Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes
Try this Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes recipe.
Try this Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes recipe.
- 2 medium onions finely chopped
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp. paprika
- 1 t. cumin
- 1/2 c. ketchup
- 1/2 t. dry mustard
- 3 lbs. lean ground beef (i also do a combination of groun usually 2 lbs. beef and 1 lb. turkey)
- 1-1/2 c. finely chopped celery
- 1 (14.5-oz.) can diced fire roasted tomatoes
- 1 c. chili sauce
- 1/3 c. packed brown sugar
- 2 t. prepared mustard
- 1 t. worcestershire sauce
- 1 t. medium chili powder
- 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper or more to taste
- additional salt to taste
- Carbohydrate 0.39672 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.006 g
- Fiber 0.0251999988555908 g
- Protein 0.07632 g
- Saturated Fat 0.001068 g
- Serving Size 1 1 to 20 serving (92g)
- Sodium 0.204 mg
- Sugar 0.371520001144409 g
- Trans Fat 0.001812 g
- Calories 2 calories
Step-by-step
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown ground beef and onion together until beef is cooked.
- Drain off fat and transfer to slow cooker.
- Add all remaining ingredients and stir well.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, stirring with a spatula every hour or so if you are around and able.
- Serve sloppy joes on buns with pickles and potato chips.
- If you have the time and initiative, butter the buns and toast on a hot griddle.
- Alternatively, eat sloppy joes without buns, using sturdy potato chips as scoops.
Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Weeknights are a whirlwind of homework help, soccer practice, and the ever-present scramble to get dinner on the table. That's why I rely heavily on my trusty slow cooker. It's my secret weapon for creating delicious, satisfying meals without spending hours in the kitchen. And these slow cooker sloppy joes? They're a family favorite that consistently hits the mark.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen over time. You simply brown the ground beef and onion (I often use a combination of beef and turkey for a leaner option), then toss everything into the slow cooker and let it simmer. The result is a rich, savory sauce that perfectly coats tender ground meat. It’s a far cry from the canned sloppy joes of my childhood, offering a depth of flavor that’s hard to resist.
I love the versatility of this dish. Serve it on classic hamburger buns, or try smaller dinner rolls for a more manageable portion. For a fun twist, I sometimes skip the buns altogether and use sturdy potato chips as scoops. It’s a quirky, kid-friendly approach that always gets a laugh. And the toppings? Well, the possibilities are endless. Pickles are a classic choice, but shredded cheese, coleslaw, or even a dollop of sour cream can elevate this simple dish to new heights.
Beyond its convenience, this recipe is also surprisingly adaptable. Feel free to experiment with different seasonings or add-ins to tailor it to your family’s tastes. A pinch of cayenne pepper adds a touch of heat, while a splash of Worcestershire sauce enhances the savory notes. You can also experiment with different types of ground meat—ground turkey or even a vegetarian substitute—to suit your dietary preferences.
But the real magic of this recipe isn't just in the taste; it's in the feeling it evokes. It’s the aroma of slow-cooked goodness wafting through the house, the happy chatter around the dinner table, and the sense of comfort and togetherness that surrounds a simple, home-cooked meal. It's a recipe that's as much about creating memories as it is about creating a delicious dinner.
So, the next time you're short on time but craving a hearty and satisfying meal, reach for your slow cooker and give these sloppy joes a try. They're a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, a weeknight lifesaver, and a testament to the power of simple, flavorful cooking.
Tips and Variations:
- Make it leaner: Use a combination of ground beef and ground turkey or chicken.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for some extra heat.
- Add some veggies: Throw in some chopped bell peppers or mushrooms for added nutrients.
- Make it a meal prep: Double the recipe and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
- Get creative with toppings: Experiment with different toppings like cheese, coleslaw, or sour cream.
This recipe is more than just a meal; it's a reminder that even amidst the chaos of daily life, there's always time for a little comfort and good food. And that, to me, is priceless.
