Crockpot Sloppy Joes Recipe

If you’re looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing meal that’s packed with flavor, this Crockpot Sloppy Joes Recipe is just what you need! Juicy ground beef is slow-cooked in a sweet and tangy sauce, made with tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and a touch of brown sugar. Perfect for busy weeknights, game day, or family gatherings, these sloppy joes are incredibly simple to make. Just toss the ingredients in your crockpot, let it simmer, and serve it on soft hamburger buns for a delicious and satisfying meal. Keep reading for step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and tasty variations!

this Recipe

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What are Sloppy Joes?

Sloppy Joes are a classic American sandwich featuring ground beef simmered in a tangy, sweet, and slightly smoky tomato-based sauce, served on soft hamburger buns. The name “sloppy” comes from the messy, saucy nature of the sandwich, which is part of its charm! This Crockpot Sloppy Joes version is made even easier by letting the slow cooker do all the work, creating tender, flavorful beef with minimal effort.

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Ingredients List for Crockpot Sloppy Joes

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious sloppy joes:

• Ground Beef (80% lean) – 2 pounds, for a hearty base.
• Onion – 1 large, finely chopped.
• Green Bell Pepper – 1 medium, finely chopped (optional, for added flavor and texture).
• Garlic – 3 cloves, minced.
• Ketchup – 1 cup, for a tangy, slightly sweet sauce base.
• Tomato Sauce – 1 can (8 oz), for richness.
• Brown Sugar – 2 tablespoons, for sweetness.
• Worcestershire Sauce – 2 tablespoons, for umami flavor.
• Yellow Mustard – 1 tablespoon, for a tangy kick.
• Apple Cider Vinegar – 1 tablespoon, for a touch of acidity.
• Chili Powder – 1 teaspoon, for mild heat (optional).
• Salt and Pepper – To taste, for seasoning.

To Serve:

• Hamburger Buns – Soft buns, toasted if desired.
• Pickles – Optional, for a crunchy, tangy topping.

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Substitutions and Variations

This Crockpot Sloppy Joes Recipe is versatile, so feel free to adjust the ingredients based on your preferences:

• Ground Turkey or Chicken: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Vegetarian: Use plant-based ground meat or finely chopped mushrooms in place of the ground beef for a vegetarian option.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat in your sloppy joes.
• Healthier Option: You can reduce the amount of brown sugar or replace it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
• Different Toppings: Top your sloppy joes with shredded cheese, coleslaw, or crispy fried onions for extra flavor and texture.

These variations allow you to customize the recipe to suit your tastes while keeping it delicious and satisfying.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make Crockpot Sloppy Joes step by step:

1. Brown the Ground Beef:
   • Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat if necessary.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
   • Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper (if using), and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.
3. Transfer to the Crockpot:
   • Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture to your crockpot.
4. Make the Sauce:
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the ketchup, tomato sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, apple cider vinegar, chili powder (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Pour the sauce over the beef mixture in the crockpot and stir to combine.
5. Slow Cook the Sloppy Joes:
   • Cover the crockpot and cook on Low for 4-6 hours or on High for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally to make sure the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together.
6. Toast the Buns (Optional):
   • Just before serving, you can toast the hamburger buns on a skillet or in the oven for extra texture.
7. Assemble and Serve:
   • Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto the toasted buns. Serve with pickles, potato chips, or your favorite sides, and enjoy!

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How to Cook Crockpot Sloppy Joes: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a quick recap of the main steps to make Crockpot Sloppy Joes:

1. Brown the ground beef and sauté the onions, garlic, and peppers.
2. Mix the sauce with ketchup, tomato sauce, brown sugar, and seasonings.
3. Combine in the crockpot and slow cook for 4-6 hours on low.
4. Toast the buns (optional) and serve with your favorite sides.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not Draining the Fat: After browning the ground beef, be sure to drain any excess fat to avoid greasy sloppy joes.
• Not Stirring Occasionally: Stir the mixture occasionally while cooking in the crockpot to ensure even cooking and to prevent sticking.
• Adding Too Much Sugar: The brown sugar adds sweetness, but too much can make the sauce overly sweet. Stick to the recipe amounts and adjust to taste.
• Using Low-Fat Beef: While you can use lean ground beef, using 80% lean beef adds a bit more flavor and richness to the sauce. If using leaner beef, add a splash of extra Worcestershire sauce for added flavor.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

Sloppy joes are fun, casual, and messy by nature, but you can still elevate the presentation with a few simple touches!

How to Serve Crockpot Sloppy Joes:

• Family-Style: Serve the sloppy joe mixture straight from the crockpot, allowing everyone to spoon it onto their own buns.
• Individual Plates: Serve each sloppy joe sandwich on a plate with a side of potato chips, fries, or a simple salad.
• Appetizer Version: For a party or game day, serve the sloppy joe mixture in slider buns for mini sloppy joe sandwiches.

Presentation Ideas for Crockpot Sloppy Joes:

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle a little chopped parsley or green onions over the top for a fresh pop of color.
• Serve with Pickles: Add a few pickle slices or pickled jalapeños on the side for a crunchy, tangy contrast.
• Toast the Buns: Toasting the buns gives them a bit of crunch and helps keep them from getting too soggy under the saucy beef mixture.

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Crockpot Sloppy Joes Recipe Tips

• Make It Ahead: You can prepare the sloppy joe mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the crockpot or on the stovetop before serving.
• Freezing: Sloppy joes freeze well! After cooking, let the mixture cool completely and store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the crockpot or on the stovetop.
• Leftovers: Store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use frozen ground beef for this recipe?
Yes, but you will need to thaw the ground beef first. Browning the beef before adding it to the crockpot is important for flavor and texture.

What can I serve with sloppy joes?
Sloppy joes pair well with classic sides like potato chips, fries, coleslaw, or a simple green salad. For a heartier meal, you can also serve them with baked beans or mac and cheese.

Can I make this recipe with ground turkey or chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken is a great substitute for ground beef, and the sauce will still be just as flavorful.

How do I keep the buns from getting too soggy?
Toasting the buns or adding a layer of cheese on the bottom can help prevent them from getting too soggy. You can also serve the sloppy joe mixture on open-faced buns if you prefer.

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Conclusion:

This Crockpot Sloppy Joes Recipe is the perfect combination of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors in every bite. Whether you're cooking for a family dinner, a casual get-together, or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is easy, delicious, and always a hit. With minimal prep and hands-off cooking in the crockpot, these sloppy joes are a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Serve them on soft buns with your favorite sides, and enjoy every messy, delicious bite!

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