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
Scale
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.
