If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that feels like a big, warm hug, then you’ve got to try this Crockpot Sloppy Joes Recipe. It’s wonderfully simple but packs layers of delicious flavor thanks to a perfect blend of savory ground beef, tangy tomato sauce, and just the right touch of sweetness and spice. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want an easy dinner that tastes like homemade magic, this dish brings that classic Sloppy Joe goodness to your slow cooker, making your busy day so much easier and way yummier.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but crucial for achieving that authentic Sloppy Joe flavor and texture. Each one plays its part, whether it’s building flavor complexity, adding a touch of sweetness, or balancing acidity. Let’s take a look!
- 2 lbs. 85% lean ground beef: The hearty protein base that makes the dish filling and flavorful without too much fat.
- ½ cup finely chopped onion: Adds savory sweetness and moisture to the mixture.
- ½ cup finely chopped green bell pepper: Offers a gentle crunch and fresh flavor that brightens the dish.
- 1 tsp kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and seasons the meat perfectly.
- ½ tsp ground black pepper: Gives a subtle kick to balance the sweetness.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Brings an aromatic punch that deepens the savory notes.
- 8 oz. tomato sauce (½ jar): Adds rich tomato flavor and smooth texture to the saucy filling.
- ½ cup ketchup: Provides sweetness and tang, making the sauce shine.
- â…“ cup chili sauce (such as Heinz): A tangy addition that adds complexity and a little spice.
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar: Brightens the entire dish with refreshing acidity.
- 1½ tbsp yellow mustard: Adds that classic Sloppy Joe zip and a slight tang.
- 1 tbsp brown sugar: Sweetens just enough to balance the savory and tangy components.
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Deepens umami and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
- 1 tbsp ground chili powder: Infuses warmth and a subtle smoky flavor.
- 12 hamburger buns (for serving): Soft and sturdy buns to hold all that delicious sloppy goodness.
How to Make Crockpot Sloppy Joes Recipe
Step 1: Brown and Sauté
Begin by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat and adding your ground beef, finely chopped onions, and green peppers. Season with kosher salt and black pepper, then cook everything together for about 4 to 5 minutes until the beef loses its pink color. Just before removing the skillet from heat, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for 30 seconds to release its wonderful aroma. Finally, drain off the excess fat to keep your Sloppy Joes from getting greasy, and transfer this savory mixture into a 6-quart crockpot.
Step 2: Combine and Slow Cook
Next, add the tomato sauce, ketchup, chili sauce, apple cider vinegar, yellow mustard, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and chili powder directly to the crockpot with your beef mixture. Stir everything together well so that all the ingredients meld into one irresistible sauce. Cover the crockpot and let it cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or if you’re short on time, on high for 3 to 4 hours. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to develop deeply and the sauce to thicken just right.
Step 3: Serve Up the Sloppy Goodness
When your Crockpot Sloppy Joes Recipe is ready, it’s time to pile that juicy, flavorful filling onto toasted hamburger buns or slider rolls. The warmth of the buns complements the rich, saucy beef perfectly, making every bite pure comfort. Feel free to add your favorite toppings to customize your sandwich experience.
How to Serve Crockpot Sloppy Joes Recipe
Garnishes
The beauty of this Crockpot Sloppy Joes Recipe is how well it pairs with simple, classic garnishes. Try adding sliced cheddar or American cheese for creamy richness, tangy pickles for crunch, and fresh onions for bite. Lettuce or coleslaw also make delightful additions, adding coolness and texture to every mouthwatering bite.
Side Dishes
To round out your meal, complement your Sloppy Joes with classic sides like crispy French fries or crunchy potato chips. A fresh garden salad or coleslaw can provide a refreshing contrast to the thick, saucy filling, while baked beans or macaroni and cheese offer that extra dose of comfort food goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling a little adventurous? Serve your Crockpot Sloppy Joes on slider buns for a fun party appetizer, or pile the mixture on top of baked potatoes for a quick twist. You can even use tortilla wraps or stuff the filling into bell peppers for a low-carb option that’s just as tasty! This recipe lends itself well to creative ideas, so don’t hesitate to experiment.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Crockpot Sloppy Joes Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 to 4 days, making it easy to have a quick meal ready to reheat on busy days.
Freezing
If you want to save extra portions for later, this recipe freezes beautifully. Let the filling cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Label and date them, and your Sloppy Joe filling will last for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheating
To reheat your Crockpot Sloppy Joes Recipe, warm the filling gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave it in short bursts, stirring occasionally until heated through. Toast fresh buns and assemble your sandwiches just before serving for that freshly made taste.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative and will still absorb all the incredible flavors of the sauce. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly and adjust seasoning as needed.
What if I don’t have chili sauce? Can I substitute something else?
If you don’t have chili sauce on hand, you can substitute with additional ketchup combined with a bit of hot sauce or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to maintain the sweet and tangy balance.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot instead of a crockpot?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe to an Instant Pot by sautéing the meat and veggies using the sauté function, then pressure cooking the mixture for about 15 minutes. Just adjust liquid amounts slightly to prevent burning.
How spicy is this Crockpot Sloppy Joes Recipe?
This recipe has a mild, comforting spice level thanks to the chili powder, but it’s not overwhelming. You can easily adjust the heat by adding more chili powder or a dash of hot sauce to suit your taste.
What’s the best type of bun to serve with Sloppy Joes?
Soft hamburger buns or slider rolls are ideal because they hold the filling well without falling apart. Toasting them lightly adds an extra layer of texture and helps prevent sogginess.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about coming home to a Crockpot Sloppy Joes Recipe that’s been slowly bubbling away all day, filling your kitchen with that mouthwatering aroma. It’s a meal that’s as satisfying as it is effortless, perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or any time you want serious comfort food without fuss. Give this recipe a try—you’ll find it quickly becomes one of your favorite go-tos for a reason!
Print
Crockpot Sloppy Joes Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 sandwiches
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot Sloppy Joes recipe is an easy, flavorful twist on a classic American comfort food. Ground beef is browned with onions and peppers, then slow-cooked in a tangy tomato-based sauce for hours until perfectly tender. Serve the savory mixture on toasted hamburger buns for a hearty and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs. 85% lean ground beef
- ½ cup finely chopped onion
- ½ cup finely chopped green bell pepper (any color pepper will work)
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
Sauce Ingredients
- 8 oz. tomato sauce (½ jar)
- ½ cup ketchup
- â…“ cup chili sauce (such as Heinz)
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1½ tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp ground chili powder
To Serve
- 12 hamburger buns (for serving)
Instructions
- Brown the beef and vegetables: In a large skillet set over medium-high heat, add the ground beef, finely chopped onion, and green bell pepper. Season with kosher salt and ground black pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is completely browned and no pink remains. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release its aroma.
- Drain excess fat and transfer to crockpot: Carefully drain any excess fat from the skillet to avoid greasy sloppy joes. Transfer the cooked beef mixture into a 6-quart crockpot to prepare for slow cooking.
- Add sauce ingredients and cook: Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, chili sauce, apple cider vinegar, yellow mustard, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and ground chili powder into the crockpot with the beef. Mix well to combine all flavors. Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on low heat for 6-7 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours for the flavors to meld and the meat to become tender.
- Serve: Once cooked, give the sloppy joe mixture a good stir. Serve the hot mixture on toasted hamburger buns or slider buns. Add your favorite toppings such as sliced cheese, pickles, or onions if desired for extra flavor and texture.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh vegetables finely chopped to ensure they cook thoroughly in the slow cooker.
- Adjust the chili powder to your preferred spice level.
- To reduce fat, you can use leaner ground beef or turkey.
- Toasting the buns before serving adds a nice crunch and prevents them from getting soggy.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
