Ben Kenwood December 19, 2025

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Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes

Name: Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 teaspoons vegetable oil; 1 1/2 pounds ground beef; 16 ounces tomato sauce; 1/2 cup ketchup; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon prepared mustard; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and pepper (to taste); 6 hamburger buns; 6 slices yellow cheese

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There is something comfortingly cozy about a kitchen that smells like slow cooked tomatoes, caramelized onions, and simmered beef, especially on a rainy evening or a busy weeknight. Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes soak up all those deep, savory aromas, and when you pull the lid back the steam rises in a soft cloud, the sauce glistens, and the kitchen feels like home. Serve these on toasted buns for a hands-on family dinner, or pack them for a casual gathering where everyone can customize their sandwich.

Why This Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes Works

Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes bring together bold, classic flavors with a hands-off approach, which is why they are a weeknight favorite. The slow cooker softens the tomato sauce into a rich, slightly sweet base, while the ground beef releases juices that mingle with brown sugar, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce for a familiar tang and depth.

The long, gentle cooking time lets the spices mellow and the textures blend, leaving tender, saucy meat that clings to a soft bun. This method frees you from stirring on the stove, so you can set it and come back to a cozy meal, which is perfect for busy afternoons and dinner parties where you would rather be talking with guests than hovering over a pan.

A few quick reasons to love this approach

Deep, developed flavor with minimal effort
Texture that is saucy but still meaty
Easy to scale for a crowd
Great for make ahead meals and leftover sandwiches

If you enjoy other slow cooker comfort classics, try this slow cooker chicken pot pie for a different weeknight option, it pairs well when you want more variety in a cool season menu, Chicken Pot Pie in the Slow Cooker.

What You’ll Need

These ingredients play clear roles: the oil helps brown the meat, tomato sauce and ketchup form the saucy base, brown sugar balances acidity, and the spices round everything out. If you want a lighter swap, use ground turkey or ground chicken in place of beef, and you can add turkey bacon for a smoky accent.

2 teaspoons vegetable oil
1 1/2 pounds ground beef
16 ounces tomato sauce
1/2 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon prepared mustard
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper (to taste)
6 hamburger buns
6 slices yellow cheese

Notes, briefly: use a medium-fat ground beef for the best mouthfeel, or swap in ground turkey for a lean option. Smoked paprika adds a subtle smokiness without any actual bacon, though you can top with crumbled cooked turkey bacon if you want that extra touch.

How to Cook Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes

Heat the oil in a large pan over medium-high heat, watching for it to shimmer and ripple, which means it is ready to brown the meat.
Next, place the ground beef in the pan and season it with salt and pepper to taste, then cook for 6 to 8 minutes, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon until it is nicely browned and you see little browned bits on the bottom of the pan. The aroma of caramelized meat should be rich and inviting.
Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker with the rest of the ingredients, scraping the pan to pull in all the browned bits, then stir to combine into a glossy, evenly sauced mixture. The sauce should coat the meat and look thick already.
Cook on HIGH for 3 hours or LOW for 6 hours, leave the lid on and let the flavors meld, you will notice the sauce thicken and the meat become fork tender as it simmers slowly. If the sauce looks too thin near the end, remove the lid and let it cook for an extra 15 to 30 minutes on HIGH to reduce.
Spoon the meat onto the hamburger buns, add a slice of cheese so it melts over the hot meat, then serve while the steam lifts and the bun soaks up some of the sauce.

For a more indulgent presentation, serve these with garlic buttered bread or try a twist with toasted garlic buns, inspired by a fun riff on the classic, Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes. The warm, melty cheese and soft bun should give a satisfying, comforting bite.

Prep ~ 15 minutes, Cook ~ 3 hours on HIGH or 6 hours on LOW, Total ~ 3 hours 15 minutes or 6 hours 15 minutes, Servings ~ 6, Kcal ~ 570 per serving

Make-Ahead and Prep Tips

You can do a lot of prep work ahead to make dinner effortless. Brown the ground beef and cool it, then mix it with the sauce ingredients and store the mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, pour into the slow cooker and heat on LOW for 2 to 3 hours, or until warmed through and bubbling.

For freezer prep, assemble the browned meat and sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze flat for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before transferring to the slow cooker, or reheat gently on the stove then finish in the slow cooker to develop the flavor. Toast or lightly grill the buns just before serving, that crisp surface helps them stand up to the saucy filling.

If you like to prep toppings, chop onions, pickle cucumbers, or slice extra cheese ahead. Store toppings separately in small containers so everything tastes fresh when assembled.

Storing and Reheating

Refrigerate leftover Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes in an airtight container within two hours of cooking, and they will keep for 3 to 4 days. For freezer storage, portion into meal-sized containers and freeze for up to 3 months, label with the date for best freshness.

To reheat from the fridge, warm gently on the stove over medium-low heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce, stirring occasionally until hot. Reheating from frozen works best if thawed overnight, then heated the same way. Alternatively, microwave single servings in short intervals, stirring in between to maintain even warmth. Freshness cue, check for bright color and a lively aroma; if the sauce smells dull or sour, discard.

When reheating frozen portions directly in a slow cooker, set to LOW until fully thawed and warm, then switch to HIGH briefly to thicken if needed.

Perfect Pairings

Here are simple, satisfying sides and drinks that go beautifully with Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes

Crisp coleslaw to cut through the richness
Oven fries or sweet potato wedges for a homey side
Pickle spears or quick pickled red onions for a bright contrast
A simple green salad with vinaigrette for balance

Variations and Swaps

Ground beef is classic, but there are plenty of ways to adapt Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes to different tastes and dietary needs.

Ground turkey or ground chicken, lean and gentle, offers a lighter sandwich while keeping the same flavors, add a bit more seasoning if you find the taste too mild.
Turkey bacon topping gives you the smoky note without pork, crumble cooked slices on top for a crunchy accent.
Vegetarian lentil sloppy joes, swap the meat for cooked brown lentils and reduce cooking liquid slightly, the texture becomes hearty and the lentils absorb the sauce.
Spicy version, add a tablespoon of sriracha or a small diced jalapeno early on, taste as it simmers and adjust the heat to your comfort.
Smoky barbecue, mix half tomato sauce and half of your favorite barbecue sauce for a deeper, smoke-forward profile without adding pork.
Cheesy skillet finish, after slow cooking, scoop into a cast iron skillet, top with extra cheese and place under the broiler for a minute to get bubbling, watch closely so it does not burn.
Mini sliders, spoon into smaller rolls for party-friendly sliders and garnish with pickles or quick slaw for finger food.

None of these variations require pork or alcohol, and you can always swap in turkey bacon where a smoky crunch feels right.

Pro Tips for Best Results

Brown the meat well, the caramelized bits add a huge amount of flavor when deglazed into the sauce.
Keep the lid on for the majority of cooking, lifting it only near the end to reduce the sauce if needed.
Taste and adjust the seasoning after cooking, a pinch of salt or a splash more Worcestershire can sharpen the flavor.
If the sauce becomes too runny, finish uncovered on HIGH for 15 to 30 minutes to thicken naturally.
Use a slotted spoon to serve if you want a less saucy sandwich, or spoon sauce onto the bun if you prefer it juicier.
If using lean ground turkey, add a teaspoon of olive oil or a splash of beef broth while browning to preserve juiciness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey works very well and makes the sandwich lighter. You may need to add a touch more seasoning since turkey can be blander, and watch for dryness while browning, add a small splash of oil if needed.
How do I keep the buns from getting soggy?
Toast or lightly grill the buns before assembling to create a barrier that resists moisture. You can also place a thin layer of melted butter or mayonnaise on the bun interior to protect the bread.
Can I make this on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker?
Absolutely, simmer the sauce with the browned meat for 20 to 30 minutes over low heat until it thickens and the flavors meld. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and adjust the seasoning near the end.
What is the best way to reduce the sauce if it is too thin?
Remove the lid for the last 15 to 30 minutes and cook on HIGH to let excess liquid evaporate, stir occasionally to prevent burning. Alternatively, transfer to a skillet and simmer on medium heat until the desired thickness is reached.
Are Sloppy Joes freezer friendly?
Yes, they freeze well. Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove or in the slow cooker.
How do I make this less sweet without losing balance?
Cut the brown sugar in half and add a splash more Worcestershire sauce or a teaspoon of lemon juice to maintain brightness. Taste and adjust slowly so you do not overcorrect.
Can I add vegetables to the recipe?
Yes, finely diced bell peppers, shredded carrots, or small mushrooms can be browned with the meat for extra texture and nutrition. Keep the pieces small so they meld into the sauce.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes are one of those recipes that feel like a warm hug, they are forgiving, adaptable, and perfect for feeding a family or a crowd. The slow cooker deepens flavors while freeing you from last minute kitchen work, so you can focus on setting the table or enjoying company. Give this one a try on a breezy evening, invite a few friends, and settle in with the satisfying, saucy goodness of a classic reimagined for easy weeknight cooking.

Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes

Author: anastasia-rice
Total Time: 195 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: None

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Description

Classic Sloppy Joes made effortlessly in a slow cooker for a comforting meal.

Instructions

Heat the oil in a large pan over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Place the ground beef in the pan, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until browned.
Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker, scraping in any browned bits, and stir in the remaining ingredients.
Cook on HIGH for 3 hours or LOW for 6 hours, keeping the lid on for most of the time.
If the sauce is too thin towards the end, remove the lid and cook on HIGH for an additional 15 to 30 minutes.
Spoon the meat onto the hamburger buns, add a slice of cheese, and serve hot.