Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes | CookOS

Sloppy Joes

Name: Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs ground beef; 1 medium onion, chopped; 1 green bell pepper, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 1/2 cups ketchup; 1/2 cup BBQ sauce; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup brown sugar substitute; 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 2 tbsp yellow mustard; 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar; 1 tbsp chili powder; 1 tsp smoked paprika; salt, to taste; black pepper, to taste; hamburger buns, for serving

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

🌍American 🏷️Sloppy joes 🏷️Ground beef 🏷️Slow cooker 🏷️Crockpot Sandwich

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Total

4h 15m

Servings

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$29–$48

Recipe Source

View original recipe

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Ingredients

2 lbs ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups ketchup
1/2 cup BBQ sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar substituteoptional
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp yellow mustard
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
salt, to taste
black pepper, to taste
hamburger buns, for serving

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Instructions

1
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks.
2
Once cooked, drain the excess grease from the beef.
3
To a slow cooker, add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic.
4
Pour in the ketchup, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, and apple cider vinegar.
5
Add the brown sugar (or substitute), chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
6
Add the cooked ground beef to the slow cooker and stir everything together until well combined.
7
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.
8
Serve the sloppy joe mixture on toasted hamburger buns.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Brown the ground beef thoroughly before adding to the slow cooker to develop flavor and remove excess fat.
Sauté the onion, bell pepper, and garlic in the pan with the beef to deepen their flavor before slow cooking.
Taste and adjust sweetness and tanginess by balancing ketchup, BBQ sauce, and Worcestershire sauce to your preference.
Cook on low for 4–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours; longer cooking mellows the flavors.

Substitutions

BBQ sauce → tomato sauce mixed with 1 tbsp molasses (for a less smoky profile)
Brown sugar → honey or maple syrup (use same amount for similar sweetness)
Yellow mustard → Dijon mustard (sharper flavor; reduce to 1 tbsp)
Worcestershire sauce → soy sauce (earthier, saltier; start with 1 tbsp and adjust)

Storage & make-ahead

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.

Equipment

slow cooker

Common Questions

Can you make Sloppy Joes without a 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.

What's the best bread for serving Sloppy Joes?

Soft hamburger buns, brioche buns, or toasted sandwich rolls work best. They hold up well to the wet sauce without falling apart.

How do you thicken Sloppy Joe sauce?

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.

Can you freeze Sloppy Joes?

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.