Description
These Crockpot Sloppy Joes are a perfect blend of savory ground beef, zesty tomato sauce, and spices. With minimal prep, they make a satisfying meal for busy evenings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 small onion finely diced
- 1 green bell pepper finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 ½ cups ketchup
- 8 ounce can tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Burger buns
- Pickles
- Shredded cheddar
- Coleslaw
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet or slow cooker on medium-high heat, breaking it up until fully cooked. Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Add the diced onion and green bell pepper to the meat, cooking for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Transfer the beef mixture to the slow cooker.
- In the slow cooker, combine ketchup, tomato sauce, tomato paste, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix until well combined.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until thick and rich.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, vinegar, or brown sugar as needed. If it's too loose, cook uncovered on high for 15-20 minutes to thicken.
- Serve the mixture on toasted buns with your choice of toppings.
Notes
Feel free to substitute ground turkey for a leaner option.
You can add more spices for an extra kick if desired.
Serve with pickles and coleslaw for a classic touch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sloppy joe
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg