Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes

sloppy joe on a plate with waffle fries.

4.79 from 42 votes

This old fashioned sloppy joes recipe is made extra easy in the slow cooker! The meat mixture slow cooks for hours and then is ready to pile onto a bun. This easy recipe is perfect for the whole family and makes enough for a crowd.

Prep Time 14

Cook Time 4

Total Time 4 14

Servings servings

Author Melissa Williams

Equipment

Slow Cooker

Ingredients

3 pounds lean ground beef I use sirloin
1 medium white onion diced
1 large green bell pepper diced
1 large red bell pepper diced
1 clove garlic Minced
2 cups ketchup
¼ cup water
4 Tablespoons brown sugar
3 teaspoons chili powder
2 Tablespoons mustard
½ teaspoon hot sauce up to 2 teaspoons

Instructions

In a large skillet, over medium high heat, brown your ground beef until no longer pink. If necessary, drain off any grease.
3 pounds lean ground beef
To the slow cooker, add the browned beef, diced onion, bell peppers, garlic, ketchup, water, brown sugar, chili, mustard and hot sauce.
1 medium white onion, 1 large green bell pepper, 1 large red bell pepper, 1 clove garlic, 2 cups ketchup, ¼ cup water, 4 Tablespoons brown sugar, 3 teaspoons chili powder, 2 Tablespoons mustard, ½ teaspoon hot sauce
Stir to combine and cover.
Cook on LOW for 4-6 hours.
Serve on hamburger or brioche buns.

Notes

Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Serve with homemade potato chips for the classic experience.
No slow cooker? Simmer the beef mixture on the stove for 20-30 minutes.
Switch up the flavor by using your favorite barbecue sauce instead of ketchup.
Add diced jalapenos for extra heat.
Toast the bun (brioche or homemade French rolls) and add cheese and pickles for extra flavor.
Ground turkey or chicken can be used, but you'll miss the classic beef flavor.

Every slow cooker runs differently. Times given are a general recommendation and should be tested in your own slow cooker and adjusted as needed.

Nutrition