Crock Pot Sloppy Joes are the ultimate comfort food, combining savory ground beef, tangy tomato sauce, and just the right amount of sweetness. Cooking these Sloppy Joes in the slow cooker allows all the flavors to blend perfectly, creating a tender, juicy filling that’s great for sandwiches. The long, slow simmer of the meat in the crock pot ensures that every bite is packed with flavor, and the best part is that it’s so simple to prepare.

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This recipe calls for ground beef, onions, garlic, and a mixture of tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and apple cider vinegar to create that perfect balance of tangy and sweet. A touch of brown sugar brings a hint of sweetness, while the option of adding hot sauce lets you control the spice level. The slow cooking process allows these ingredients to meld together, making for an incredibly flavorful filling that’s perfect on toasted hamburger buns.

A key advantage of using the slow cooker is that it allows the meat and sauce to slowly meld and develop deep, rich flavors without needing constant attention. While the mixture simmers, the beef becomes more tender, and the sauce thickens naturally. This hands-off cooking method is ideal for busy days when you want to get dinner ready without much effort. Just throw everything into the crock pot in the morning, and by dinnertime, you’ll have a hearty meal ready to serve. It’s also a great option for feeding a crowd, as the slow cooker can easily keep the filling warm until it's time to eat.

What makes this dish so great is its versatility. You can easily tweak the ingredients to your liking, whether you want to add more spice, sweetness, or tang. It’s a fantastic meal for busy weeknights, as you can throw all the ingredients into the crock pot and let it do all the work. Plus, the leftovers are just as good, if not better, the next day, making it an excellent option for meal prep.

Sloppy Joes are a nostalgic dish for many, evoking memories of childhood dinners or summer cookouts. This slow cooker version brings those memories back with a modern, convenient twist. Serve them up with a side of coleslaw or chips, and you’ve got a classic meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 4 Servings):

• • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Protein: 18g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fat: 15g
  • Sodium: 700mg
  • Sugars: 12g

Storage Information:

Leftover Crock Pot Sloppy Joes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the filling in the microwave or on the stovetop. This mixture can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Fun Fact:

The origin of the Sloppy Joe is often traced back to a chef named Joe in Sioux City, Iowa, who added tomato sauce to loose meat sandwiches, creating what we now know as the classic Sloppy Joe. Over time, the dish became a staple in American households and cafeterias.

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Crock Pot Sloppy Joes Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 lb. ground beef, 85% lean
• ½ yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons yellow mustard
• 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 teaspoons hot sauce (optional)
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For Serving:

• 4 hamburger buns, toasted

Instructions:

1. Cook the beef and onions

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart as it browns. After about 5 minutes, add the diced onions and cook until they become soft and translucent, about 3 more minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

2. Transfer to crock pot

Drain any excess fat from the beef mixture and transfer it to the crock pot. Add the tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, hot sauce (if using), kosher salt, and black pepper.

3. Slow cook

Stir everything together until well combined. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken.

4. Serve

Once the cooking time is complete, taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Spoon the Sloppy Joe mixture onto the toasted hamburger buns and serve immediately.

These Crock Pot Sloppy Joes are perfect for a cozy family dinner or casual get-together. With their rich, tangy flavor and tender texture, they’re a classic dish that’s both satisfying and simple to make. Enjoy!