This Slow Cooker Mississippi Sloppy Joes recipe takes the classic sloppy joe to a whole new level with the rich, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors of Mississippi pot roast. Made with ground beef, ranch seasoning, au jus mix, and pepperoncini peppers, this dish is packed with bold taste and perfect for an easy, hands-off meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Set It and Forget It – The slow cooker does all the work, making this a stress-free meal.
- Incredibly Flavorful – A unique twist on sloppy joes with a mix of savory, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors.
- Great for Feeding a Crowd – Perfect for potlucks, game days, or family dinners.
- Versatile – Serve on buns, over rice, or even in a baked potato for a delicious twist.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef
- Butter
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Ranch seasoning mix
- Au jus gravy mix
- Pepperoncini peppers, sliced
- Pepperoncini juice (from the jar)
- Worcestershire sauce
- Beef broth
- Brown sugar
- Hamburger buns
Directions
- Brown the Beef – In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Sauté the Onion & Garlic – Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker – Add the cooked beef mixture to the slow cooker.
- Add Seasonings & Liquid – Sprinkle in the ranch seasoning and au jus mix. Pour in the pepperoncini juice, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Stir to combine.
- Slow Cook – Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Add Pepperoncini & Brown Sugar – In the last 30 minutes, stir in sliced pepperoncini and brown sugar for extra flavor.
- Assemble & Serve – Spoon the mixture onto toasted hamburger buns and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes – 6 hours 10 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Version – Add extra pepperoncini juice or a few dashes of hot sauce.
- Cheesy Sloppy Joes – Melt provolone or cheddar cheese on top before serving.
- Low-Carb Option – Serve over cauliflower rice or in lettuce wraps.
- Pork or Chicken – Swap ground beef for ground pork or shredded chicken for a different take.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerate – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze – Freeze for up to 3 months in a sealed container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat – Warm on the stove over low heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
FAQs
What makes these Mississippi Sloppy Joes different from regular sloppy joes?
Instead of a tomato-based sauce, this recipe uses ranch seasoning, au jus mix, and pepperoncini for a tangy, savory twist.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes! Ground turkey, ground pork, or even shredded beef work well in this recipe.
How do I make it less spicy?
Use fewer pepperoncini or omit the juice for a milder flavor.
Can I cook this on the stovetop instead?
Yes! Simmer all the ingredients in a large pan for 30-40 minutes on low heat.
What buns work best for this recipe?
Brioche buns, hamburger buns, or even hoagie rolls are great choices.
Can I add cheese to this recipe?
Absolutely! Provolone, cheddar, or pepper jack cheese pairs well with the flavors.
How do I keep the sloppy joe mixture from being too runny?
Let the mixture simmer uncovered for the last 15 minutes to thicken.
What sides go well with Mississippi Sloppy Joes?
French fries, coleslaw, potato chips, or a simple salad complement this dish well.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes! Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to handle the extra ingredients.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Simply omit the butter or use a dairy-free alternative.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Mississippi Sloppy Joes are a delicious, easy-to-make twist on a classic comfort food. The combination of savory beef, tangy pepperoncini, and rich seasonings makes for an irresistible meal that the whole family will love. Whether you serve it on a bun, over rice, or in a baked potato, this dish is sure to be a hit! Try it today for an effortless yet flavorful dinner.
PrintSlow Cooker Mississippi Sloppy Joes
These Mississippi Sloppy Joes are a tangy, savory twist on the classic! Made in the slow cooker with tender beef, pepperoncini, and a rich, buttery sauce, they’re perfect for sandwiches, game days, or an easy weeknight meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 1 packet (1 oz) au jus gravy mix
- ½ cup unsalted butter, sliced
- ½ cup sliced pepperoncini peppers + 2 tablespoons juice
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 6 brioche or sandwich buns
- ½ cup shredded cheddar or provolone cheese (optional)
Instructions
-
Brown the Beef:
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef until browned (about 5 minutes). Drain excess grease.
-
Slow Cook the Meat:
- Transfer beef to a slow cooker.
- Add ranch seasoning, au jus mix, butter, pepperoncini, onion, garlic, beef broth, black pepper, and paprika. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours.
-
Shred & Serve:
- Stir the mixture and taste for seasoning.
- Toast buns and spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto each bun.
- Top with cheese (if using) and serve warm!
Notes
- Make it spicier by adding red pepper flakes or more pepperoncini juice.
- Want it creamier? Stir in ¼ cup sour cream before serving.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.