Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Sloppy Joes are perfect for busy days when you want a satisfying dinner ready and waiting. The slow cooker intensifies the flavors, giving you a delicious homemade version that tastes far better than anything from a can. It’s crowd-friendly, kid-approved, and great for parties, game days, or weeknight meals.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• ground beef
• onion, diced
• green bell pepper, diced
• garlic, minced
• tomato sauce
• ketchup
• brown sugar
• Worcestershire sauce
• yellow mustard
• apple cider vinegar
• salt and pepper
• hamburger buns

Directions

1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease.
2. Add the cooked beef, onion, green pepper, and garlic to the slow cooker.
3. Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
4. Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours or on high for 2–3 hours.
5. Stir well before serving.
6. Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto toasted hamburger buns and enjoy.

Servings and timing

Serves 6–8.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 4–6 hours on low or 2–3 hours on high
Total time: about 4–6 hours depending on setting

Variations

• Use ground turkey for a lighter version.
• Add diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
• Stir in a splash of barbecue sauce for smoky flavor.
• Add shredded carrots or zucchini for extra veggies.
• Use brioche buns or pretzel buns for a flavor upgrade.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover meat mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
For freezing, cool completely and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, in the microwave, or in the slow cooker on warm until hot.

FAQs

Can I use frozen ground beef?

You’ll need to thaw and brown it first before adding it to the slow cooker.

Can I skip browning the beef?

Browning improves flavor and texture, but you can skip it if necessary—just break up the meat well in the slow cooker.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Use plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian version.

Can I add more vegetables?

Yes, carrots, celery, mushrooms, or corn work well.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, the sauce is sweet and mild, making it perfect for families.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just ensure your slow cooker is large enough.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Absolutely—the flavors get even better after sitting.

What if the mixture is too thick?

Add a splash of water or broth until you reach your desired consistency.

Can I use tomato paste instead of tomato sauce?

You can, but you’ll need to add some water to thin it.

Can I serve this on something other than buns?

Yes—try over baked potatoes, rice, or pasta.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes are an easy, flavorful, and comforting classic that’s perfect for weeknights or feeding a hungry crowd. With simple ingredients and hands-off cooking, this recipe delivers a rich, satisfying meal everyone will love. Enjoy the convenience and deliciousness of homemade sloppy joes with minimal effort.

Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes

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A rich, tangy, sweet, and savory Sloppy Joe mixture made effortlessly in the slow cooker for an easy, family-friendly meal.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4–6 hours (low) or 2–3 hours (high)
• Total Time: 4–6 hours
• Yield: 6–8 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp yellow mustard
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Hamburger buns, toasted

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Instructions

1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease.
2. Add the cooked beef, onion, green pepper, and garlic to the slow cooker.
3. Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
4. Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours.
5. Stir well before serving.
6. Spoon mixture onto toasted hamburger buns and enjoy.

Notes

• Swap ground beef for turkey for a lighter option.
• Add jalapeños for heat.
• Stir in barbecue sauce for smoky flavor.
• Add shredded carrots or zucchini for extra vegetables.
• Serve over potatoes, rice, or pasta instead of buns.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 sandwich
• Calories: 430
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 75mg