Crock Pot Sloppy Joes
These Crock Pot Sloppy Joes are about to become your whole family’s new favorite! Forget the canned sauce and make these homemade sloppy joes from scratch instead. Brown the beef, add everything to the slow cooker, and let it cook low and slow for the most amazing flavor!
Are you looking for more Slow Cooker Recipes? Try our Slow Cooker Baked Potatoes, Slow Cooker Chicken Spaghetti, or Crockpot Velveeta Mac and Cheese.
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This is classic comfort food at its best, it’s messy, delicious, and absolutely satisfying. The slow cooking process makes the ground beef incredibly flavorful and the meat sauce gets thick and rich. Plus, your house will smell incredible all day.
It’s one of those easy recipes that makes you feel like a kitchen genius even though it’s actually super easy, LOL! This homemade version beats any store-bought mix hands down!
What you’ll love about this Sloppy Joes Recipe:
Recipe Ingredients:
You’ll need the following ingredients to make these amazing Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes:
- Ground beef
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Tomato paste
- Ketchup
- Beef broth
- Brown sugar
- Dijon mustard
- Worcestershire sauce
- Chili powder
- Apple cider vinegar
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Hamburger buns (soft buns are perfect)
Ingredient Notes:
- Ground Beef: Use 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor and texture. Lean ground beef works too, though it may be slightly less flavorful. The fat content helps keep the meat moist during the long cooking time.
- Tomato Paste: This adds concentrated tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce. You could substitute with tomato sauce but use less liquid.
- Brown Sugar: This gives the traditional sloppy joe their signature slightly sweet flavor that balances the tanginess.
- Seasonings: Feel free to add minced garlic or red pepper flakes for extra flavor and heat.
How to make Sloppy Joes step-by-step:
Check out the quick visual guides below. For full instructions and ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the end.
STEP 1: Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Season with onion powder and garlic powder while cooking. Cook until fully done and drain excess grease.
STEP 2: Transfer seasoned cooked beef to the slow cooker.
STEP 3: Add tomato paste, ketchup, beef broth, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper; basically the rest of the ingredients. Stir until well combined to create the sloppy joe mixture.
STEP 4: Cover and cook on low for 3 hours, stirring once halfway through.
STEP 5: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
STEP 6: Serve on hamburger buns.
PRO TIP:
Don’t skip browning the ground beef first! This step adds so much more depth of flavor than just throwing raw meat into the slow cooker. Also, stirring every hour helps prevent the sauce from sticking and ensures even cooking. This is a great way to get that perfect sloppy joe meat texture every time.
Storage and Reheating:
Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container. It can be kept for up to 3 days. Leftover sloppy joes make great lunches!
Reheating: When reheating, add a splash of beef broth or water if the meat mixture seems too thick. Reheat gently on the stove top or in the microwave until warmed through.
Freezing: This is a perfect freezer meal! Cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months for later use. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Additions and Substitutions:
ADDITIONS:
- Vegetables: Add diced green bell pepper or onions to the skillet when browning the beef for extra flavor and texture. You could chop them in a food processor for easier prep.
- Spice: Add chili sauce, BBQ sauce, or hot sauce for different flavors.
- Cheese: Top with shredded cheese for loaded sloppy joes.
- Make More: Consider making a double batch since this freezes so well!
SUBSTITUTIONS:
- Ground Meat: Ground chicken or turkey can be substituted, though the flavor will be milder.
- Sweetener: Honey or maple syrup can replace the brown sugar.
- Mustard: Yellow mustard works if you don’t have Dijon.
- Serving Options: Try these on hot dog bun, sandwich bun, or small buns for sliders. They also work great as a loose meat sandwich style.
FAQs about these Homemade Sloppy Joes:
Do you have to brown ground beef before putting in the Crockpot?
Yes! Browning the beef first adds so much more depth of flavor than putting raw meat directly in the crock pot. It only takes a few extra minutes but makes a huge difference in the final taste. Don’t skip this step for the best sloppy joes.
What is the difference between Sloppy Joes and Sloppy Janes?
Sloppy Janes are typically made with ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, making them a lighter alternative. The cooking method and seasonings are usually the same, it’s just a different protein for those who prefer ground chicken or turkey.
Can I make this on the stove instead?
Yes! You can make this on the stove top instead. After browning the beef, add all ingredients and simmer for 20-30 minutes until thickened. But honestly, the amount of flavor you get after 3 hours in the crockpot is so much better! It gives the sloppy joe sauce a chance to develop and takes it from a good sloppy joe to the best recipe!
What can I serve with Slow Cooker Sloppy Joe Recipes?
Serve these easy sloppy joes with side dishes such as: potato salad, coleslaw, french fries, or tater tots. They’re great for a family gathering or feeding a large crowd, just double or triple the recipe! It’s the perfect family-friendly dinner that brings everyone together for family time.
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?
I‘m excited for you to try this Crock Pot Sloppy Joes! After you make it, please leave a rating if you loved it as much as we do! This has become one of our favorite things to make and is an easy weeknight dinner. Find us on IG + TikTok: @littlechefwithin
Crock pot Sloppy Joes
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/3 cup beef broth
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 hamburger buns
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season with onion powder and garlic powder while cooking. Cook until fully done and drain grease.
- Transfer seasoned beef to slow cooker.
- Add tomato paste, ketchup, beef broth, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
- Cover and cook on low for 3 hours, stirring once halfway through
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Serve on hamburger buns.
Notes
Nutrition
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Awesome recipe, so easy, will make again!