These Easy Crock Pot Sloppy Joes are the ultimate comfort food—juicy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make! With a rich, tangy sauce and perfectly seasoned ground beef, this slow cooker recipe makes dinner effortless. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a fuss-free weeknight meal, these Sloppy Joes are sure to be a hit!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hands-off cooking – The slow cooker does all the work!
- Rich and flavorful – A sweet, tangy, and savory sauce coats the beef perfectly.
- Feeds a crowd – Great for potlucks, family dinners, and parties.
- Kid-friendly – A family favorite that everyone will love.
- Make-ahead friendly – Tastes even better the next day!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef (or ground turkey)
- Onion (chopped)
- Bell pepper (chopped)
- Garlic (minced)
- Tomato sauce
- Ketchup
- Brown sugar
- Worcestershire sauce
- Yellow mustard
- Apple cider vinegar
- Chili powder
- Salt and pepper
- Hamburger buns (for serving)
Directions
1. Brown the Ground Beef
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until no longer pink.
- Drain excess grease and transfer to the slow cooker.
2. Add Vegetables and Sauce
- Add chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the slow cooker.
- Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, vinegar, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Slow Cook to Perfection
- Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours until flavors meld.
4. Serve and Enjoy
- Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto toasted hamburger buns and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6–8 sandwiches
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 4–6 hours on low (or 2–3 hours on high)
- Total time: 4–6 hours 10 minutes
Variations
- Spicy version – Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
- Sweet BBQ flavor – Replace ketchup with BBQ sauce.
- Cheesy Sloppy Joes – Top with shredded cheddar before serving.
- Vegetarian option – Use lentils or plant-based crumbles instead of beef.
- Low-carb option – Serve over lettuce wraps instead of buns.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey works great as a leaner option.
Do I need to brown the beef before adding it to the slow cooker?
Yes, browning the meat first enhances the flavor and prevents excess grease.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! The flavors get even better after sitting in the fridge overnight.
What’s the best way to serve Sloppy Joes?
On toasted buns with pickles, coleslaw, or even over rice.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Let it cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes or stir in a cornstarch slurry.
What type of buns work best?
Soft hamburger buns, brioche buns, or even toasted Texas toast.
Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?
Yes! Simmer everything in a pot on the stovetop for 30 minutes.
How do I make Sloppy Joes less sweet?
Reduce the brown sugar or use tomato paste instead of ketchup.
Can I add extra veggies?
Yes! Try shredded carrots, mushrooms, or zucchini for added nutrition.
Conclusion
These Easy Crock Pot Sloppy Joes are a delicious, effortless meal that’s perfect for busy nights or feeding a crowd. With bold flavors, tender meat, and a rich sauce, they’ll become a family favorite in no time. Try this simple slow cooker recipe today and enjoy a stress-free, tasty dinner!
PrintEasy Crock Pot Sloppy Joes
These Easy Crock Pot Sloppy Joes are the ultimate hands-off comfort food! Made with ground beef, a tangy-sweet sauce, and slow-cooked to perfection, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights, parties, or meal prep. Serve on soft buns for a crowd-pleasing meal everyone will love!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours (Low) / 2-3 hours (High)
- Total Time: 4-6 hours
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Slow Cooker
- Method: Crock Pot / Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 small green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- ½ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup BBQ sauce (optional, for extra smokiness)
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- ½ tsp chili powder (optional, for a little heat)
- 8 hamburger buns (for serving)
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Meat
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease.
Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Crock Pot
- Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker. Add onion, bell pepper, garlic, tomato sauce, ketchup, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Stir to combine.
Step 3: Slow Cook
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy
- Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto toasted hamburger buns and serve warm!
Notes
- Make it healthier – Use ground turkey or lean beef.
- Make it extra saucy – Add an extra ½ cup tomato sauce or broth.
- Add a kick – Mix in ½ tsp hot sauce or diced jalapeños.
- Leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 4 days or freeze for 3 months.