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Crock Pot Sloppy Joe recipe on a kaiser roll
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Crock Pot Sloppy Joe Recipe

These Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes are my hands-off take on a family favorite, sautéed veggies, browned beef, and a tangy-sweet sauce that simmers low and slow until spoonable and saucy. Perfect for fall breakfasts, brunch sliders, or easy weeknights, this Crock Pot Sloppy Joe recipe reheats and freezes beautifully.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time3 hours
Total Time3 hours 20 minutes
Course: brunch, Dinner, lunch
Cuisine: American, Southern
Servings: 8
Author: Kellie
Cost: $12

Equipment

  • skillet 12 inch
  • slow cooker 6-7 quart
  • measuring cup
  • measuring spoon
  • wooden spoon

Ingredients

  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion finely chopped
  • 1/2 red bell pepper finely diced
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 2 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 2 pounds lean ground beef 80/20 or 90/10
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 15 ounce can tomato sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper or to taste
  • Soft hamburger buns for serving

Instructions

  • Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Cook onion and red bell pepper until softened and lightly golden, 8–12 minutes. Stir in garlic for 1 minute. Add chili powder and tomato paste; cook 1–2 minutes until the paste darkens.
  • Brown beef. Add ground beef; cook, breaking up, until no longer pink, 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
  • Load the slow cooker. Transfer the skillet mixture to a 4–6 qt slow cooker.
  • Make the sauce. Whisk Worcestershire, vinegar, mustard, brown sugar, tomato sauce, salt, and pepper. Pour over beef; stir to combine.
  • Cook on Low 4-5 hours (best texture/flavor), or High 2-3 hours 
until bubbly and the sauce has thickened.
  • If you want a thicker sauce, cook uncovered on high 20-30 min to reduce. (Optional: stir in 1 more tablespoon tomato paste at the end.)
  • Spoon onto warm buns and serve. Top with cheese, pickles and crushed red pepper, if desired.

Notes

  • Add Sweetness and tang: Adjust brown sugar and vinegar to taste.
  • Protein swap: Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles work, reduce cook time slightly for very lean options.
  • Freezer-friendly: Cool, portion, and freeze up to 3 months.
  • Brunch tip: Make sliders and keep on WARM; top with eggs for breakfast sandwiches.
  • Thickness control: Crack the lid in the last 20–30 minutes to reduce the sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 207kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 70mg | Sodium: 560mg | Potassium: 673mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 824IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 4mg