Easy Crock Pot Sloppy Joes

These easy crock pot sloppy joes are loaded with flavor, made with simple ingredients, and perfect for busy weeknights. Just brown the beef, saute the veggies, toss everything in the slow cooker, and let it simmer until rich and delicious.

Easy Crock Pot Sloppy Joes Recipe

• So Easy! Just brown the beef, saute the diced veggies, and dump everything into your slow cooker – set it and forget it! Dinner is ready whenever you are!
• So Delicious! Sweet, savory, and tangy flavors come together for the perfect sloppy joe sandwich. It has that “cooked all day” flavor, but the crock pot did all the work!

Ingredients for Crock Pot Sloppy Joes

• Ground Beef: The base of the dish. Use 90/10 for the best flavor without too much grease. You can use a leaner meat like ground turkey or ground chicken, but you will sacrifice flavor.
• Yellow Onion: Adds a mild sweetness and aromatic flavor. White onion works too.
• Green Bell Pepper: Offers a subtle crunch and classic sloppy joe flavor. Red or yellow bell peppers can be used for a slightly sweeter taste.
• Garlic: Adds depth and aroma. Garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
• Tomato Paste: Helps thicken the sauce and adds rich tomato flavor.
• Tomato Sauce: Forms the saucy base. Crushed tomatoes or tomato puree could also work.
• Ketchup: Adds sweetness and tang. You could use chili sauce or BBQ sauce for a smoky twist, but try to find a BBQ sauce that isn’t too sweet.
• Brown Sugar: Balances the acidity and enhances sweetness. Light brown sugar or dark brown sugar works.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds umami depth. Soy sauce with a splash of vinegar would work as a substitute.
• Yellow Mustard: Brings tang and brightness. Dijon works too.
• Brioche Hamburger Buns: Buttery and soft, perfect for holding the saucy meat. Use any buns you like or sandwich rolls.

How to Make Crock Pot Sloppy Joes

Brown the beef. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and a couple large pinches of salt and pepper. Cook, crumbling with a spatula, until browned and cooked through.

Start the sauce. Meanwhile, in the crock pot, stir together tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, yellow mustard, and a couple large pinches of salt and pepper.

Add the beef. Transfer the browned ground beef to the slow cooker and stir to combine.

Cook the veggies. Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in the same pan over medium heat. Add diced onion and green pepper along with a couple pinches of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring, for about 5 minutes.

Add garlic and tomato paste. Stir in garlic and tomato paste and cook for about a minute. Add Worcestershire sauce to deglaze the pan and scrape up all the browned bits.

Transfer to crock pot. Add the veggie mixture to the crock pot.

Combine. Stir everything together.

Cook and serve. Cover and cook on high for 2–3 hours or low for 4–5 hours. Serve on toasted brioche buns and enjoy!

Tips for Making Crock Pot Sloppy Joes

• Brown the beef first for deeper flavor and better texture.
• Drain some of the grease off if there’s a lot after cooking the beef.
• Don’t skip the tomato paste – it helps thicken the mixture.
• Season moderately with salt and pepper, as the ingredient list is short and sweet.
• Toast your buns before serving to prevent sogginess.

Make-Ahead Instructions

• You can make these sloppy joes up to 2 days in advance.
• Follow the recipe instructions through step #6 and store in the fridge in a tightly sealed container until you’re ready to simmer it all together.
• Then transfer to the crock pot and cook according to the recipe directions. You may need to add just a bit of additional cooking time to account for the colder temperature.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing Crock Pot Sloppy Joes

• Cool completely and freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating Crock Pot Sloppy Joes

• Reheat on the stovetop in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.
• Or microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
• Add a splash of water or broth if the mixture seems too thick.

Serving Suggestions

• easy bacon potato salad
• chicken & artichoke pasta salad
• dill pickle pasta salad
• Italian grinder pasta salad
• crispy oven-baked fries

Try these easy slow cooker recipes next!