Sloppy Joes
Slow cooker Sloppy Joes combine browned ground beef with a savory-sweet sauce of ketchup, BBQ sauce, and brown sugar for a hands-off weeknight meal that feeds a family.
⚡Slow Cooker
Slow cooker Sloppy Joes combine browned ground beef with a savory-sweet sauce of ketchup, BBQ sauce, and brown sugar for a hands-off weeknight meal that feeds a family.
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In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks.
Once cooked, drain the excess grease from the beef.
To a slow cooker, add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic.
Pour in the ketchup, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, and apple cider vinegar.
Add the brown sugar (or substitute), chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Add the cooked ground beef to the slow cooker and stir everything together until well combined.
Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, stirring about every hour to hour and a half.
Serve the sloppy joe mixture on toasted hamburger buns.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.
slow cooker
Yes. Brown the beef and vegetables in a large pot, add the sauce ingredients, and simmer on the stovetop for 20–30 minutes until thickened, stirring occasionally.
Soft hamburger buns, brioche buns, or toasted sandwich rolls work best. They hold up well to the wet sauce without falling apart.
If the sauce is too thin, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of slow cooking, or mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water and stir it in during the final minutes.
Yes. Cool the mixture completely, transfer to freezer bags or airtight containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
This recipe makes approximately 8–10 servings (about 2 lbs ground beef), depending on bun size and toppings.
