Description
This Crockpot Sloppy Joes recipe offers a hearty and flavorful twist on the classic American sandwich. Ground beef is first browned and combined with softened vegetables, then slow-cooked with a tangy, sweet, and savory sauce. The result is a rich, satisfying filling perfect for serving on soft Kaiser rolls, ideal for a comforting family meal or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Meat and Oil
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef (90/10)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (divided)
Vegetables
- 2 medium carrots, ¼-inch diced (about 1 cup)
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
- 1 small red bell pepper, ¼-inch diced (about 1½ cups)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 teaspoons)
Sauce and Seasonings
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
- ¾ cup low-sodium beef broth
For Serving
- 4 Kaiser rolls (or rolls of choice)
- Optional: Sliced cheddar cheese, pickles
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook undisturbed until browned on one side, approximately 4 minutes. Break the meat into small crumbles and continue cooking until no longer pink, about 3 more minutes. Sprinkle with ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, then transfer the browned beef to a 4-to 6-quart slow cooker.
- Soften the Vegetables: Using the now-empty skillet, add the diced carrots, chopped onion, red bell pepper, and another ¼ teaspoon kosher salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and chili powder, cooking until fragrant for about 1 minute. Transfer the softened vegetables to the slow cooker with the beef.
- Add Sauce Ingredients: Into the slow cooker, add the tomato paste, Dijon mustard, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, red wine vinegar, low-sodium beef broth, and the remaining ½ teaspoon kosher salt. Stir all ingredients thoroughly to combine well.
- Slow Cook the Mixture: Cover the slow cooker and cook the mixture on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours. The slow cooking allows the flavors to meld and the vegetables to become tender.
- Serve: Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto Kaiser rolls or your preferred bread. Optionally, top with sliced cheddar cheese and pickles for extra flavor and texture. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy your delicious, comforting sloppy joes.
Notes
- For a leaner version, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef.
- These sloppy joes can be made a day ahead; simply reheat gently in the slow cooker or on the stovetop.
- Customize the heat by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce during the cooking process.
- If preferred, use gluten-free rolls to make the dish gluten-free friendly.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and freeze beautifully for up to 3 months.
