Homemade Crockpot Sloppy Joes Recipe: Fuss-Free Dinner Magic

When hunger strikes, these mouthwatering crockpot sloppy joes will satisfy every savory craving you have.

Ground beef simmered in a tangy sauce creates a hearty meal that transforms dinner into a delightful experience.

The slow cooker does all the hard work, infusing rich flavors into every single bite.

Tender meat and a robust sauce blend perfectly between soft hamburger buns.

Weeknight meals just got easier with this simple and delicious recipe.

Each spoonful promises comfort and excitement for everyone at the table.

You won’t be able to resist these saucy, messy, and utterly irresistible sloppy joes that are about to become your new favorite dinner.

Crockpot Sloppy Joes: Messy, Saucy, Fun

• Savor Slow-Cooked Flavor: The crockpot method allows spices and ingredients to meld together, creating a rich, deep taste that's impossible to achieve with quick stovetop cooking.
• Minimal Meal Prep: Brown the beef, mix the sauce, and let the crockpot do the rest. This hands-off approach means you can walk away and return to a delicious meal without constant monitoring.
• Kid-Friendly Comfort Food: Classic sloppy joes are a crowd-pleaser that appeals to both children and adults, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.
• Customize with Ease: The basic recipe welcomes creative additions like bell peppers, different hot sauces, or cheese toppings, allowing you to personalize the dish to your taste preferences.

Sloppy Joe Ingredients You’ll Want

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the foundation of these classic sloppy joes.
• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that add depth and savory flavor to the meat.

• Ketchup: Provides a sweet and tangy base for the sloppy joe sauce.
• Tomato Paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness to balance the savory elements.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Introduces a complex, umami depth to the sauce.
• Mustard: Brings a subtle tangy and spicy note to the flavor profile.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a bright, acidic element to cut through the richness.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste of the dish.

• Hamburger Buns: Soft, toasted bread that serves as the perfect vessel for the sloppy joe mixture.

All About Crockpot Sloppy Joes: Step-By-Step

Step 1: Sizzle and Prep the Meat

Heat a skillet over medium flame.

Toss in ground beef, chopped onions, and minced garlic.

Cook until the meat turns brown and loses its pink color.

Drain away any extra grease to keep the dish light and clean.

Step 2: Transfer to Slow Cooker

Slide the cooked beef mixture into the crockpot, spreading it evenly across the bottom.

Step 3: Craft the Flavor-Packed Sauce

• Ketchup
• Tomato paste
• Brown sugar
• Worcestershire sauce
• Mustard
• Apple cider vinegar
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk the ingredients until they blend into a smooth, tangy sauce.

Step 4: Marry the Meat and Sauce

Pour the sauce over the beef in the crockpot.

Stir gently to ensure every morsel is coated with the delicious mixture.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the crockpot and let it work its magic.

Cook on low setting for 4-6 hours or on high setting for 2-3 hours.

Stir the mixture occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Toast some hamburger buns until they’re golden and crisp.

Spoon the rich, saucy beef onto the buns.

Get ready for a messy, delightful meal that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Sloppy Joe Tips For That Perfect Mess

• Select ground beef with 85% lean or higher to reduce excess grease and create a healthier sloppy joe.
• Add a splash of beer or red wine to the sauce for extra complexity and richness in taste.
• Freeze leftover sloppy joe mixture in portions for quick future meals that reheat perfectly.
• Adjust sauce thickness by adding more tomato paste for thicker mixture or a bit of water for thinner texture.
• Mix in finely chopped bell peppers or carrots during initial beef browning for added nutrition and hidden vegetables.

Remix Your Sloppy Joes: Fun Additions

• Veggie Lovers Sloppy Joes: Replace ground beef with crumbled plant-based protein or lentils for a vegetarian version that's packed with nutrients.
• Lean Protein Option: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken to reduce fat content while maintaining delicious flavor.
• Spicy Southwest Sloppy Joes: Add diced jalapeños, chili powder, and cumin to the sauce for a zesty kick that transforms the classic recipe.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Use gluten-free hamburger buns or serve over cauliflower rice for those avoiding wheat products.

Ways To Dish Up Sloppy Joes (Beyond Buns)

• Comfort Meal Companions: Serve with crispy french fries or sweet potato wedges for a classic diner-style feast.
• Veggie Side Kick: Pair with fresh coleslaw, green salad, or roasted corn on the cob to balance the rich meat flavor.
• Family Gathering Upgrade: Create a build-your-own sloppy joe bar with extra toppings like pickles, sliced cheese, jalapeños, and different bun options for interactive dinner fun.
• Leftover Magic: Transform remaining sloppy joe mix into a delicious pasta sauce or use as a topping for loaded nachos the next day.

Saving Leftover Sloppy Joes – No Soggy Buns

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Pack cooled sloppy joe mixture in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, removing excess air, and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Place desired portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out, until heated completely.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is an excellent lean alternative. Just make sure to drain any excess fat and follow the same cooking instructions.

• How can I make the sloppy joes less sweet?

Reduce the brown sugar amount or substitute with a small amount of honey. You can also add a splash of hot sauce for more balanced flavor.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Most children love sloppy joes. The sauce is mild and the meat is tender, making it a great meal for families with kids.

• Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can brown the meat and mix the sauce a day in advance. Store separately in the refrigerator and combine in the crockpot when ready to cook.

Crockpot Sloppy Joes Recipe

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4.9 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sizzling Crockpot Sloppy Joes bring messy comfort to dinner tables with minimal effort. Ground beef simmered in tangy sauce creates a hearty meal you’ll crave all week long.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) ground beef

Vegetables:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) ketchup
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons (25 grams) brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) yellow mustard
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) salt
• 0.5 teaspoon (2.5 grams) black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon (1.25 grams) red pepper flakes

Additional:

• hamburger buns

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Instructions

1. Sauté ground beef with onions and garlic in a skillet over medium heat until meat browns, carefully draining accumulated fat.
2. Transfer the seasoned meat mixture into the crockpot, ensuring even distribution.
3. Create a tangy sauce by whisking together ketchup, tomato paste, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper in a separate mixing bowl.
4. Pour the prepared sauce over the meat, gently stirring to ensure complete coating and flavor integration.
5. Cover the crockpot and slow cook on low temperature for 4-6 hours or high temperature for 2-3 hours, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
6. Once meat becomes tender and sauce thickens, verify seasoning and adjust if needed.
7. Lightly toast hamburger buns to provide a crisp foundation for the saucy meat mixture.
8. Spoon the rich, savory sloppy joe filling generously onto prepared buns, ensuring each serving has ample sauce and meat.

Notes

• Optimize meat flavor by using lean ground beef (90/10) to reduce excess grease while maintaining rich taste.
• Create vegetarian version by substituting ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for protein-packed alternative.
• Enhance sauce depth by adding a splash of beef broth or coffee for complex, robust undertones.
• Control sodium levels by using low-sodium ketchup and adjusting added salt to suit dietary preferences.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 354 kcal
• Sugar: 13 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg