Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes
A comforting and easy meal made with ground beef, colorful vegetables, and a tangy sauce, slow-cooked to perfection.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef The hearty base for your Sloppy Joes.
- 1 medium onion, diced Adds sweetness and depth to the dish.
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced Offers color and a slight crunch.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Gives a fragrant, savory note.
- 1 cup ketchup Provides sweetness and tang to the sauce.
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce Enhances the flavor profile with smokiness.
- 2 tbsp brown sugar Balances out the acidity with sweetness.
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce Adds umami and depth.
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard Introduces a slight tang and complexity.
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar Brightens the flavor of the filling.
- 1 tbsp chili powder Offers a hint of spice and warmth.
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika Adds a mild smokiness to the dish.
- 1 tsp salt Enhances all the flavors in the recipe.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper Provides a subtle kick of heat.
- 6 pieces hamburger buns The perfect vessel for your Sloppy Joe mixture.
Optional Toppings
- shredded cheese Customize your sandwich with shredded cheese.
- pickles Offer pickles on the side.
- coleslaw Serve coleslaw as an extra topping.
Instructions
Preparing the Mixture
- STEP 1: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- STEP 2: In a crockpot, combine onion, green pepper, garlic, ketchup, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well combined.
- STEP 3: Transfer cooked ground beef to the crockpot and stir to combine.
Cooking
- STEP 4: Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or high for 2 to 3 hours, stirring every 1 to 1.5 hours.
Serving
- STEP 5: Spoon the mixture onto hamburger buns and top with optional toppings.
Notes
For best results, don’t rush the browning step, stir regularly, and customize your spices to match your preferences.