cook on low setting for 4-6 hours or on high setting for 2-3 hours, allowing flavors to marry and develop a rich, mouthwatering taste.

Step 4: Perfect the Seasoning

Taste the sloppy joe mixture and adjust seasonings to match your personal flavor preference.

Add a pinch more salt, pepper, or sugar if needed.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Generously spoon the warm, saucy beef mixture onto soft hamburger buns.

Watch as your family and friends dive into this classic comfort food with pure delight.

Best Crockpot Sloppy Joes Recipe

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4.5 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty crockpot sloppy joes bring comfort to midwestern dinner tables with classic ground beef and tangy sauce. Slow-cooking melds rich flavors, creating an easy meal that satisfies hungry families with minimal kitchen effort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) ground beef

Vegetables:

• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce and Seasoning:

• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon mustard
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Serving:

• Hamburger buns

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Instructions

1. Heat a skillet over medium-high temperature and thoroughly cook ground beef until no pink remains, carefully eliminating accumulated grease.
2. Shift the browned meat into the crockpot, incorporating finely chopped onion, diced bell pepper, minced garlic, and a blend of tangy condiments including tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, apple cider vinegar, along with aromatic paprika, salt, and ground pepper.
3. Thoroughly mix all ingredients, ensuring even distribution of flavors and spices throughout the meat mixture.
4. Secure the crockpot lid and slow-cook on low setting for 4-6 hours or high setting for 2-3 hours, allowing ingredients to meld and develop rich, robust flavors.
5. After cooking duration, taste the mixture and fine-tune seasoning if required, adding extra spices or condiments to enhance overall taste profile.
6. Warm hamburger buns and generously ladle the savory, saucy meat mixture onto each bun, creating a hearty and satisfying meal.

Notes

• Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of this classic comfort dish.
• Customize the sweetness by adjusting brown sugar levels or substituting with honey for a more natural sugar alternative.
• Experiment with different ground meats like turkey or plant-based crumbles for dietary variations that maintain the recipe’s rich flavor profile.
• Enhance meal prep by making a double batch and freezing portions for quick future meals, ensuring the sauce stays thick and flavorful when reheated.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours (on Low) or 3 hours (on High)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 408 kcal
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 490 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 17 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg