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Comforting Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes

slow cooker sloppy joes - featured image

A fuss-free, flavorful, and comforting family dinner recipe made in the slow cooker with sweet and tangy flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
  • 1 yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Burger buns (toasted or untoasted)

Instructions

  1. Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine ketchup, tomato paste, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
  3. Add the browned ground beef to the slow cooker, followed by the diced onion and minced garlic. Pour the sauce mixture over the top.
  4. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Stir occasionally during cooking if possible.
  5. About 30 minutes before serving, check the sauce. If it’s too thin, remove the lid and let it thicken. If it’s too thick, add a small splash of water or beef broth.
  6. Toast the burger buns in a skillet or oven for a couple of minutes.
  7. Scoop the Sloppy Joe mixture onto each bun and serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Notes

[‘Browning the beef enhances flavor and reduces grease.’, ‘Adjust sauce consistency by removing the lid to thicken or adding water/broth to loosen.’, ‘Prep the sauce the night before for convenience.’, ‘Serve with coleslaw, potato chips, or a green salad for a complete meal.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: Sloppy Joes, Slow Cooker, Comfort Food, Family Dinner, Easy Recipe