Classic Crock Pot Sloppy Joes

By
Diana Rattray
Diana Rattray
Diana Rattray
Southern-cuisine expert and cookbook author Diana Rattray has created more than 5,000 recipes and articles in her 20 years as a food writer.
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Updated on 10/2/19
Sloppy Joe sandwich
Diana Rattray
Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 6 hrs
Total: 6 hrs 15 mins
Servings: 6 to 8 servings
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
350 Calories
13g Fat
23g Carbs
34g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6 to 8
Amount per serving
Calories 350
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 13g 17%
Saturated Fat 5g 26%
Cholesterol 101mg 34%
Sodium 497mg 22%
Total Carbohydrate 23g 8%
Dietary Fiber 1g 5%
Protein 34g
Calcium 74mg 6%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

The sloppy joe is a classic American sandwich filled with seasoned ground beef mixed with tomato sauce or ketchup. The origin is unknown, but recipes date back to the 1940s. The name probably refers to the messy appearance rather than a person named Joe.

These classic crock pot sloppy joes are made with lean ground beef, garlic and onion, peppers, and seasonings. The slow cooker is not only a good way to simmer the sandwich filling, but it's also perfect for parties or tailgating. The cooker can be kept on low or warm for serving. Have hamburger buns, napkins, and utensils available for guests. 

The recipe is easily scaled up for a big party or family gathering.

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds lean ground beef
  • 1 medium onion (chopped)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/2 bell pepper (seeded and chopped)
  • 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons prepared mustard
  • 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder

Steps to Make It

  1. In a heavy skillet, brown ground beef with onion and garlic. Drain off excess fat.

  2. Combine ketchup, bell pepper, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, vinegar, and chili powder in the slow cooker.

  3. Stir in ​the ground beef mixture. Cover and cook on low setting for 5 to 7 hours.

  4. Serve spooned over hamburger buns or sandwich rolls with a side salad or French fries.

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