Dinner

Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes Recipe

Name: Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-490380H30M32S
Total time: PT-490380H30M32S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lb ground beef; 2 cups onion (diced); ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon ground pepper; 16 oz. tomato sauce; ½ cup ketchup; ¼ cup white vinegar; 2 Tablespoons brown sugar; 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; 8 hamburger buns; 8 slices cheddar cheese

BySana Jeannette December 1, 2025December 1, 2025

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Introduction

Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes are the perfect comfort food for busy days. This classic American favorite combines savory ground beef with a tangy, flavorful sauce, all cooked low and slow to develop rich taste. Serve them on toasted buns with melted cheddar for a satisfying meal the whole family will love.

A close-up image of a sloppy joe sandwich on a white plate set on a white marbled texture surface. The sandwich has three distinct layers: at the bottom, a soft, slightly toasted bun showing a light golden-brown color and fluffy texture; in the middle, a thick layer of moist, chunky, cooked ground beef mixed with sauce, giving a rich reddish-brown color and juicy appearance; above that, a smooth, slightly melted slice of yellow cheese that covers the beef layer and extends to the edges. The top layer is a shiny, golden-brown bun sprinkled with white and black sesame seeds and a soft, pillowy texture. Another sandwich blurred in the background mirrors the front one. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 lb ground beef
2 cups onion (diced)

½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground pepper

16 oz tomato sauce
½ cup ketchup
¼ cup white vinegar

2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
8 hamburger buns

8 slices cheddar cheese

Instructions

Step 1: In a large frying pan, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it into small chunks with a spoon. Cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 2: Add the diced onion to the pan and sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions are soft. Then stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Transfer the beef and onion mixture to your slow cooker. Add tomato sauce, ketchup, white vinegar, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine.
Step 4: Cook on low for 5 hours or on high for 3 hours. Stir the mixture before serving.
Step 5: Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto hamburger buns and top each with a slice of cheddar cheese. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a dash of smoked paprika or hot sauce to the mixture before cooking.
Use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to beef.
Toast the hamburger buns for added texture and taste.

Add chopped green bell pepper with the onions for extra veggies.

Storage

Store leftover sloppy joe mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. The buns are best fresh, but can be wrapped and frozen for up to 2 months.