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The Ultimate Lazy Cook’s Crock Pot Sloppy Joes

ByFoodarshia

So you want dinner that tastes amazing but requires about as much effort as scrolling through TikTok? Welcome to the wonderful world of crock pot sloppy joes, where your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting while you pretend to be productive. This recipe is basically a hug in sandwich form, minus the commitment of actual cooking skills.

Why This Recipe is Awesome

Listen, I’m not saying this recipe will change your life, but it might just save your weeknight sanity. It’s practically impossible to mess up – and trust me, I’ve tried. You literally dump everything in a pot and walk away. No babysitting, no stirring every five minutes like you’re conducting a very boring orchestra.

The best part? Your house will smell like a cozy diner, and people will think you actually know what you’re doing in the kitchen. Plus, it feeds a crowd without breaking the bank or your back. Perfect for feeding hungry teenagers, picky spouses, or just your own bottomless pit of a stomach.

The Ultimate Lazy Cook's Crock Pot Sloppy Joes
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The Ultimate Lazy Cook’s Crock Pot Sloppy Joes

Recipe by FoodarshiaCourse: Dinner, LunchCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

8

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

3

hours 
Calories

310

kcal
Total time

3

hours 

10

minutes

Tender, flavorful Crock Pot Sloppy Joes made with a savory-sweet sauce, slow-cooked to perfection for an easy and delicious weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs ground beef (or ground turkey)

  • 1 medium onion, diced

  • 1 green bell pepper, diced (optional)

  • 1 cup ketchup

  • 2 tbsp tomato paste

  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 tbsp brown sugar

  • 1 tsp mustard powder (or 1 tbsp yellow mustard)

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • 1/2 tsp salt

  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

  • 8 hamburger buns

Directions

  • Brown the meat: In a skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
  • Add to slow cooker: Transfer meat to the crock pot. Add diced onion and bell pepper.
  • Mix sauce: In a bowl, whisk together ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  • Combine & cook: Pour sauce over the meat mixture and stir to combine.
  • Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 4–6 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours.
  • Serve: Spoon the mixture onto hamburger buns and enjoy warm.

Notes

  • This recipe is perfect for busy days — just brown the meat, toss in the slow cooker, and let it simmer into rich, saucy perfection. Great for meal prep, potlucks, and family dinners.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t skip browning the meat – yes, I know it’s an extra step, but raw ground beef dumped straight into the crock pot tastes about as appealing as it sounds. Those few extra minutes make all the difference.

Resist the urge to lift the lid every five minutes. Your crock pot isn’t a reality TV show – stop checking on it. Every peek adds 15-20 minutes to your cooking time.

Don’t forget to drain the grease from the browned meat. Nobody wants sloppy joes swimming in a grease pond. That’s just gross.

Alternatives & Substitutions

Ground turkey or chicken work perfectly if you want to pretend this is healthy. Lentils or mushrooms make decent vegetarian substitutes, though let’s be honest – it won’t be quite the same.

No brown sugar? Regular sugar works, or try a tablespoon of honey. Out of Worcestershire sauce? Soy sauce in a pinch, but don’t tell the purists I said that.

Want more heat? Add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Prefer it sweeter? Throw in an extra tablespoon of brown sugar. This recipe is forgiving, so make it yours.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! It actually tastes better the next day. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Will this work with frozen ground beef?

Technically yes, but you’ll need to thaw it first unless you want hockey puck meat. Plan ahead, people.

Can I double this recipe?

Sure, if you have a big enough crock pot and an army to feed. Just don’t blame me when you’re eating sloppy joes for a week straight.

What sides go with this?

Coleslaw, potato chips, pickles, or whatever makes your heart happy. Life’s too short for complicated side dishes.

Can I use a different type of mustard?

Dijon works, but yellow mustard is classic for a reason. Don’t get too fancy – sometimes simple is better.

How do I know when it’s done?

When everything’s heated through and the flavors have mingled like old friends at a high school reunion.

Can I cook this on high heat to save time?

Yes, but LOW and SLOW gives better flavor. Patience, grasshopper.

Final Thoughts

There you have it – the easiest dinner that’ll make you look like a kitchen genius without breaking a sweat. These sloppy joes are comfort food at its finest, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something that tastes like love but requires minimal brain power.

Your family will think you’re amazing, your crock pot will do all the work, and you’ll have dinner sorted with enough leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch. Now go forth and create some delicious chaos – you’ve totally got this!

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