Why You’ll Love this Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes Recipe
If you’re looking for a hearty meal that’s as easy to make as it’s delicious, you’ll love this Slow Cooker Sloppy Joe recipe.
I can’t get enough of how effortlessly it comes together, with minimal prep time. Just toss in the ingredients, set your slow cooker, and let it work its magic.
The rich flavors mingle beautifully, creating a comforting dish that satisfies everyone at the table. Plus, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers.
I appreciate that it’s not only tasty but also versatile; you can serve it on toasted buns or even over rice.
Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a go-to favorite in your meal rotation. You won’t be disappointed!
Ingredients of Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes
When it comes to whipping up a delicious meal that everyone will love, this Slow Cooker Sloppy Joe recipe is a total winner. The ingredients come together to create a savory, mouthwatering mixture that’s perfect for piling onto toasted buns.
And the best part? You probably already have most of these ingredients in your kitchen. Nothing beats that feeling of plunging into a recipe and realizing you won’t have to make an extra trip to the grocery store.
So, let’s delve into what you’ll need to create this tasty dish.
Ingredients:
- 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 that we’ve got our list of ingredients, let’s talk about a few things to keep in mind. For instance, if you’re not a fan of pork sausage (or if you just happen to have a vegetarian in the house), you can easily swap in ground turkey or even a meat substitute.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding in some spices or even a dash of hot sauce for a kick. The beauty of Sloppy Joes lies in their flexibility; you can truly make it your own.
Just remember, cooking should be fun, and a little experimentation never hurt anyone. So, gather your ingredients, and prepare for a flavor explosion that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
How to Make Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes
Alright, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of making those delicious Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes. Trust me, it’s as easy as pie—or should I say, as easy as a Sloppy Joe?
First, you want to grab that 1 1/2 lbs of lean ground beef and the 16-ounce package of pork sausage. In a large Dutch oven, brown both meats over medium-high heat. You’ll want to do this for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until everything is nicely crumbled and no longer pink. While you’re at it, toss in that chopped small onion and 1/2 medium green bell pepper. They’ll add some great flavor and color to the mix. Just keep an eye on it—you don’t want to burn dinner, right?
Once the meat is cooked and the veggies are soft, drain the excess grease. It might seem like a pain, but trust me, nobody wants greasy Sloppy Joes.
Now, let’s move the party to the slow cooker. Transfer that glorious beef and sausage mixture into your 4 1/2-quart slow cooker. This is where the magic happens.
Add in the 8-ounce can of tomato sauce, 1/2 cup water, and 1/2 cup ketchup—because, let’s be real, a Sloppy Joe isn’t complete without it. Then, pour in 1/4 cup of firmly packed brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of cider vinegar, and 2 tablespoons of yellow mustard.
Sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of chili powder, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt for that extra zing. Finally, don’t forget that 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour, which will help thicken everything up nicely.
Give it all a good stir, cover it up, and set your slow cooker to HIGH for 4 hours. It may seem like a long wait, but the aroma wafting through your home will be worth every minute. Just imagine the anticipation as you think about those toasted hamburger buns waiting to be filled with this savory goodness.
When the timer goes off, it’s time to dig in. Serve that Sloppy Joe mixture on those toasted buns, and get ready for the compliments to roll in.
You might even want to double the recipe because leftovers freeze so well. Just let the mixture cool completely, pop it into zip-top plastic freezer bags, and lay them flat in the freezer. You’ll have a quick meal ready to go for those busy nights when cooking feels like a chore.
Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes Substitutions & Variations
While the classic Slow Cooker Sloppy Joe recipe is already a crowd-pleaser, there’s always room to mix things up with some fun substitutions and variations.
If you’re looking to lighten things up, try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and sausage. Want a bit of heat? Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce.
For a vegetarian twist, substitute the meat with lentils or mushrooms. You can also experiment with different sauces—BBQ sauce or even sriracha can add a unique flavor.
Don’t forget to switch up the buns; try slider rolls or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb option. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and find your perfect Sloppy Joe spin!
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes
Sloppy Joes are a hearty meal that pairs well with a variety of sides, making them perfect for a casual dinner or game day gathering.
I love serving them with crispy potato chips or classic coleslaw for that satisfying crunch. If I’m feeling a bit more adventurous, I whip up some sweet potato fries; they add a delicious twist.
You can’t go wrong with a fresh garden salad either, as it balances out the richness of the Sloppy Joes.
For a more indulgent option, I sometimes make cheesy garlic bread, which is always a hit.
No matter what I choose, these sides complement the flavors and make for a memorable meal everyone will enjoy!
Additional Tips & Notes
When serving up those delicious Sloppy Joes, keeping a few tips in mind can enhance your overall experience.
First, don’t skip toasting the hamburger buns; it adds a nice crunch that holds up better against the filling. If you’re looking for a little kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne or some diced jalapeños to the mix.
For a touch of sweetness, you can increase the brown sugar slightly or add a splash of maple syrup.
Leftovers? They freeze beautifully! Just let the mixture cool completely before storing it in zip-top bags. When thawing, I recommend doing it overnight in the fridge for the best texture.
Enjoy your Sloppy Joe night; I know I will!