Easy Set It & Forget It Dinner! – besthomemaderecipes

Imagine a weeknight where the aroma of savory ground beef, tangy tomato sauce, and a hint of sweetness fills your home, all while you’re tackling homework, running errands, or simply unwinding after a long day. That’s the magic of Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes: Set it & Forget It Dinner! This family-friendly meal is the ultimate solution for busy schedules, delivering a comforting and delicious dinner with minimal effort.

Why Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes are a Weeknight Winner

In today’s fast-paced world, finding time to prepare a wholesome and satisfying dinner can feel like a monumental task. This is where the humble slow cooker shines. It’s a kitchen appliance that allows you to create flavorful, home-cooked meals with minimal hands-on time. Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes perfectly exemplify this convenience.

Here’s why you’ll love this recipe:

• Effortless Preparation: Simply brown the ground beef (or skip this step for an even easier version!), combine the ingredients in the slow cooker, and let it do its thing.
• Maximum Flavor: The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld and deepen, resulting in a rich and incredibly delicious Sloppy Joe filling.
• Versatility: This recipe is easily adaptable to your taste preferences. You can adjust the sweetness, spiciness, and even add different vegetables to customize it to your liking.
• Budget-Friendly: Sloppy Joes are a cost-effective meal that can feed a crowd without breaking the bank.
• Perfect for Meal Prepping: Make a big batch on the weekend and enjoy Sloppy Joes throughout the week.
• Kid-Friendly: What kid (or adult, for that matter) can resist a messy, delicious Sloppy Joe?

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes are readily available in most grocery stores. Here’s a basic rundown:

• Ground Beef: The foundation of any good Sloppy Joe. You can use lean ground beef to reduce the fat content.
• Onion: Adds a savory base flavor.
• Ketchup: Provides the classic tomato flavor and tang.
• Tomato Sauce: Contributes to the sauce’s richness and depth.
• Brown Sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes and adds a touch of sweetness.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a savory umami flavor that enhances the overall taste.
• Mustard: Provides a subtle tang and complexity. Yellow mustard or Dijon mustard work well.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a hint of garlic flavor.
• Chili Powder (Optional): For a touch of heat.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste.
• Hamburger Buns: To serve the Sloppy Joe filling.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Slow Cooker Sloppy Joe Perfection

Here’s a detailed guide to making the best Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes:

1. Brown the Ground Beef (Optional): In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease. This step adds a deeper, richer flavor to the Sloppy Joes, but you can skip it if you’re short on time. You can add the raw ground beef directly to the slow cooker; it will cook through.
2. Prepare the Onion: Dice the onion and add it to the slow cooker.
3. Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the ketchup, tomato sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, garlic powder, chili powder (if using), salt, and pepper.
4. Add the Sauce to the Slow Cooker: Pour the sauce mixture over the ground beef and onion in the slow cooker.
5. Stir to Combine: Stir well to ensure the ground beef is evenly coated with the sauce.
6. Cook on Low: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
7. Shred the Beef (Optional): If desired, use two forks to shred the ground beef slightly before serving. This creates a more tender and saucy texture.
8. Serve: Spoon the Sloppy Joe filling onto hamburger buns and serve immediately.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Sloppy Joes turn out perfectly every time:

• Don’t Overcook: While slow cookers are forgiving, overcooking can dry out the meat. Check the Sloppy Joes periodically and adjust the cooking time as needed.
• Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet Sloppy Joe, reduce the amount of brown sugar. You can also substitute it with maple syrup or honey for a different flavor profile.
• Add Some Heat: For a spicier Sloppy Joe, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of hot sauce, or some chopped jalapenos to the sauce.
• Thicken the Sauce (If Necessary): If the sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water and stirring it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Use Quality Ingredients: The better the quality of your ingredients, the better your Sloppy Joes will taste. Opt for high-quality ground beef, ketchup, and tomato sauce.
• Toast the Buns: Toasting the hamburger buns adds a nice texture and prevents them from becoming soggy.
• Add Veggies: You can sneak in some extra vegetables by adding diced bell peppers, celery, or carrots to the slow cooker along with the onion.
• Spice it up with different Meats: You can use ground turkey or even ground chicken in place of ground beef for a leaner option.

Variations and Add-Ins

The beauty of Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes is their versatility. Here are some fun and delicious variations you can try:

• Pizza Sloppy Joes: Add pepperoni, mozzarella cheese, and Italian seasoning to the sauce for a pizza-inspired twist.
• BBQ Sloppy Joes: Use your favorite BBQ sauce instead of ketchup and brown sugar for a smoky and tangy flavor.
• Spicy Sloppy Joes: Add a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
• Mushroom Sloppy Joes: Sauté some sliced mushrooms and add them to the slow cooker for an earthy and savory flavor.
• Cheesy Sloppy Joes: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a melty and cheesy delight.
• Hawaiian Sloppy Joes: Add diced pineapple and a splash of soy sauce for a sweet and savory tropical twist.

Serving Suggestions

Sloppy Joes are a complete meal on their own, but they can also be served with a variety of side dishes. Here are some popular options:

• Coleslaw: The creamy and tangy flavors of coleslaw complement the richness of the Sloppy Joes perfectly.
• Potato Salad: A classic side dish that pairs well with almost any sandwich.
• Macaroni Salad: Another creamy and comforting side dish option.
• French Fries: A crowd-pleasing classic.
• Tater Tots: A fun and easy side dish that kids love.
• Corn on the Cob: A seasonal favorite that adds a touch of sweetness.
• Green Salad: A light and refreshing option to balance out the richness of the Sloppy Joes.
• Sweet Potato Fries: A healthier alternative to regular french fries.

Making it a Meal Prep Masterpiece

Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes are an excellent choice for meal prepping. Here’s how to make the most of it:

• Make a Big Batch: Double or triple the recipe to have plenty of leftovers for the week.
• Portion it Out: Divide the Sloppy Joe filling into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or dinners.
• Store Properly: Store the Sloppy Joe filling in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheat Easily: Reheat the Sloppy Joe filling in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
• Freeze for Later: For longer storage, freeze the Sloppy Joe filling in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Slow Cooker Safety Tips

While slow cookers are generally safe to use, it’s important to follow some basic safety precautions:

• Never Overfill: Do not fill the slow cooker more than two-thirds full to prevent spills.
• Use a Liner (Optional): Slow cooker liners can make cleanup a breeze.
• Check for Doneness: Always use a food thermometer to ensure the ground beef is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
• Don’t Leave Unattended for Extended Periods: While it is a “set it and forget it” meal, it is still a good idea to check on it periodically.
• Keep Away from Children: Keep the slow cooker out of reach of children to prevent burns.

Other Delicious Slow Cooker Recipes to Try

If you love the convenience and flavor of slow cooker meals, be sure to check out these other delicious recipes. For a different take on poultry, you might want to try Shredded Chicken Crockpot BBQ. It’s incredibly versatile and can be used in sandwiches, salads, or even as a topping for baked potatoes. If you are in the mood for something creamy, try the Creamy White Chicken Chili. It’s a comforting and flavorful soup that’s perfect for a chilly evening. Another great chicken option is Crispy Crockpot Chicken Thighs. Don’t let the name fool you, the skin really does get crispy! For a sweeter chicken option, explore Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs. The honey garlic glaze is absolutely divine. If you prefer a more traditional chili, check out Crockpot White Chicken Chili for another great and easy dinner. And finally, for a taste of Italy, consider the Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken. Served over pasta, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Recipe: Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes

Here’s the recipe for delicious and easy Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes:

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Hamburger buns, for serving

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease. (Optional)
2. Add the diced onion to the slow cooker.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, garlic powder, chili powder (if using), salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the sauce mixture over the ground beef and onion in the slow cooker.
5. Stir well to combine.
6. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
7. Shred the beef with two forks (optional).
8. Spoon the Sloppy Joe filling onto hamburger buns and serve immediately.

Recipe Notes:

• For a spicier Sloppy Joe, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
• Adjust the amount of brown sugar to your liking.
• Add diced bell peppers or other vegetables for extra flavor and nutrients.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes offer a fantastic solution for busy weeknights, delivering a hearty and flavorful meal with minimal effort. With its customizable nature and simple preparation, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, dust off your slow cooker, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and stress-free dinner!

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