Crock-Pot Sloppy Joes
A hearty, flavorful slow cooker dish featuring ground beef, tangy chili sauce, and savory seasonings, perfect for quick family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown ground beef or turkey in a pan with chopped onion.
- Add Lea & Perrins (about 3 shakes).
- Add a dash of garlic, onion, and pepper.
- Drain when finished cooking.
- Into the crock-pot, put 1/2 bottle of chili sauce, 1 can of tomato soup, mustard, vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of Lea & Perrins.
- Add the cooked ground beef or turkey with onion to the crock-pot.
- Put 1 stick of butter on top.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or high for 1 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Season to taste as it cooks.
- Serve hot; the flavors improve the longer it simmers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of tomato soup or let it cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes. You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option, or use a vegetarian meat substitute for a plant-based dish. If you want more heat, add some cayenne pepper or hot sauce. This dish pairs beautifully with Zesty Baked Beans for a hearty meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Sloppy Joes on toasted hamburger buns for a classic presentation. Add a side of coleslaw or potato chips for crunch. They can also be served over rice or with a side of Homestead Goulash for a filling meal. Don't forget to garnish with pickles or cheese for extra flavor!
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave individual portions in a covered dish for 1-2 minutes until heated through. If the mixture thickens, add a splash of water or broth.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crock-Pot Sloppy Joes contains roughly 26 calories, with 0g protein, 2g carbohydrates, and 2g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the Sloppy Joe mixture ahead of time. Cook the meat and combine all the ingredients in the crock-pot, then refrigerate overnight. On the day you plan to serve, simply cook it in the crock-pot as directed. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
What can I use instead of chili sauce?
If you don't have chili sauce, you can substitute it with a mix of ketchup and hot sauce or barbecue sauce. This will give a similar sweet and tangy flavor to the Sloppy Joes. Adjust the spiciness to your preference by modifying the amount of hot sauce.
How do I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of Sloppy Joes, replace the ground beef with lentils, black beans, or a meat substitute like soy crumbles. Adjust the seasonings to enhance the flavors, and consider adding diced vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).