Easy Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes Recipe
These delicious slow cooker sloppy joes bring classic comfort food right to your table in the easiest way possible. Perfect for busy weeknights, this slow cooker recipe transforms simple ingredients into a family favorite that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds.
Your entire family will love this homemade version way more than any canned sauce – plus, it’s an easy crock pot meal that practically makes itself while you’re busy with other things. It’s exactly what you need for those busy days when you still want to gather everyone for family dinner time.
Looking for more crockpot meals the whole family will love? Try my Chicken and Cheese Enchiladas or Crockpot Spanish Rice for more dinner inspiration!
Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Make-Ahead Meal: This slow cooker recipe is a great way to prep dinner in the morning and come home to a delicious meal. It’s also an excellent freezer meal for busy weeknights.
- Family-Friendly: A classic recipe that’s one of those childhood favorites everyone loves. The depth of flavor from the homemade sauce makes these so much better than store-bought versions.
- Feeds a Large Crowd: Perfect for family gatherings or when you need to feed a lot of people. Make a double batch and freeze the leftovers for next time!
- Versatile Main Dish: Serve on hamburger buns, brioche buns, or even over a baked potato. Add your favorite toppings for a customizable meal that pleases everyone.
Recipe Ingredients
See the recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients and measurements.
Ingredient Notes:
- Lean ground beef – Using 85/15 ground beef provides the best results with great flavor while not producing excess grease. You can drain any extra fat after browning.
- Green bell pepper – Adds a fresh crunch and extra flavor to the meat mixture. Dice it finely for the perfect texture.
- Onion – A large onion, diced, creates a foundation of flavor for these homemade sloppy joes.
- Minced garlic – Fresh minced garlic cloves give depth of flavor to the sauce.
- Brown sugar – Lightly packed brown sugar adds just the right sweetness to balance the tomato base.
- Tomato sauce and ketchup – Creates the perfect sloppy joe sauce with ideal thickness and flavor.
- Worcestershire sauce – Adds that umami depth that makes this better than traditional sloppy joe recipes.
- Stone ground mustard – Brings tanginess and extra flavor to the sauce.
Substitutions and Additions
- Protein Options – Substitute ground turkey for a leaner option
- Sauce Variations – Add apple cider vinegar or chili sauce for different flavor profiles
- Toppings – Top with a slice of cheese or pickles
- Heat Level – Add extra chili powder for more spice
How to Make Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes (step-by-step directions)
STEP 1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break into smaller pieces, cooking until no longer pink. (Photo 1)
STEP 2. Add diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the hot skillet. Cook until vegetables soften. (Photo 2)
STEP 3. Transfer the meat mixture to your slow cooker and add the rest of the ingredients, stirring to combine. (Photos 3, 4 & 5)
STEP 4. Cover and cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours or LOW for 5-6 hours until the flavors meld perfectly. (Photo 6)
Recipe Tips
- Brown the meat well in a large Dutch oven or skillet for the best flavor
- Drain excess grease before adding to the slow cooker
- Toast your buns for extra texture
- Make a double batch and freeze portions for later
- Choose soft buns that can hold up to the meat mixture
Storing Tips
- Storage: Cool completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Portion into freezer bags and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Meal Prep: Make ahead and reheat portions as needed for easy weeknight dinners.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Serving Suggestions
Make dinner complete by serving these sloppy joes with Baked Sweet Potatoes or Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Fries. For a fresh side, try my Green Beans Almondine. Don’t forget the potato chips for crunch! For more great meal ideas, check out my collection of Light Summer Dinner Recipes.
Recipe FAQs
Yes! Simply brown the meat and vegetables, then simmer the mixture covered over medium heat for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Plan for about ⅓ pound of meat mixture per person if serving as sandwiches. This recipe serves approximately 12 people.
For the best sloppy joes, always brown the meat first. This develops flavor and ensures proper texture.
Start with less brown sugar and adjust to taste. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away once it’s mixed in.
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Easy Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 pounds (1 ⅓ kg) ground beef I used 85/15
- 1 large onion diced
- 1 large green bell pepper diced
- 3-5 garlic cloves minced
- 8 ounce (226 ⅘ g) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup (236 ⅗ ml) ketchup
- ⅓ cup (73 ⅓ g) brown sugar lightly packed
- ¼ cup (59 ⅐ ml) stone ground mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break into smaller pieces, cooking until no longer pink.3 pounds ground beef
- Add diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the hot skillet. Cook until vegetables soften.1 large onion,1 large green bell pepper,3-5 garlic cloves
- Transfer the meat mixture to your slow cooker and add the rest of the ingredients, stirring to combine.8 ounce can tomato sauce,1 cup ketchup,⅓ cup brown sugar,¼ cup stone ground mustard,1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce,1 tablespoon chili powder,Salt and pepper
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours or LOW for 5-6 hours until the flavors meld perfectly.
Notes
- Brown the meat well in a large dutch oven or skillet for best flavor
- Drain excess grease before adding to the slow cooker
- Toast your buns for extra texture
- Make a double batch and freeze portions for later
- Choose soft buns that can hold up to the meat mixture
Nutrition Information
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