Pioneer Woman Crock Pot Sloppy Joes Recipe

Pioneer Woman Crock Pot Sloppy Joes Recipe
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This Pioneer Woman Crock Pot Sloppy Joes recipe is a savory and tangy recipe, which is made with ground beef and chili powder. It’s the ultimate ‘fix it and forget it’ comfort food, ready in about 4 hours on low.

Pioneer Woman Crock Pot Sloppy Joes Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp. salted butter, plus more for the rolls
  • 2 1/2 lb. ground beef
  • 5 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 large green bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 large onion, diced
  • 1 tsp. kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp. black pepper
  • 1 1/2 cups ketchup
  • 2 Tbsp. brown sugar
  • 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tsp. chili powder, plus more to taste
  • 1 tsp. dry mustard
  • 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes, plus more to taste
  • 8 kaiser rolls, split
  • 8 slices cheese (such as cheddar, American, or pepper jack; optional)

How To Make Pioneer Woman Crock Pot Sloppy Joes

  1. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until it is browned, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain off and discard most of the excess fat.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the minced garlic, diced bell pepper, and onion to the skillet with the beef. Season with the salt and black pepper and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 7 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften.
  3. Combine in Slow Cooker: Pour the entire meat and vegetable mixture into a 6-quart slow cooker. Add the ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, dry mustard, red pepper flakes, and ½ cup of water. Stir everything together until it is well combined.
  4. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 2 hours or on LOW for 4 hours, until the flavors have concentrated and the mixture has deepened in color. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed before serving.
  5. Toast Buns and Serve: When ready to serve, heat a griddle or skillet over medium heat. Spread butter on the cut sides of the rolls and toast them, buttered-side down, until golden brown. Spoon a generous amount of the meat mixture onto each roll, top with a slice of cheese if you like, and serve immediately.
Pioneer Woman Crock Pot Sloppy Joes Recipe
Pioneer Woman Crock Pot Sloppy Joes Recipe

Recipe Tips

  • How to get the most flavor? The most important step for a deep, rich flavor is to brown the beef properly and then sauté the vegetables in the same pan. Do not skip this step and just dump the raw ingredients in the slow cooker.
  • Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely! The sloppy joe mixture is a perfect make-ahead meal. You can prepare it completely and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will be even better the next day. Reheat gently on the stove.
  • How can I adjust the spice level? This recipe is easy to customize. The heat comes from the chili powder and the crushed red pepper flakes. For a milder version, you can reduce or omit the red pepper flakes. For a spicier kick, feel free to add more.
  • How to keep the buns from getting soggy? Toasting the buttered buns on a griddle before you add the meat is the secret! It creates a delicious, crispy barrier that helps to prevent the bottom bun from getting soggy from the juicy filling.

What To Serve With Sloppy Joes

This is a classic American comfort food sandwich. It is perfectly served with casual, cookout-style sides:

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  • Kettle-cooked potato chips
  • A crisp dill pickle spear
  • Creamy coleslaw
  • A simple side of French fries or tater tots

How To Store Sloppy Joes

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover meat mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It’s best to store it separately from the buns.
  • Freeze: Allow the meat mixture to cool completely. Store it in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Sloppy Joes Nutrition Facts

  • Serving: 1 sandwich
  • Calories: 650 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 55g
  • Protein: 38g
  • Fat: 32g
  • Saturated Fat: 16g
  • Sodium: 1450mg

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of meat?

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Yes, this recipe is fantastic with lean ground turkey or even ground chicken as a substitute for the ground beef.

Do I have to use a slow cooker?

No. For a quicker, stovetop version, simply follow all the browning and sautéing steps in a large Dutch oven. Then, add all the sauce ingredients, bring to a simmer, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for about 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally.

What kind of buns are best for sloppy joes?

A sturdy but soft roll like a Kaiser roll or a brioche bun is perfect. They are soft enough to bite into easily but sturdy enough to hold up to the saucy filling without falling apart.

Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:

Pioneer Woman Crock Pot Sloppy Joes Recipe

Difficulty:BeginnerPrep time: 15 minutesCook time:4 hours Rest time: 5 minutesTotal time:4 hours 20 minutesCooking Temp:100 CServings:8 servingsEstimated Cost:25 $Calories:650 kcal Best Season:Available

Description

A classic, crowd-pleasing sloppy joe made easy in the slow cooker, featuring a savory and slightly sweet ground beef filling perfect for piling onto toasted buns.

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef in butter. Drain the fat.
  2. Add the garlic, bell pepper, and onion to the skillet and sauté until softened.
  3. Transfer the meat and vegetable mixture to a 6-quart slow cooker.
  4. Stir in the ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, all the seasonings, and ½ cup of water.
  5. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours or on HIGH for 2 hours.
  6. Serve the hot meat mixture on toasted, buttered buns.

Notes

    u003cliu003eThe most important tip for this recipe is to brown the beef and sauté the vegetables before adding them to the slow cooker; this develops a deep, rich flavor.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eThis is a perfect make-ahead meal for a party or a busy weeknight, as the flavors get even better on the second day.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eFor the best sandwich experience, don’t skip toasting the buttered buns before you add the meat filling.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eDon’t be shy with the seasonings! A good sloppy joe is packed with bold, savory flavor.u003c/liu003e
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Hamdi Saidani

Hamdi Saidani has been a food and recipe blogger for more than 5 years years. He specializes in creating and recreating recipes from top chefs, making them easy to follow and accessible for home cooks.