Why You’ll Love this Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes Recipe
When you take a bite of these Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes, you’ll understand why they’re a family favorite. The rich, tangy sauce perfectly blends with the tender meat, creating a mouthwatering experience that keeps everyone coming back for more.
I love how easy they’re to make; just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work! Plus, the aroma wafting through the house is simply irresistible.
They’re perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, satisfying even the pickiest eaters. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become a go-to meal in your home!
Ingredients of Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes
When it comes to making Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes, the ingredients are key to achieving that delicious flavor profile we all love. You’ll need a mix of meats, sauces, and seasonings that come together to create a mouthwatering filling for your hamburger buns. Don’t worry; you won’t need to hunt down any fancy ingredients. Most of these can be found right in your kitchen or at your local grocery store.
So, let’s plunge into what you’ll need to whip up this ultimate comfort food dish.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes:
- 1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef
- 1 (16 ounce) package pork sausage
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1/2 medium green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 8 hamburger buns, toasted
Now, let’s talk about some fun considerations regarding these ingredients. If you’re not a fan of pork, you can totally substitute the pork sausage with more ground beef or even turkey for a leaner option.
And don’t you dare think about skipping the brown sugar; it’s the secret ingredient that balances out the tanginess of the vinegar and ketchup. As for the vegetables, feel free to sneak in some finely chopped celery or even a dash of garlic if that’s your jam.
You can mix and match to suit your taste, but let’s be real—there’s something magical about this combination that just works.
And remember, toasting your buns isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a game-changer, adding that extra layer of texture that makes each bite a delight.
How to Make Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes
Making Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes is as easy as pie, or should I say, as easy as a deliciously messy sandwich. First things first, grab your 1 1/2 lbs of lean ground beef and a 16-ounce package of pork sausage. In a large Dutch oven (or any large pan you have—let’s keep it real), brown those meats over medium-high heat. It’s going to take about 10 minutes; just keep stirring until everything crumbles nicely and turns a lovely shade of brown. The smell? Oh, it’s heavenly.
While you’re at it, toss in one chopped small onion and half a medium green bell pepper. Honestly, who knew such simple ingredients could smell so good together? Once the meat is no longer pink and the veggies are slightly softened, drain the mixture well. We want all that extra grease to go!
Now, here comes the fun part. Transfer that glorious beef and sausage mixture into a 4 1/2-quart slow cooker—your new best friend for this recipe. Next, let’s add flavor! Stir in an 8-ounce can of tomato sauce, half a cup of water, and half a cup of ketchup. Yep, that’s right, we’re going full-on comfort food here.
Then sprinkle in a quarter cup of firmly packed brown sugar, two tablespoons of cider vinegar, and two tablespoons of yellow mustard. Don’t forget about the one tablespoon of chili powder and Worcestershire sauce, plus half a teaspoon of salt to tie it all together. If you’re feeling adventurous, a dash more chili powder wouldn’t hurt.
Now, mix it all up like you’re giving it a good hug, cover that slow cooker, and let it work its magic on HIGH for four hours.
After four hours, your kitchen will be filled with a scent that makes you want to dive right in. It’s time to serve these Sloppy Joes on toasted hamburger buns. Seriously, don’t skip the toasting; it adds that extra crunch that makes each bite sing.
And hey, if you have any leftovers—though I doubt you will—just let the mixture cool completely, pop it in a zip-top bag, and freeze it for up to a month. Voilà, you’ve just made a meal that will have everyone begging for seconds, or at least that’s what I tell myself every time I make it.
Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes Substitutions & Variations
After enjoying the deliciousness of those Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes, you might find yourself wanting to mix things up a bit.
You can easily swap the ground beef for turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you’re in the mood for something spicier, add jalapeños or cayenne pepper.
For a vegetarian twist, try lentils or black beans instead of meat. You can even switch up the sauce by using barbecue sauce or adding some hot sauce for a kick.
Experimenting with different toppings like cheese or pickles can also change the game—get creative and enjoy!
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes
While Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes are delicious on their own, pairing them with the right sides can elevate your meal.
I love serving them with crispy coleslaw; the crunch complements the soft buns perfectly. Baked sweet potato fries are another favorite—sweet and savory, they add a nice contrast.
You can’t go wrong with a classic potato salad either; it’s creamy and filling. If you’re in the mood for something lighter, a simple garden salad drizzled with vinaigrette balances the richness of the Joes.
Whatever you choose, these sides will enhance your Sloppy Joe experience!
Additional Tips & Notes
To make the most of your Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes, keep a few key tips in mind. First, don’t skip the browning step; it adds depth of flavor.
If you like a bit of heat, consider adding some chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the mix. For a healthier twist, swap ground beef for turkey or a plant-based alternative.
Feel free to customize the spices according to your taste. Finally, if you have leftovers, they freeze beautifully—just let them cool, then store in zip-top bags.
Thaw overnight for a quick meal later. Enjoy your delicious creation!