Crockpot Sloppy Joes
Enjoy Crockpot Sloppy Joes, a classic kid favorite with tangy-sweet ground beef simmered in a rich homemade sauce until saucy and tender. This effortless slow-cooker meal piles perfectly on soft buns for messy, delicious fun everyone loves.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crockpot Sloppy Joes are the ultimate kid-friendly dinner—juicy, flavorful ground beef in a sweet-tangy sauce that’s not too spicy, all made hands-free in the slow cooker. It’s incredibly easy, uses pantry staples, and turns out perfectly saucy every time. Picky eaters adore the familiar taste, while parents love the minimal prep and easy cleanup. Customizable for adults with extra heat, it’s perfect for busy weeknights, game days, or potlucks. One batch feeds a crowd, and leftovers are even better the next day.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Brown Beef First → Adds depth and prevents greasiness.
- Use Lean Beef → 85–90% lean keeps it light for kids.
- Sweeten Gradually → Taste sauce at end; add more sugar if needed.
- Reduce Sauce → Cook uncovered last 30 min for thicker filling.
- Toast Buns → Prevents sogginess and adds crunch.
- Double for Parties → Keeps warm beautifully for hours.
Crockpot Sloppy Joes
Sweet, tangy sloppy joes made effortlessly in the crockpot—ultimate kid classic.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup brown sugar (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 green bell pepper, finely diced (optional)
- 1 large onion, finely diced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1½ cups ketchup
- 2 lbs lean ground beef (85–90%)
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp yellow mustard
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Hamburger buns
- Optional toppings: cheese slices, pickles
Instructions
- Brown Beef → Cook ground beef in skillet until browned; drain excess fat.
- Sauté Veggies → Add onion, garlic, bell pepper; cook 5 minutes.
- Layer Crockpot → Transfer beef mixture to slow cooker.
- Make Sauce → Whisk ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire, mustard.
- Pour Sauce → Cover beef completely with sauce.
- Season → Add salt and pepper; stir gently.
- Slow Cook → Low 6 hours or high 3 hours.
- Stir Halfway → Gently stir at halfway point.
- Taste & Adjust → Add more sugar or vinegar if needed.
- Serve Messy → Pile on toasted buns, add cheese or pickles, and enjoy the fun!
Notes
- Browning beef adds incredible flavor—worth the extra pan.
- Use mild ingredients for picky eaters.
- Leftovers make great nachos or baked potatoes.
- Serve with carrot sticks or fruit for balanced kid meal.
Nutrition Information
Yield
10Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 309Total Fat 11gSaturated Fat 4gUnsaturated Fat 7gCholesterol 82mgSodium 694mgCarbohydrates 25gFiber 1gSugar 21gProtein 26g
The recipes and nutritional information on Crock Pot Meal are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.
Ingredients Notes
- Ground Beef → Lean (85–90%) for healthier; turkey for lighter.
- Ketchup → Base of sauce; no-sugar-added for healthier.
- Brown Sugar → Classic sweetness kids love; adjust to taste.
- Apple Cider Vinegar → Balances sweetness with tang.
- Worcestershire → Adds savory depth (use sparingly for kids).
- Mustard → Yellow for mild tang.
- Onion & Garlic → Finely diced; melt into sauce.
- Bell Pepper → Optional hidden veggie.
Variations and Substitutions
- Milder → Reduce vinegar and Worcestershire.
- Spicy (for adults) → Add hot sauce or red pepper flakes separately.
- Low-Sugar → Sugar-free ketchup + monk fruit.
- Turkey or Chicken → Leaner protein.
- Gluten-Free → GF buns and Worcestershire.
- Veggie → Add diced carrots or zucchini.
Storage Options
- Refrigerator → Airtight container up to 4 days.
- Freezer → Freeze in sauce up to 3 months.
- Reheating → Warm in microwave or stovetop with splash of water.
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