I like to keep dinner simple, and these slow cooker sloppy joes are just the kind of easy, hands-off meal I need. The ground beef simmers low and slow in a sweet and tangy sauce, resulting in tender, flavor-packed sloppy joes that are perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together.

Why I’ll Love This Recipe

I love that I can toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work while I go about my day. These sloppy joes are incredibly flavorful, kid-friendly, and easy to customize. Whether I serve them on a soft bun, over rice, or even on a baked potato, they always hit the spot. Plus, they make enough to feed a crowd or keep for leftovers, which I really appreciate.

Ingredients

(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

3 pounds lean ground beef (preferably 93/7)
1 medium white onion, diced
1 large green bell pepper, diced
1 large red bell pepper, diced
1 clove garlic, minced
2 cups ketchup
¼ cup water
4 tablespoons brown sugar
3 teaspoons chili powder
2 tablespoons mustard
½ teaspoon hot sauce (or up to 2 teaspoons for more heat)

Directions

I start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it’s no longer pink. I drain off any excess grease if needed.
Then I transfer the beef to the slow cooker and add the diced onion, bell peppers, garlic, ketchup, water, brown sugar, chili powder, mustard, and hot sauce.
I stir everything together until well combined.
I cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours.
When ready, I give it a final stir and serve it hot on buns, over rice, or however I like.

Servings and timing

Servings: 10
Prep time: 14 minutes
Cook time: 4 hours on LOW
Total time: Approximately 4 hours and 14 minutes

Variations

I sometimes like to switch things up by:

Using barbecue sauce instead of ketchup for a smoky flavor
Swapping in ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version
Adding diced jalapeños for a spicy kick
Serving it over baked potatoes, sweet potato fries, or even with tortilla chips for a fun twist
Toasting the buns and melting some cheese on top for extra indulgence

Storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I use the microwave or warm it up on the stovetop. If I freeze any, I let it thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat it gently. It’s great for meal prep and tastes just as good the next day.

FAQs

Do I need to brown the meat first?

Yes, I always brown the ground beef before adding it to the slow cooker. It gives the dish better flavor and texture and helps remove excess grease.

Can I make this recipe with ground turkey?

Yes, I’ve used ground turkey, and it works well. The flavor is slightly lighter, but the seasoning still gives it that classic sloppy joe taste.

How can I make it spicier?

If I want more heat, I just add extra hot sauce or throw in some chopped jalapeños. A pinch of cayenne pepper also does the trick.

What’s the best way to serve sloppy joes without bread?

I like to serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, sweet potato fries, or even scooped up with tortilla chips when I want to skip the bun.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, this recipe freezes really well. I let the mixture cool, then store it in freezer-safe containers. When I’m ready to eat, I thaw it in the fridge and reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.

Conclusion

This slow cooker sloppy joes recipe is one I keep coming back to because it’s simple, flavorful, and always a hit. Whether I’m making dinner for the family or prepping meals for the week, it checks all the boxes. I love how easy it is to adapt, store, and enjoy again and again.