There are days when I only want an easy, no-fuss dinner that will feed a crowd and leave everyone smiling. That’s exactly where this Crock Pot Sloppy Joes recipe comes in. Whether it’s a church potluck, a busy weeknight, or hosting neighbors for a casual dinner, this meal has become one of my favorite go-tos. The sweet and tangy sauce, combined with tender slow-cooked beef, is simple to make but full of flavor.
Crock Pot Sloppy Joes
This crock pot recipe for sloppy joes is sweet, smoky, and savory, perfect for feeding a crowd. It’s beginner-friendly, so anyone can make it with confidence. My favorite part is that I can prep it in under 15 minutes, making it ideal for busy days or last-minute hosting. It’s also budget-friendly, using ground beef and simple seasonings for the sauce. You can also customize it with ground turkey, spicy BBQ, or extra veggies for added nutrition.
LOVE THIS RECIPE
— Ronald T.
What You’ll Need To Make This Recipe
Here’s a quick overview of the key ingredients for this recipe. For the full list of ingredients and exact measurements, be sure to check the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Ground Beef: I recommend 80/20 for flavor. You can also use lean or swap in ground turkey. Onion: Yellow or white both work well. Chop fine so they soften quickly.
- Green Bell Pepper: Adds flavor and color. Red or yellow can be swapped in.
- Garlic: Fresh minced for the best flavor. Jarred garlic works in a pinch.
- Smoked Paprika: Gives the sauce a smoky depth. Regular paprika is okay too.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds umami richness.
- BBQ Sauce: I like Sweet Baby Ray’s or homemade.
- Tomato Sauce: Plain, unseasoned is best here.
- Chili Sauce: Adds a tangy zip. Can sub with extra ketchup if needed.
- Vinegar: A little white or apple cider vinegar for brightness.
- Brown Sugar: Balances the tang and smoke with sweetness.
How To Make Crock Pot Sloppy Joes
Cook the Meat and Veggies
I start with my large cast iron skillet browning the ground beef. Be sure to break it up as it cooks. Once done, drain off excess grease using a paper towel or spoon.
Add chopped onions, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the pan. Cook for about 5 minutes until everything is soft and fragrant.
Fill Your Crock Pot and Cook
Pour the cooked meat and veggie mixture into your crock pot. Add the BBQ sauce, ketchup, tomato sauce, chili sauce, Worcestershire, vinegar, brown sugar, and seasonings. Stir well to combine.
Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 4 hours. Stir one time 1/2 way through the cooking time if you’re nearby. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
Variations, Substitutions, and Recipe Tips
Dietary Modifications: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Swap BBQ sauce and ketchup for sugar-free varieties to reduce sugar.
Flavor Enhancements: Add red pepper flakes for heat. Stir in a few tablespoons of hot sauce or a dash of cumin for a twist.
Add-In Options: Finely shredded carrots or zucchini blend in well and add nutrients. Some readers have told me they add a tablespoon of mustard or a splash of soy sauce.
Simple Substitutions: No chili sauce? Use more ketchup with a teaspoon of hot sauce. No brown sugar? Try maple syrup or honey.
Tips For Recipe Success: If you’re using frozen ground beef, thaw it fully before browning for the best texture. Pre-chop your peppers and onions the night before to make morning prep faster. Don’t skip draining the grease; it keeps the sauce from getting oily.
Want to prep ahead for future meals? Try the shelf-stable version with my Canning Sloppy Joe, so you always have dinner ready to go in your pantry.
My Favorite Slow Cooker Tools
Hospitality In Action Challenge
This week, use your crock pot as a tool for ministry. Invite a group that often gets overlooke, such as teenagers, single adults, or new families. Make a big batch of these Sloppy Joes. Let the crock pot do the work while you focus on what matters most: making space for laughter, conversation, and spiritual connection. One homemade meal served with presence can open the door to lifelong community.
To figure out how much ground beef you’ll need for sloppy joes, plan on about 1/2 cup of meat mixture per sandwich. One pound of ground beef makes roughly 6 sloppy joe sandwiches. That means 2 pounds yields 12 sandwiches, 3 pounds makes 18, 5 pounds serves about 30, and 10 pounds will feed 60. Hosting a big crowd? 20 pounds can make up to 120 sandwiches, perfect for large gatherings, potlucks, or church events.
To turn sloppy joes into a full meal, make my Boston Baked Beans, Crock Pot Mac and Cheese, and this easy No-Bake Strawberry Angel Food Cake.
This crock pot sloppy joes recipe is perfect for a classic crowd-pleasing meal. I hope you enjoy making it for your next gathering! If you have any questions about the recipe, feel free to ask in the comments below. I’m here to help!
Crock Pot Ground Beef Dinners
- Layered Cheesy Slow Cooker Mexican Casserole with Ground Beef
- Creamy Crockpot Taco Soup Recipe with Ranch
- Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup (Crockpot or Stovetop)
- Hearty Crock Pot Hamburger Vegetable Soup
- Cheesy Beef Taco Dip Recipe Layered in Crock Pot
Church Sloppy Joe Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef, 80/20
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 3/4 cup green bell pepper, seeded and diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 8 ounce tomato sauce, canned
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 1/3 cup chili sauce
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
Instructions
- You will need an 8-quart slow cooker for this recipe.
Cook the Meat and Vegetables
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook and crumble the ground beef until it is browned with no pink remaining.2 pounds ground beef
- Tip the pan to drain the grease, using paper towels to soak up what's left.
- Return the pan to medium heat and add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.1/2 cup onion, 3/4 cup green bell pepper, 2 cloves garlic
Combine and Slow Cook
- Pour the meat and vegetable mixture into the slow cooker.
- Add the smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, barbecue sauce, tomato sauce, ketchup, vinegar, chili sauce, and brown sugar.1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 cup barbecue sauce, 8 ounce tomato sauce, 1/2 cup ketchup, 1 tablespoon vinegar, 1/3 cup chili sauce, 1/3 cup brown sugar
- Stir well until fully combined.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 4 hours, until thickened and fragrant.
- Once cooking is finished, switch the slow cooker to WARM to hold for serving. Leaving it on LOW for an extended time will start to dry the sauce out.
Gina’s Notes and Tips
- Make Ahead: The day before, chop the vegetables and cook the ground beef with them in a skillet, then cool and refrigerate overnight. The next day, add everything to the slow cooker with the sauce ingredients, stir, turn it on, and walk away.
- Storage: Cool completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat, or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.
- Freezing: Portion the cooled mixture into freezer-safe bags and lay flat to freeze. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in a slow cooker or on the stovetop.
- Substitutions: Ground turkey or chicken can be used in place of ground beef. Sugar-free barbecue sauce and ketchup can be swapped in to reduce sugar.
- Variations: Add red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce for a spicier version.
- Slow Cooker Times — HIGH: 4 hours
- Slow Cooker Times — LOW: 6 hours
Tried this recipe?
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So easy to throw together and taste great!
Thanks for sharing Terri. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
WOw! I didn’t realize you had to add all these ingredients to make great Sloppy Joes! My recipe is super simple with only a couple ingredients. In skillet, brown however much of any type ground beef you want, add a small amount of dried onion flakes; be careful not to add too much!, land then pour in some Heinz Chile Sauce but don’t flood the meat with it. Let simmer a while and then spoon on toasted bun. So easy, so little work, so few ingredients. I’d much rather make them my way! Try my way.
Ok, Linda, I’ll try it. I need to add chili sauce to my grocery list. Will let you know.
LOVE THIS RECIPE
Thanks Ron! It’s one of those old fashioned, it just makes me feel good recipes. I remember when Manwich first came out, we tried it but, my grandma made it like this and it was much better.