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Crock Pot Sloppy Joes

Oct 14, 2022 · 16 Comments

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Collage with a sloppy joe with a toasted bun sprinkled with fresh chopped parsley on top, a slow cooker full of sloppy joe filling topped with fresh chopped parsley on bottom, and the words "slow cooker sloppy joes" in the center

Skip the can with these homemade Crock Pot Sloppy Joes! This easy family-friendly meal features ground beef with sweet onions and bell peppers cooked to sweet-and-tangy bubbly perfection.

Sloppy joe with fresh chopped parsley and a toasted bun sitting on a small white plate in front of a Crock Pot

Crock Pot Sloppy Joes

Sloppy Joes are an American classic, and it doesn't get any better than this Crock Pot Sloppy Joes version.

All of the ingredients are slow cooked to bubbly perfection, allowing all of the sweet, tangy, savory flavors to meld and marry creating heaven in a single bite.

In these Crock Pot Sloppy Joes, ground beef is cooked with sweet onions and bell peppers with tomato sauce, barbecue sauce, and seasonings to create the tangy-sweet flavor we all love about sloppy joes.

Sloppy Joes vs. Manwich

What's the difference between sloppy joes and Manwich? There isn't one, really. Manwich is a pre-made sloppy joe sauce that comes in a can. Some people call sloppy joes "Manwich" because of this. (Kind of like how Kleenex are facial tissues).

How Many Sloppy Joes Per Pound of Ground Beef?

Crock Pot Sloppy Joes are great for feeding a crowd. They're quick, simple, easy to serve, and loved by all. Because they're served on a bun, they also stretch a pretty long way!

The rule of thumb for sloppy joes is that you need about 3 ounces of raw ground meat per person. That means each pound will make 5-6 sloppy joes!

Follow the chart below for feeding a bigger crowd:

  • 10 people = 2 pounds
  • 20 people = 3.5 - 4 pounds
  • 50 people = 9.5 pounds
  • 100 people = 18.5 - 19 pounds

Just multiply the number of people by 3 ounces. Then divide it by 16 to get pounds (because there's 16 ounces in a pound).

Sloppy joe filling topped with fresh chopped parsley with a wooden spoon sticking out in a large slow cooker

What to Serve with Crock Pot Sloppy Joes

I always try to serve meals with meat, starch, and veggie. Since sloppy joes take care of meat and starch (with the bun), a simple green salad goes perfectly!

Other options include crudite (carrots, celery, etc.), coleslaw, potato salad, french fries, onion rings, tater tots, pasta salad, baked beans, mac and cheese, or potato chips.

You can also add toppings, such as pickled jalapenos, bread and butter pickles, a slice of cheese, or a scoop of creamy coleslaw.

More Slow Cooker Recipes You'll Love

  • CrockPot Lasagna Soup - all of the lasagna flavors you love in one warm, comforting bowl of rich, creamy, cheesy soup!
  • Crock Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs - make it all in the slow cooker from cooking the meatballs to the noodles!
  • Mississippi Pot Roast - the easiest roast you'll ever make AND the most delicious!
  • Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff - a classic creamy stroganoff recipe best served over egg noodles.
  • Slow Cooker Meatloaf - our family's favorite meatloaf recipe adapted for the slow cooker.

Crock Pot Sloppy Joes Video

Sloppy joe with a toasted bun sitting on a small plate in front of a Crock Pot

Crock Pot Sloppy Joes

Skip the can with these homemade Crock Pot Sloppy Joes! This easy family-friendly meal features ground beef with sweet onions and bell peppers cooked to sweet-and-tangy bubbly perfection.
5 from 15 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Main
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Crock Pot Sloppy Joes, Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes
Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours hours
Total Time: 6 hours hours 15 minutes minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 175kcal
Author: Michelle
Prevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 bell pepper finely chopped
  • 1 onion finely chopped
  • 3 medium garlic cloves minced
  • 1 (8 ounce) can of tomato sauce
  • ½ cup ketchup
  • ¼ cup barbecue sauce
  • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Hamburger buns for serving

Instructions

  • In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat, until no longer pink. Drain, and transfer to slow cooker.
  • Add remaining ingredients, except buns, to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
  • Cook on low for approximately 6-8 hours, until the vegetables are tender soft and all the flavors have meshed together.
  • Serve warm on buns.

Notes

 Nutrition facts do not include buns
  • This recipe is naturally dairy free.
  • To make this recipe gluten free, substitute the Worcestershire sauce for coconut aminos or gluten free tamari sauce, and serve on gluten free buns.
  • Cheese please! Serve with a slice of cheese on top for all cheese lovers.
  • Storage directions: Store covered in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.
  • Freezer Directions: Cook sloppy joes according to recipe instructions. Allow to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight freezer bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months. To use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in the microwave in a microwave safe bowl or in a large pot or skillet over medium heat.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 175kcal | Carbohydrates: 8.3g | Protein: 16.3g | Fat: 8.2g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Trans Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 47.2mg | Sodium: 399mg | Potassium: 84.4mg | Fiber: 0.6g | Sugar: 6.7g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 1mg | Iron: 1mg
Did you make this recipe?I love seeing your creations. Snap a quick photo and mention @TheGraciousWife or tag #thegraciouswife on Instagram! Leave a STAR rating below!

UPDATE INFO: This recipe was originally published in September 2014. It was updated with new pictures, videos, and tips and republished in October 2022.

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Beef, Crockpot, Dairy Free, Dinner, Freezer Meals, Gluten Free, Kid-Friendly Food, Lunch, Recipes Crock Pot Sloppy Joes Recipe, Crockpot Recipe, Slow Cooker Recipe, Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes Recipe

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Candi says

    August 08, 2015 at 12:56 pm

    I put this in the crockpot this morning and just tasted it. It is the BOMB!!! Love it! You definitely need to make this.

    Reply
  2. Gloria says

    October 20, 2022 at 10:10 am

    I love my slow cooker. Sloppy joes are always a hit with the family. This is an easy way to make them for sure.

    Reply
  3. Elizabeth says

    October 20, 2022 at 10:38 am

    This looks like a great timesaver for dinner. My kids love sloppy joes. Can't wait to try it!

    Reply
    • Ruth Franzen says

      October 25, 2022 at 9:19 pm

      I read this recipe st 3 o.m. and it sounded so good, I didn't want to wait until the next day to make it. I threw the ingredients in a soup pot and simmered it on the stove for 3 hours. Oh, such goodness! We loved it. Thank you!

      Reply
  4. Holley says

    October 20, 2022 at 10:57 am

    SOOOOOO much better than the can! These homemade sloppy joes are just perfection!

    Reply
  5. Beth says

    October 20, 2022 at 11:09 am

    I can't wait to make this. Sloppy Joes are one of my family's favorite meals, and I love how easy this version is.

    Reply
  6. Gina Abernathy says

    December 18, 2022 at 7:19 am

    Homemade is the way to go! So easy and so tasty.

    Reply
  7. Biana says

    December 18, 2022 at 8:27 am

    Sloppy joes look amazing! Should be a great dinner, served with salad.

    Reply
  8. Suja md says

    December 18, 2022 at 9:49 am

    Outstanding recipe thanks so much! tasted so much good!

    Reply
  9. Sara Welch says

    December 18, 2022 at 1:09 pm

    Served this for dinner last night and it was a hit all around the table! Classic comfort food indeed; easily, a new favorite recipe!

    Reply
  10. Andrea says

    December 18, 2022 at 1:55 pm

    Big fan of crockpot recipes. These sloppy joes will be a huge hit in my house. Everyone will want seconds.

    Reply
  11. SLD says

    February 02, 2023 at 8:20 am

    Great recipe. Used it an added a few things to spice it up a bit.

    Reply
  12. Helen says

    August 24, 2023 at 9:18 am

    I really need to use the crock pot more! Great recipe now the weather is turning a little cooler.

    Reply
  13. Kristen says

    August 24, 2023 at 9:56 am

    I made these for dinner last night and they were a hit. Thank you for the recipe!

    Reply
  14. Andrea says

    August 24, 2023 at 10:38 am

    What a simple recipe using simple ingredients. These mouth-watering, fabulous, sloppy joes are great for a busy weeknight meal.

    Reply
  15. Ben says

    August 24, 2023 at 10:44 am

    These are by far the best sloppy Joes I've ever had. They have a richness about them that the canned stuff just doesn't.

    Reply

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Hello! I'm Michelle!
I'm a comfort food lover and self-taught cook with five amazing kids and a firefighter husband, surviving mostly on coffee. I love to create easy and delicious family recipes, and share creative family tips I've learned along the way.
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