Crock Pot Sloppy Joes | Slow Cooker Sloppy Joe Recipe

Add a hearty and flavorful twist to your dinner routine with these Crock Pot Sloppy Joes! This easy-to-make recipe transforms basic ingredients into a mouth-watering dish that's perfect for busy weeknights. With just a few simple steps, you'll have a savory, tangy, and slightly sweet meal that your family will love. Dive into the ultimate comfort food with this no-fuss method.

Why You'll Love This Family Favorite

• Effortless. Just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do all the work.
• Flavorful. A perfect balance of tangy, savory, and sweet flavors in every bite.
• Family-Friendly. Kids and adults alike will enjoy this classic comfort food.

With the convenience of a slow cooker, you’ll achieve that perfect combination of tender, flavorful meat without having to stand over the stove. These Sloppy Joes are sure to become a new family favorite!

What Do Crock Pot Sloppy Joes Taste Like?

Crock Pot Sloppy Joes have a rich, savory, and slightly sweet flavor that’s perfectly balanced with a hint of tanginess.

The slow-cooked ground beef becomes incredibly tender, absorbing the deep flavors of the tomato sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard.

The sauce is thick and hearty, with the sweetness from the brown sugar and ketchup complementing the savory meat, while the apple cider vinegar adds a touch of acidity that cuts through the richness. The onions and bell peppers provide a subtle crunch and freshness, rounding out the dish.

The result is a satisfying, comforting meal with a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory notes that the whole family will love

Ingredients You'll Need

• Ground Beef- The main protein of the dish. Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess grease.
• Onion- Adds depth and a mild sweetness to the dish.
• Garlic- Enhances the savory taste with its aromatic qualities.
• Tomato Sauce- Forms the base of the sauce, giving it a rich and tangy flavor.
• Tomato Paste- Thickens the sauce and intensifies the tomato flavor.
• Ketchup- Adds sweetness and tanginess, essential for that classic Sloppy Joe taste.
• Brown Sugar- Balances the tangy tomato base with a touch of sweetness.
• Worcestershire Sauce- Adds a layer of umami flavor, deepening the overall taste.
• Yellow Mustard- Provides a bit of tang and sharpness to the sauce.
• Apple Cider Vinegar- Adds a slight acidity to balance the sweetness.
• Salt & Pepper- Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
• Hamburger Buns- Soft buns are ideal for holding the juicy meat mixture.

How To Make Crock Pot Sloppy Joes

1. Brown the Meat. Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. This step is important to develop flavor and remove excess grease. Once browned, drain the fat and transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
2. Prep the Onion. Dice the onion finely. Mince the garlic. These ingredients will add flavor and texture to the Sloppy Joes.
3. Combine the Ingredients. Add the diced onion and garlic to the slow cooker with the beef. Then, pour in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Stir everything together until well combined.
4. Cook Low and Slow. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. The longer cooking time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
5. Serve. Once the Sloppy Joe mixture is done cooking, give it a final stir and taste for seasoning. Serve the mixture hot on soft hamburger buns. Enjoy with a side of coleslaw, potato chips, or a simple salad for a complete meal.

Tips And Tricks

Making Crock Pot Sloppy Joes is a great way to enjoy a classic comfort food with minimal effort. Here are some tips and tricks to ensure they turn out delicious every time:

• Brown the Meat First. Browning the ground beef (or any other meat you’re using) before adding it to the crock pot enhances the flavor and allows you to drain off excess fat. This step is crucial for a richer, more robust taste.
• Use Fresh Vegetables. Fresh onions, bell peppers, and garlic can add depth of flavor to your Sloppy Joes. Sauté them briefly before adding them to the crock pot to release their natural sweetness and enhance the overall taste.
• Balance the Sweet and Tangy. The key to great Sloppy Joes is the perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess in the sauce. Typically, a combination of ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and vinegar does the trick.

Variations

Sloppy Joes are a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit a variety of tastes and dietary needs. Here are some creative variations:

• Turkey- Substitute ground turkey for beef to make a lighter version. You may need to adjust the seasonings slightly to enhance the flavor.
• Vegetarian- Use lentils, chickpeas, or a plant-based ground meat substitute in place of beef for a vegetarian-friendly option.
• BBQ- Swap out the ketchup for your favorite BBQ sauce to give your Sloppy Joes a smoky, tangy twist.

What To Eat With Crock Pot Sloppy Joes

Crock Pot Sloppy Joes pair wonderfully with various sides. Here are some great options:

• Potato Chips- A classic choice that adds a satisfying crunch.
• Coleslaw- Provides a creamy and tangy contrast to the rich Sloppy Joes.
• Corn on the Cob- A sweet, buttery side that complements the savory sandwich.

How Long Do They Last?

Sloppy Joes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.

Can You Freeze Them?

Absolutely! Sloppy Joes freeze very well. Let the mixture cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

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