Description

These Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes offer a classic, hearty sandwich delight that is perfect for a cozy meal. Ground beef is cooked with a medley of vegetables and simmered in a tangy, smoky sauce in the slow cooker, resulting in richly flavored and tender sloppy joe filling. Serve on toasted hamburger buns with optional pickles and chips for a satisfying comfort food experience.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds ground beef
1 cup diced yellow onion (about 1 medium)
1/2 cup diced celery (about 1 stick)
1/2 cup diced green or red pepper (about 1 small)
2 cloves garlic (minced)

Sauce & Seasoning

3/4 cup ketchup
1/4 cup water
1 tablespoon brown sugar (packed)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1-2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons mustard
2 teaspoons smoky BBQ seasoning (or alternatively ground paprika, smoked or regular)

To Serve

6 to 8 hamburger buns (toasted)
Optional: pickle slices
Optional: chips (for serving)

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Instructions

Brown the beef and vegetables: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, diced onion, celery, diced pepper, and minced garlic together. Break up the beef as it cooks until fully browned and the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat and set the mixture aside.
Combine ingredients in slow cooker: In the slow cooker, add the ketchup, water, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, mustard, and smoky BBQ seasoning. Stir to combine the sauce ingredients thoroughly.
Add beef mixture and cook: Stir the browned beef and vegetable mixture into the sauce in the slow cooker. Cover the slow cooker and cook on the LOW setting for 6 to 8 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the mixture to thicken.
Serve: After cooking, spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto toasted hamburger buns. Garnish with optional pickle slices and serve with chips on the side if desired.

Notes

You can adjust the amount of apple cider vinegar to balance the tanginess according to your taste.
For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the mixture before cooking.
Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and calories.
These sloppy joes can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator; just reheat thoroughly before serving.
Vegetarian substitute: use plant-based ground beef alternatives and vegetable broth instead of water.