Name: Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes
Yield: 6

slow cooker Sloppy Joes are saucy, tender, and piled high on brioche buns for the ultimate BBQ or game day bite.

Author’s note

My Solution To Busy Weeknight Dinners!

It’s no secret I’m obsessed with Sloppy Joes. Who doesn’t love these messy, saucy, slightly sweet sandwiches?! My kids would eat them for every meal if I let them!

I’ve already shared a quick stovetop version and a turkey sloppy joesrecipe, but today I’m showing how I make them in the slow cooker for those busy weeknights.

You might wonder: If you have to brown the beef and sauté the veggies, why use the slow cooker?

Here’s why:

Better flavor: Browning the beef and veggies first gives them an even richer flavor.
Prep ahead: Toss everything in before you head out, and dinner’s ready when you get back.
Feeds a crowd: The slow cooker keeps it warm and makes serving straightforward. You can double or triple the recipe!

Process shots--sautéing the veggies; adding the ground beef; browning and crumbling the meat.

slow cooker Sloppy Joe Ingredients

Ingredient	Notes
Ground beef	Lean ground beef works best. I have a ground turkey sloppy joe recipe as well.
Onion, pepper & carrot	Finely dice so they blend into the sauce.
Garlic	Fresh garlic gives the best flavor.
Crushed tomatoes & tomato paste	Creates a rich, thick sauce base.
Ketchup & brown sugar	Taste before adding sugar since some brands are sweeter. Adjust the brown sugar to taste.
Worcestershire sauce & mustard	Adds depth and balances the sweetness.
Garlic powder, onion powder & beef bouillon	Boosts the savory flavor and makes the filling taste richer.
Buns	Brioche or any sturdy hamburger buns work well. Toast them for the best texture.

Process shots--adding beef mixture to the slow cooker; adding remaining ingredients; mixing all together; cooking until ready.

the cook’s recipe tips

My Top Tips For Success

Chop fast: Use a food processor to dice onion, carrot, and pepper quickly. Don’t over-pulse or they’ll turn mushy.
Avoid soggy buns: Spoon the from-scratch sloppy joe filling onto the bun just before serving.
Season well: Once the meat is browned and cooked in the sauce, check the seasoning and adjust salt until the flavors pop.