Some nights, the thought of cooking a complicated meal is just too much. You know those days. Everyone is hungry, you are tired, and you just need something easy. That is where the magic of the slow cooker comes in. It’s a lifesaver for busy families.
I am always on the lookout for great Crockpot Recipes that deliver big flavor without a lot of fuss. This easy sloppy joe recipe is exactly that. It has become one of my favorite Lazy Dinners for a reason. It is simple, delicious, and everyone always asks for seconds.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
So what makes this particular sloppy joe recipe so special? Honestly, it is the simplicity. We are talking about only four ingredients. Four! It does not get much easier than that. This is the definition of a set it and forget it meal.
It is one of those fantastic Dump And Go Crockpot Dinners. You just brown the meat, toss everything into the slow cooker, and let it do its thing. A few hours later, you have a hot, savory meal ready to go. It is a perfect solution for a chaotic weeknight.
The flavor is another huge plus. It is the classic sloppy joe taste you grew up with. A little sweet, a little tangy, and completely satisfying. It is a crowd pleaser for both kids and adults. Plus, this is one of those Ground Beef Recipes For Dinner that is also really budget friendly.
You can easily double or triple the recipe to feed a large group for a party or potluck. Or, you can make a big batch for meal prep. The leftovers are just as good, if not better, the next day. This is one of those dependable Crockpot Recipes you will make again and again.
Ingredients
As I mentioned, you only need a handful of things to make this happen. It is amazing how much flavor you can get from such a short list. Here is what you will need to grab from the store.
- 3 lbs ground beef (or you can use ground turkey)
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup mustard
- 1 1/2 cups ketchup
- 12 hamburger buns
The ground beef provides that rich, savory base. If you want a lighter option, ground turkey works wonderfully too. The sauce is a simple but tasty combination. The ketchup gives it that classic tomato base, the brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness, and the mustard provides a nice tangy kick that balances everything out.
Step By Step Instructions
Getting this meal on the table is incredibly easy. Just follow these simple steps, and you will have one of the best Lazy Dinners ready in no time. It is a fantastic choice from my collection of simple Crockpot Recipes.
Step 1: Brown The Ground Beef
First things first, you will want to brown your ground beef in a large skillet over medium high heat. Break up the meat with a spoon as it cooks. Once it is no longer pink, drain off any excess grease. This step is important because it adds a lot of flavor and improves the texture of the final dish.
After draining, transfer the cooked ground beef into your slow cooker. This is the only part of the recipe that requires active cooking, and it only takes a few minutes. It is well worth the small effort for such delicious results. Many Ground Beef Recipes For Dinner start this way.
Step 2: Add The Other Ingredients
Now for the really easy part. Add the brown sugar, mustard, and ketchup directly into the slow cooker with the ground beef. Give everything a good stir to make sure the meat is completely coated in that yummy sauce. This is what makes it one of the best Dump And Go Crockpot Dinners.
Make sure everything is mixed well. You want every bite to have that perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. It is as simple as that. No complicated steps, no fancy techniques. Just simple, good food.
Step 3: Cook On Low
Place the lid on your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 3 to 5 hours. This low and slow cooking time allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully. Your house will start to smell amazing as it cooks, building up the anticipation for dinner.
The longer cooking time also makes the beef incredibly tender. You can go about your day while the crockpot does all the work. That is the beauty of easy Crockpot Recipes. They give you back your time.
Step 4: Serve On Hamburger Buns
Once the cooking time is up, give the mixture another stir. It will be hot, saucy, and ready to enjoy. Spoon a generous amount of the sloppy joe mixture onto hamburger buns. Serve immediately while it is warm and delicious.
This is a fun and messy meal, which is part of the charm! Be sure to have plenty of napkins on hand. It is a dinner experience the whole family will remember and love. One of my top Ground Beef Recipes For Dinner for a reason.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, they are very easy to store. First, let the sloppy joe mixture cool down to room temperature. It is important not to put hot food directly into the refrigerator.
Once cooled, transfer the meat mixture to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This makes for great next day lunches. Just reheat and serve. It is perfect for meal planning.
This recipe also freezes really well. Place the cooled mixture in a freezer safe bag or container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you are ready to eat it, just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. It is one of those Crockpot Recipes that keeps on giving.
Tips
Want to customize this recipe a bit? Go for it! You can easily add some finely diced onion or green bell pepper to the skillet when you are browning the beef. It will add another layer of flavor and some nice texture.
For a little bit of heat, you could add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the mixture. If you like a smokier flavor, a little bit of liquid smoke or smoked paprika would be a wonderful addition.
Do not feel limited to just hamburger buns. This sloppy joe mixture is delicious served over baked potatoes, rice, or even on top of nachos for a fun twist. It is a very versatile base for many different meal ideas, making it one of the most flexible Ground Beef Recipes For Dinner.
If your sauce seems a little thin after cooking, you can remove the lid and cook on high for the last 30 minutes. This will allow some of the liquid to evaporate and thicken the sauce to your liking. Every slow cooker is a little different, so feel free to adjust as needed.
Conclusion
When it comes to easy, family friendly meals, it is hard to beat these slow cooker sloppy joes. It is a recipe that proves you do not need a long list of ingredients or complicated steps to make something truly delicious. It is the perfect answer for those nights when you need a win in the kitchen.
This is one of those Crockpot Recipes that will surely become a staple in your meal rotation. It is comforting, satisfying, and so simple to prepare. From busy weeknights to casual weekend gatherings, this dish is always a hit. Give this recipe a try and see how simple delicious Lazy Dinners can be.
FAQ
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead Of Ground Beef?
Yes, absolutely! Ground turkey is a great, leaner alternative to ground beef in this recipe. Just follow the same instructions for browning the meat before adding it to the slow cooker. The flavor will be slightly different but still very tasty.
Do I Have To Brown The Beef First?
I highly recommend it. Browning the beef adds a depth of flavor and improves the texture. It also allows you to drain off excess fat. While you could technically skip this step for one of the truest Dump And Go Crockpot Dinners, the final result will be much better if you take the few extra minutes to brown the meat first.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead Of Time?
Definitely. This is a great recipe for meal prep. You can make a full batch and store it in the refrigerator for a few days. It reheats beautifully on the stovetop or in the microwave, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. It is one of the best make ahead Crockpot Recipes.
What Are Some Good Side Dishes For Sloppy Joes?
There are so many great options! Classic choices include potato chips, tater tots, or a simple coleslaw. A fresh green salad, corn on the cob, or some baked beans would also be delicious accompaniments. You really cannot go wrong.
Easy Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes
This easy sloppy joe recipe is simple, delicious, and a family favorite for busy weeknights, requiring only four ingredients and a slow cooker for a comforting, savory meal.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess grease, then transfer cooked beef to a slow cooker.
- Add brown sugar, mustard, and ketchup to the slow cooker with the ground beef. Stir well to coat the meat evenly in the sauce.
- Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on low for 3 to 5 hours, allowing flavors to meld and beef to become tender.
- Stir the sloppy joe mixture, then spoon a generous amount onto hamburger buns. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
Customize with finely diced onion or green bell pepper when browning the beef for added flavor and texture.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
For a smokier flavor, add a little liquid smoke or smoked paprika.
Serve over baked potatoes, rice, or nachos instead of hamburger buns for variety.
If sauce is too thin, remove the lid and cook on high for the last 30 minutes to thicken.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
