The Best Sloppy Joe Recipe Ever {Slow Cooker}

Finally, a Sloppy Joe Recipe that I can honestly say is the best I’ve ever tasted. It is the perfect balance of a sweet, savory, and zesty Sloppy Joe. Forget about the sauce in a can. Try this easy recipe in your slow cooker for a home-cooked Sloppy Joe dinner.

 

Sloppy Joe Recipe

This is so good. I went back for seconds and couldn’t wait to reheat the leftovers for lunch the next day. This is such a great recipe for busy nights which is probably almost every night, right?! I took a break from making Sloppy Joes from a can because my taste buds really weren’t jiving with the canned version.  The kids really didn’t care for them either. Thankfully, this recipe came into our busy lives. I know that my family is excited to have Sloppy Joes back on the menu…finally!

FAQs

Make Ahead and Storage:

How far in advance can I make sloppy Joes?

You can make sloppy joes up to 3 days in advance. Store in the refrigerator. To reheat, place on the stovetop (with the lid on) and cook on low/medium until heated through.

How long will Homemade Sloppy Joes last in the refrigerator?

They will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cover and store in an airtight container

Can I Freeze Sloppy Joes?

Yes! Sloppy Joes are great for freezing. Allow to cool and then place in an airtight container that is freezer safe for up to 3 months.

Thawing: Thaw in the fridge – overnight

Reheating: Either microwave or reheat on the stovetop

Do you have to make this Sloppy Joe Recipe in a Slow Cooker?

No. You can make it over the stove, in a large skillet.

*In a hurry? Forget the slow cooker and make it all in one large skillet on the stove. After draining the meat, return the meat to the skillet. Add everything from step 3. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes. This should cut the time down to about 20 minutes – total

Are sloppy joes bad for you?

• Sloppy Joes are typically made with ground beef. Ground beef is a great source of protein, but it is also a source of saturated fats. Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a healthier version.

What side dishes are good with Sloppy Joes?

• Corn on the cob
• Glazed carrots
• Potato Salad
• Potato chips
• Pasta salad
• Baked Macaroni and Cheese 

How did Sloppy Joes get the name, Sloppy Joe?

• Some say the credit for the Sloppy Joe name came from a cook named Joe in Floyd Angell’s Cafe. Apparently, he added tomato sauce to a loose ground beef sandwich and people called it the Sloppy Joe.

 

Tips and Tricks

• I like to use Sirloin ground beef. There is little fat and you won’t have to drain much – if any grease from the cooked meat
• Don’t forget to cook the onions with ground beef. It adds flavor and takes some of the bitterness out of the onion
• You can cook this on the stovetop too. After draining the beef, add the rest of the ingredients to the cooked meat and onion mixture. Cover and cook for about 2o minutes

 

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So, How Do You Make Sloppy Joes?

1. Cook ground beef, onions, and garlic until tender
2. Drain the meat
3. In the slow cooker, combine, ketchup, peppers, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, vinegar, and chili powder
4. Add the cooked meat
5. Place lid on a slow cooker
6. Cook on low for 6-8 hours

 

More Slow Cooker Recipes 

Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwich

Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce 

Slow Cooker Barbecue Ham Sandwich 

If you’re ready to give this Homemade Sloppy Joe recipe a try, here’s the recipe for you:

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