Crock Pot Sloppy Joes

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Sloppy Joes are the ultimate comfort food, and when you make them in a crock pot, they become even more irresistible. Imagine tender ground beef simmered in a rich, tangy, and slightly sweet tomato-based sauce that’s infused with bold flavors and a hint of spice. This set-it-and-forget-it version takes the traditional skillet method and makes it even easier—perfect for busy weeknights, game days, or feeding a crowd.

The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting here, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while you go about your day. Each spoonful is juicy, saucy, and satisfying—perfect piled high on a toasted bun or spooned over fries or rice. Whether you’re looking for a nostalgic dinner or a hearty party food, Crock Pot Sloppy Joes never disappoint.

Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Sloppy Joes Recipe

• It’s an effortless, hands-off meal.
• Packed with bold, family-friendly flavors.
• Great for meal prepping or feeding a crowd.
• Versatile: serve it on buns, baked potatoes, or even over pasta.
• Freezer-friendly and reheats beautifully.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make Crock Pot Sloppy Joes, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools:

• Slow Cooker (Crock Pot): This is the star tool here. It gently simmers the meat mixture for hours, developing deep flavor and a perfect texture.
• Large Skillet: Used for browning the ground beef and sautéing the onions and peppers before transferring everything to the slow cooker.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Helpful for breaking up the meat evenly during browning.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: To accurately measure your sauces and spices.
• Ladle or Serving Spoon: Makes it easy to scoop and serve the Sloppy Joe mixture.

Each of these tools ensures a smooth cooking process and optimal results. The slow cooker, in particular, allows the sauce to thicken slowly and evenly coat every bite of meat.

Preparation Tips

For the best Crock Pot Sloppy Joes, choose lean ground beef to avoid excess grease, but not too lean to retain flavor. Always brown the beef first before slow cooking—this adds flavor and prevents a greasy final dish. Sauté the onions and peppers to soften them and enhance their sweetness before mixing them in. If you prefer a thicker sauce, leave the lid slightly ajar during the last hour of cooking to let steam escape. Taste and adjust seasonings before serving to get that perfect sweet-tangy balance.

Ingredients for this Crock Pot Sloppy Joes Recipe

• 2 pounds lean ground beef (85% lean preferred)
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• Optional: 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (for heat)
• Burger buns for serving
• Optional toppings: shredded cheese, pickles, jalapeños

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Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned. Break it apart with a spoon to ensure an even texture. Drain off excess grease to avoid a greasy sloppy joe mixture.

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Step 2: Sauté Onions, Peppers, and Garlic

Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the same skillet. Cook for 3-5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring often to avoid burning.

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Step 3: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

Transfer the cooked beef, onions, peppers, and garlic to the crock pot. Add the tomato sauce, ketchup, tomato paste, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and all the spices. Stir well to fully combine everything.

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Step 4: Slow Cook the Mixture

Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Stir occasionally if possible. If you prefer a thicker consistency, remove the lid for the last 30-45 minutes of cooking to let some of the moisture evaporate.

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Step 5: Taste and Adjust

Before serving, give the mixture a final stir and taste. Adjust the seasoning if needed—you can add more brown sugar for sweetness, mustard for tang, or chili powder for more depth.

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Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Spoon the hot sloppy joe mixture onto toasted buns. Top with cheese, pickles, or jalapeños if desired. Serve with coleslaw, fries, or chips for a complete meal. Great for leftovers or freezing too!

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Notes

For extra depth of flavor, try using a mix of ground beef and ground pork or turkey. You can also swap out ketchup for barbecue sauce if you want a smokier flavor profile. If you need to make it gluten-free, ensure your Worcestershire sauce and buns are certified gluten-free. This recipe is very forgiving—feel free to tweak the sweetness or spice level to suit your tastes.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the browning step: Don’t add raw meat directly to the crock pot; browning adds flavor and improves texture.
• Not draining the fat: Excess grease will make your mixture oily and unappetizing.
• Overcooking: While slow cooking is forgiving, overcooking on high heat for too long can dry out the meat.
• Ignoring taste adjustments: Always taste before serving and adjust seasoning as needed.
• Using watery tomato sauce: Opt for a thicker sauce or reduce liquid during cooking if it looks too runny.

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Storage Instructions

Store leftover Sloppy Joe mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. For longer storage, freeze the mixture in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 1/6th of recipe, without bun or toppings):

• Calories: ~290 kcal
• Protein: 22g
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 13g
• Sugar: 8g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 540mg
• Cholesterol: 65mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works well and creates a leaner dish with slightly milder flavor.

Can I cook this without a slow cooker?

Absolutely. Simmer the mixture on the stovetop in a covered pot for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally.

What can I use instead of ketchup?

You can substitute ketchup with barbecue sauce or a mixture of tomato paste and honey.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, this recipe is perfect for meal prep. Make it up to 3 days in advance and reheat before serving.

How do I thicken my sloppy joe mixture?

Leave the crock pot lid slightly open during the last hour to allow excess liquid to evaporate.

What are the best buns to use?

Soft brioche or hamburger buns are ideal. Toast them for added texture and flavor.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely. Diced carrots, mushrooms, or zucchini can be sautéed with the onions and peppers.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes! You can reduce the chili powder and skip the red pepper flakes to make it more mild for kids.

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Conclusion

Crock Pot Sloppy Joes are the ultimate blend of ease and flavor, delivering a hearty, nostalgic meal with minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy night or hosting a casual get-together, this recipe hits all the right notes—savory, sweet, and utterly satisfying. With its versatility, make-ahead convenience, and freezer-friendliness, it’s bound to become a repeat favorite in your kitchen.

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