Description
These Crock Pot Sloppy Joes are the ultimate easy dinner solution. Rich ground beef simmered in a sweet, tangy sauce makes the perfect filling for buns, baked potatoes, or nachos. A fuss-free, family-friendly recipe ideal for meal prep or feeding a crowd.
Ingredients
1 ½ pounds ground beef
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup tomato sauce
¾ cup ketchup
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional: ½ cup finely chopped bell peppers
Optional: hot sauce, to taste
Instructions
1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
2. Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes until soft and fragrant.
3. In a bowl, mix tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Transfer beef mixture to the slow cooker. Pour sauce over and stir to combine. Add bell peppers and hot sauce if using.
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 4–6 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours. Stir occasionally.
6. Serve hot on toasted buns, over baked potatoes, or with nachos.
Notes
Use lean ground beef (80/20) and always drain to prevent oily sauce.
For a richer flavor, cook on low and let the sauce develop longer.
Toasting your buns adds texture and helps hold up against the juicy filling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4–6 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sloppy joe
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 65mg