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Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes

Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes

Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes are the ultimate weeknight dinner solution, offering a flavorful, crowd-pleasing meal with minimal effort. This recipe simplifies a classic comfort food, making it perfect for busy families and anyone craving a hearty, satisfying dish without the fuss.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 minutes
Active Prep Time 30 minutes
Total Time 4 minutes
Servings: 6 sandwiches
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 pounds leaner ground beef (90% lean or higher is recommended)
  • 1 large yellow onion finely chopped
  • 1 bell pepper bell pepper (any color) finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a hint of heat)
  • 12 sandwich buns sandwich buns for serving
Optional toppings
  • shredded cheddar cheese
  • sliced pickles
  • sliced red onion
  • sour cream

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Slow Cooker

Method
 

  1. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until it is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease thoroughly.
    1.5 pounds leaner ground beef
  2. Add the finely chopped yellow onion and bell pepper to the same skillet (or directly to the slow cooker if you prefer less cleanup, though sautéing enhances flavor). Cook over medium heat until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
    1 large yellow onion, 1 bell pepper bell pepper (any color), 2 cloves garlic
  3. Transfer the browned ground beef and sautéed vegetables to your slow cooker. Add the 15-ounce can of tomato sauce, 1/2 cup of ketchup, 1/4 cup of packed brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of dry mustard powder, and the optional cayenne pepper.
    1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce, 1/2 cup ketchup, 1/4 cup packed brown sugar, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  4. Stir all the ingredients together until well combined. Taste the mixture and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Remember that the flavors will meld and deepen as it cooks.
    salt and freshly ground black pepper
  5. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. The longer cooking time on low allows the flavors to really develop and the meat to become incredibly tender.
  6. Before serving, uncover the slow cooker and stir the Sloppy Joe mixture. The sauce should be thick and rich. If it seems too thin, you can remove the lid and cook on HIGH for an additional 30-60 minutes to allow some of the liquid to evaporate, or thicken with a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water, stirred into the hot mixture).
  7. To serve, spoon the hot Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes generously onto your favorite sandwich buns. Offer a variety of toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, sliced pickles, sliced red onion, or a dollop of sour cream for guests to customize their own.
    12 sandwich buns sandwich buns, shredded cheddar cheese, sliced pickles, sliced red onion, sour cream

Notes

This recipe is a weeknight win, offering a hearty, satisfying, and budget-friendly option that’s sure to become a family favorite.