Slow Cooker Homemade Sloppy Joe's are my back pocket weeknight go-to dinner. Flavorful ground beef, onions, pepper, and a homemade sauce. Cooked in the slow cooker makes a hassle-free dinner my family loves!
Sloppy Joe's are a staple in our house. My husband, Ron, has his own secret recipe he has perfected over time. I grew-up on canned sauce with the browned meat, and loved it. However, over time I decided that I needed to make my own version of a Sloppy Joe. I also needed a slow cooker version, because I love meal prepping in advance to our evening a little less chaotic.
What Makes These Sloppy Joe's The Best???
Well, i'll tell you. I use lean ground beef, fresh pepper and onion, and my own perfected sloppy joe sauce. My sauce is simple: crushed tomatoes, bbq sauce, ketchup, garlic, chili powder, seasoning salt, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, salt, and a bit of brown sugar. It is absolutely delicious. Sweet, tangy, salty, and hearty- everything you need in a good sloppy joe sauce.
The prep is the other amazing part of these sandwiches! Everything gets dumped into the slow cooker, turn on the heat, and walkaway. The only thing you have to cook is the beef before adding it to the raw veggies, and the sauce. So simple!
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After the sloppy joe's have slow cooked you get delicious spoonfuls of this cravable savory meat ready to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey?
Absolutely! Sometimes, I like to get a 50% beef 50% ground turkey blend.
I like a little spice- what do you suggest?
I recommend adding a diced jalapeno (or 2) if you want extra heat. Add them when you add the peppers and onions.
Do I need to use my slow cooker/crock pot?
Nope! If you prefer this as a skillet meal brown the meat with the pepper and onions until the veggies are tender. Add the sauce, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes on medium-low heat.
What are your favorite sloppy joe toppings?
I love sliced pickles on my sandwich. My husband and kiddos like a slice of american cheese because it gets really melty. I also enjoy this, but I am also happy with a bunch of dill pickles!
What should I serve with my sandwiches?
I like to serve mine with fresh fruit, pickles, and potato chips. However, my Grape Salad, Pesto Parmesan Potato Salad, or Mediterranean Cucumber Salad are great options.
Can I freeze the meat?
Absolutely! I freeze in sealable bags and press the meat so it is flat. Once frozen, the bags are stackable and easier to thaw.
Looking for more delicious sandwiches?!
Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki Sandwiches and Pineapple Slaw
Easy Slow Cooker Homemade Sloppy Joe's
Ingredients
- 2 lbs lean ground beef
- ½ white onion, diced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
For Sloppy Joe Sauce
- 14.5 oz can crushed tomatoes
- ¼ cup BBQ sauce
- ⅓ cup ketchup
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ teaspoon seasoning salt
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoon brown sugar
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together all ingredients for the sloppy joe sauce. Set aside.
- In a rimmed skillet, brown beef till not longer pink.
- Add beef, onion, pepper, and sauce to the slow cooker. Stir to coat evenly.
- Cover and set to low heat. Cook 3-4 hours on low. Veggies should be tender.
- Serve on buns with toppings of choice.
Ramona
Oh my! I feel like taking this off my screen - it has made me really hungry right now. So delicious and easy to make, I will definitely give this a go this weekend!
Heidy L. McCallum
Thinking of making this coming weekend, looks amazing and I love a GOOD Sloppy Joe!
Leslie
I always forget about making slopp joe! This recipe looks so delicious and perfect for my family of 5!
Swathi
I agree with you homemade sloppy joes are always best. Your recipe is so flavorful. I need make it this weekend.
Jeannette (Jay Joy)
These slow-cooked sloppy joes in the slow cooker sound amazing to make a hassle-free dinner my family would love IF my family liked sloppy joes! Can you believe I am the only one who likes it!?
Denay DeGuzman
Sloppy Joes are an American favorite! Your recipe looks so darn delicious. A perfect way to use the slow cooker!
Danielle
I wish you knew how much I want to take one of these in my hands and have myself a merry little dinner! There's got to be so much flavor in the kitchen when you make them.
Kelly Neil
Is it weird to say I've never eaten a Sloppy Joe?! Because I haven't! But after looking at your recipe I'll be making them soon because I think my family will love them! Great idea to add to my meal plan. Thanks!
Byron E Thomas
This sandwich reminds me so much of my childhood. I grew up with two working parents, so many of our meals were quick and easy. My mom would make sloppy joes just like this and many times, the meat was prepared in our slow cooker while she was at work all day.
Leslie
I haven't made sloppy joes in a REALLY long time. I must say, this recipe looks perfect! Great framily-friendly recipe here and I'll have to add it to my menu!
Billie
Yum! I doubled this and added 4 carrots and 2 celery stalks pureed in my food processor. DELISH. THANK YOU!
Ashley Lecker
I love those extra veggies! Great idea!