Description
This Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes recipe offers a hearty and easy-to-make meal perfect for busy days. Ground beef is browned on the stovetop, then simmered in a flavorful blend of tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and spices in a slow cooker until tender and saucy. Served on hamburger buns with melted cheese, this classic American comfort food is delicious and convenient.
Ingredients
Meat and Sauce
- 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 16 ounces tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon prepared mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Serving
- 6 hamburger buns
- 6 slices yellow cheese
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat to prepare for browning the beef.
- Brown the beef: Add the ground beef to the pan, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 6-8 minutes while breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon until it is fully browned.
- Add to the slow cooker: Transfer the browned beef into the slow cooker and add tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, prepared mustard, smoked paprika, and additional salt and pepper as desired. Stir everything well to combine.
- Cook: Cover and cook on HIGH for 3 hours or LOW for 6 hours to allow flavors to meld and the mixture to thicken.
- Serve: Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto hamburger buns, add a slice of yellow cheese to each, and serve warm for a classic, comforting meal.
Notes
- You can adjust the sweetness by varying the brown sugar amount.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the mixture.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free buns.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Cheese slices can be omitted or replaced with your favorite type of cheese.
