Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes Recipe

Skip the canned sloppy joe mix and make homemade slow cooker sloppy joes for dinner tonight.

This is a classic sloppy joe recipe that is savory with a hint of sweetness.

Pile on buns and serve with some coleslaw, salty chips, or your favorite fixings. 

If you are looking for even more kid-friendly and family-approved recipes, check out these. Crunchwrap Supremes, baked beef enchiladas, or even try these pepperoni grilled cheese sandwiches. 

Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes

This dish is so easy to throw together and then let it cook while you relax or tackle some work!

Then come back home and have a super simple dinner to pair with buns and a few sides. 

GATHER THESE INGREDIENTS NEEDED TO MAKE SLOPPY JOES

• Ground Beef
• Ketchup 
• Brown Sugar
• Mustard 
• Salt
• Pepper
• Hamburger Buns

Then scroll down for full Sloppy Joe Recipe Measurements and instructions on creating this recipe – including a full recipe card that you can print for free that helps you shop and create easily in your kitchen!

Substitutions for Ground Beef 

If you are not wanting to make this dish with ground beef go ahead and reach for turkey, chicken, or even pork.

Any ground meat is a great substitution for the hamburger in the mix.

We just eat a lot of beef in the house so having it a classic ground beef sloppy joe is delicious. 

How to Make Sloppy Joes

Place browned ground beef, ketchup, mustard, brown sugar, salt & pepper in the crockpot.

Mix well and cook on low for 2-3 hours.

Serve on hamburger buns and enjoy.

Why Do You Simmer Sloppy Joes 

I find that the longer your sloppy joes cook, the more flavor you will end up with.

You could even do a low heat for 4-5 hours if you want to stretch it a bit.

The biggest thing is making sure your slow cooker doesn’t overheat and burn the edges. If you can stir your mixture on occasion. 

If you have ever made sloppy joes on the stove you will find they somewhat lack in flavor.

But slow cooking gives all the ingredients time to blend and infuse better. 

What Should I Serve With Sloppy Joes 

Not sure what you want to pair with your sloppy joes?

Here are some ideas you can consider when you go to ringing that dinner bell.

Depending on what we have on hand will depend on what gets served next to the sloppy joes. 

• Coleslaw
• Macaroni Salad 
• Salty Chips 
• Pickles 
• Veggies and Dip 
• French Fries 
• Etc

Can I Add Vegetables Into My Slow Cooker Sloppy Joe Mixture 

Some sloppy joe recipes do have onions and red peppers in it.

If you like to have some veggies added into your mix go for it.

Just make sure to chop the vegetables nice and small so they don’t overpower the rest of the dish. 

Also, you can lessen the amount of brown sugar if you want it to have more savory flavor than savory and sweet. 

Can I Make This Recipe On The Stovetop 

Go right ahead and make this crockpot sloppy joe recipe on the stovetop.

Cook up your ground beef as you normally would. Drain off any excess grease, and then add in your ingredients.

Once well mixed you can lower the temperature to low and let it simmer for 30 minutes.

Make sure to occasionally stir to prevent any burning. 

Storing Leftovers 

Store your leftover meat in the fridge in an aright container for around three days.

Always use your best judgment in terms of the quality of the food.

Then you can reheat quickly in the microwave or reheat it on the stove. 

You are also welcome to freeze any leftover sloppy joe mixture.

Just store in a proper freezer container or sealable bag, and freeze for up to three months.

Then thaw in the fridge overnight. 

Then you can reheat in on the stove or toss in the slow cooker for a slow reheat.