This recipe makes a classic dish that’s far better than anything you’d get from a can—and so easy to prepare!
One of my favorite meals growing up was sloppy joes. There was something special about biting into that messy sandwich and having that savory, red, saucy meat ooze out all over my hands. I can’t think of any other meal that is as messy, not even barbecue ribs. Besides, it was such an easy meal for my mom to prepare, as she only needed a package of buns, a can of sloppy joe sauce, and a pound of ground beef.
As a grown-up, I prefer this Crock-Pot sloppy joes recipe. Although it requires a little more prep and longer cook time, the result is well worth the effort. I recently tested my theory that this scratch-made dish is superior to the shortcut method my mom used by opening a store-bought can and comparing it to my homemade version. There was no comparison. That can of prepared sloppy joe sauce left a weird, greasy feel in my mouth as opposed to the silky, smooth mouthfeel I get from the sauce in this recipe.
But the taste of these homemade sloppy joes is what really sets them apart. You get the sweetness from the brown sugar, the tang from the apple cider vinegar and mustard, the savory goodness of Worcestershire sauce, and a bit of spice from the chili powder. Feel free to increase the chili powder if you like a little more heat in your sloppy joes. I also find that adding a dash of cinnamon helps to bring out all the other flavors.
You can even sub in ground turkey, chicken, veal, pork, or lamb for the beef in this recipe, if you like. Ground turkey and chicken can get a little dry because they’re so lean—making the sauce in this recipe is the perfect solution. I frequently double or triple this recipe, as it freezes well and tastes even better as leftovers, after the flavors have had a chance to meld.
Customize your sandwiches for even more flavor
My mom’s sloppy joes were as straightforward as they come—a ladleful of savory, saucy meat on a bun. That was it. Delicious? Yes. Boring now that I think about it? Equally yes! However, it doesn’t have to be that way. You can enhance and elevate this recipe in many ways.
First and foremost, begin with a toasted bun. Consider using this Brioche Bun Recipe or Potato Buns for your sandwich. The best way to toast them is under the broiler or on the bagel setting of your toaster, which only toasts the cut side. Next, consider adding a slice of your favorite cheese, such as cheddar, Gouda, provolone, or Muenster, to the sandwich. Add it directly on top of the hot meat so it starts to melt. After all, you can never have enough cheesy gooeyness!
Another great way to elevate the flavor of this dish is with a topping of French-Fried Onions or Gluten-Free Fried Onions. Finally, top your sloppy joe with some Pickled Cabbage, Pickled Shallots, Pickled Cucumbers, or Vinegar Coleslaw for added crunch and the perfect savory balance.
How do I store leftovers?
Allow Crock-Pot sloppy joes to cool slightly before storing, but don’t leave them at room temp for longer than 2 hours. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also store the cooled, covered Crock-Pot in the refrigerator. Once they’ve chilled, you can freeze leftovers in freezer-safe containers or zippered bags for up to 3 months. Defrost frozen sloppy joes overnight in the refrigerator. The best way to reheat leftovers is on low heat in a covered pot. You can also microwave them, but that can get a bit messy. If your meat mixture becomes too thick during storage, add a small amount of water when reheating to achieve the desired consistency.
Serving suggestions
Serve your Crock-Pot sloppy joes with a refreshing Peach Caprese Salad, Strawberry Salad, or crunchy Cauliflower Salad for summer vibes. Other delicious pairings include this Baked Beans Recipe, Mac And Cheese Cups, or Mashed Potato Fries. For fun finger-food veggies the kids will love, consider Sweet Potato Wedges, Air-Fryer Frozen Green Beans, or Zucchini Fries. Make this Mini Fruit Tart recipe for the perfect dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion diced
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 1/2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 6 hamburger buns
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef and cook until browned about 8-10 minutes. Then add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook until the vegetables soften and the beef is fully cooked, about another 5 minutes. Drain off any excess fat.
- Transfer the beef mixture to a slow cooker. Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, chili powder, brown sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours. Stir well before serving.
- Spoon the mixture onto hamburger buns and serve warm.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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