Sweet, tangy, and savory flavors sandwiched between a bun make these easy crockpot sloppy joes an absolute staple!
Why this recipe works
Crockpot sloppy joes are seriously simple to make. We’ll brown the ground beef and veggies quickly before tossing everything in the slow cooker to work its magic. That’s all there is to it. I typically opt for slow cooker sloppy joes when we’re hosting because you can easily double the recipe without having to add too much extra work. That’s my kind of meal.
This crockpot version comes from our classic sloppy joe recipe made in a skillet. You can also make instant pot sloppy joe if that’s your preferred cooking device!
Ingredients you will need
Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.
Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions
GROUND BEEF – We prefer to use 85% lean ground beef, but feel free to use what you like best. You can easily substitute the ground beef for ground turkey for a leaner alternative.
SAUCE – Our sauce is made from brown sugar, mustard, and ketchup. If you like your sloppy joes with a bit of a kick you can always add a dash or two of hot sauce, a can of green chiles, or diced jalapenos to the mixture. As mentioned below, we also add Worcestershire sauce, but this is optional for additional flavor and you’re welcome to omit it if preferred.
How to Make Crockpot Sloppy Joes
These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.
- Brown ground beef in a skillet with onion and green pepper. Drain off excess fat.
- Place ground beef in the crockpot. Add garlic powder, yellow mustard, ketchup, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together.
TIP – Some people like to use Worcestershire sauce for added flavor. It does add more sodium so we made it optional in this recipe. If you would like to use it, add a few shakes to the ground beef mixture.
- Cover crockpot and cook on low for 4 hours.
- Serve on sandwich buns.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips
Store cooled leftovers in an air-tight container kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat the sloppy joe mixture on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to help moisten if needed.
Yes, leftover sloppy joe mixture can be frozen for 3-4 months. Allow the mixture to fully cool before transferring it to an air-tight container or freezer bag. Thaw in the refrigerator.
If desired, you can brown the beef, onion, and green pepper ahead of time then allow it to cool before transferring it to a container. Store in the refrigerator a day in advance (or freeze for later). Then simply pop it into the crockpot along with the other ingredients and cook as normal.
Serving Suggestions
There ya have it, the best crockpot sloppy joes we’ve ever sunk our teeth into. Serve them with french fries, sweet potato fries, potato chips, tater tots, or potluck sides such as coleslaw, potato salad, or pasta salad. Don’t forget the pickle on the side!
More Sloppy Joe Recipes
- Sloppy Joe – in a skillet!
- Bacon Sloppy Joes
- Instant Pot Sloppy Joes
- Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole
- One Pot Sloppy Joe Pasta
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Crockpot Sloppy Joes
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
Print It Pin It Rate ItIngredients
- 2 pounds ground beef we used 85/15
- ½ cup chopped onion
- ½ cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons yellow mustard
- 1 ½ cups ketchup
- 2 Tablespoons brown sugar
- salt and pepper to taste
- 4-5 shakes Worcestershire sauce optional
- 8 sandwich buns
Things You’ll Need
Before You Begin
- We prefer to use 85% lean ground beef, but feel free to use what you like best. You can easily substitute the ground beef for ground turkey for a leaner alternative.
- If you like your sloppy joes with a bit of a kick you can always add a dash or two of hot sauce, a can of green chiles, or diced jalapenos to the mixture.
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a skillet with onion and green pepper. Drain off excess fat.2 pounds ground beef, 1/2 cup chopped onion, 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
- Place ground beef mixture in the crockpot. Add garlic powder, yellow mustard, ketchup, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together.TIP – Some people like to use Worcestershire sauce for added flavor. It does add more sodium so we made it optional in this recipe. If you would like to use it, add a few shakes to the ground beef mixture.1 teaspoon garlic powder, 2 teaspoons yellow mustard, 1 1/2 cups ketchup, 2 Tablespoons brown sugar, salt and pepper, 4-5 shakes Worcestershire sauce
- Cover crockpot and cook on low for 4 hours.
- Serve on sandwich buns.8 sandwich buns
Expert Tips & FAQs
- Storage – Store cooled leftovers in an air-tight container kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat the sloppy joe mixture on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to help moisten if needed.
- Freezing – leftover sloppy joe mixture can be frozen for 3-4 months. Allow the mixture to fully cool before transferring it to an air-tight container or freezer bag. Thaw in the refrigerator.
- Make Ahead – you can brown the beef, onion, and green pepper ahead of time then allow it to cool before transferring it to a container. Store in the refrigerator a day in advance (or freeze for later). Then simply pop it into the crockpot along with the other ingredients and cook as normal.
Nutrition
Amanda Davis
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denise says
this is almost same recipe my mom made w/exception of apple cider vinegar instead of worcestershire……Never knew amount of ingr. b/c she always cooked from taste……will have to try since i have measurements to go by…..
Tim says
Easy to make and family enjoyed them.