What To Know
- Add an extra tablespoon of brown sugar or a splash of honey to the sauce for a sweeter flavor.
- Add a cup of your favorite barbecue sauce to the sauce for a smoky twist.
- Use leftover sloppy joes to make sloppy joe tacos, sloppy joe quesadillas, or even a sloppy joe pizza.
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with our mouthwatering crock pot sloppy joes, perfect for feeding a hungry crowd. Whether you’re hosting a tailgate party, family gathering, or casual get-together, this easy-to-make dish will satisfy every appetite.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 green bell peppers, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato paste
- 1 (12-ounce) can ketchup
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain off any excess fat.
2. Sauté the Veggies: Add the onion, green bell peppers, and red bell peppers to the skillet and sauté until softened.
3. Combine in the Crock Pot: Transfer the ground beef and vegetables to a 6-quart or larger crock pot.
4. Add the Sauce: In a large bowl, whisk together the tomato sauce, tomato paste, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Pour the sauce over the ground beef mixture in the crock pot.
5. Cook on Low: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the meat is tender and the sauce has thickened.
6. Shred the Meat: Once the meat is cooked, remove it from the crock pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded meat to the crock pot.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the sloppy joes on toasted buns or slider rolls. Top with your favorite toppings, such as cheese, onions, or pickles.
Tips for a Perfect Batch:
- Use a lean ground beef: This will help reduce excess fat in the dish.
- Don’t overcook the meat: Overcooked ground beef can become tough and dry.
- Taste and adjust: Before serving, taste the sloppy joes and adjust the seasonings as needed.
- Keep warm: If you’re not serving the sloppy joes right away, keep them warm in the crock pot on the “warm” setting.
Variations to Suit Every Taste:
- Spicy Sloppy Joes: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the sauce for some heat.
- Sweet Sloppy Joes: Add an extra tablespoon of brown sugar or a splash of honey to the sauce for a sweeter flavor.
- Veggie Sloppy Joes: Substitute ground beef with a plant-based ground alternative, such as lentils or beans.
- BBQ Sloppy Joes: Add a cup of your favorite barbecue sauce to the sauce for a smoky twist.
Serving Suggestions:
- Classic Toppings: Shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onions, and dill pickles
- Unconventional Toppings: Sliced jalapeños, crispy bacon, or coleslaw
- Sides: Potato chips, french fries, or a fresh green salad
Crowd-Pleasing Presentation:
- Serve in a Bread Bowl: Hollow out a large loaf of bread and fill it with the sloppy joes.
- Create a Slider Bar: Set up a table with a variety of slider buns and toppings, letting guests customize their own sloppy joes.
- Decorate with Fun Flags: Stick toothpicks with colorful flags into the sloppy joes for a festive touch.
Beyond the Crowd:
- Meal Prep Magic: Make a double batch and freeze individual portions for quick and easy weeknight meals.
- Leftover Transformation: Use leftover sloppy joes to make sloppy joe tacos, sloppy joe quesadillas, or even a sloppy joe pizza.
- Versatile Base: The sloppy joe mixture can also be used as a filling for empanadas, spring rolls, or even stuffed peppers.
A Farewell to Sloppy Joe Cravings
With our crock pot sloppy joes for a crowd, you can feed your hungry guests with ease and delight. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or a grand celebration, this dish will satisfy every appetite and leave your crowd craving for more. So, gather your crew, fire up the crock pot, and let the sloppy joe extravaganza begin!
Information You Need to Know
Q: Can I make these sloppy joes ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the sloppy joes up to 3 days in advance. Store them in the refrigerator and reheat them in the crock pot before serving.
Q: Can I use a different type of meat in place of ground beef?
A: Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork.
Q: How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
A: Add a cornstarch slurry (made by mixing equal parts cornstarch and water) to the sauce and cook until thickened.
