Crockpot Sloppy Joes Recipe

There is nothing more interesting than a recipe that has a legend behind it. Of course, crockpot Sloppy joes are not exactly the same recipe as the legend. But the legend gives us an idea of where sloppy joes got started. Legend has it that a chef named Joe at Floyd Angell’s Cafe in Sioux City, Iowa started it all.

In the 1950s there were things called “loose meat” sandwiches. Joe apparently took those loose meat sandwiches, added tomato sauce and boom, the Sloppy joe was created. The legend may or may not be true. But the fact is, sloppy joes are uniquely American and now, you can have an American dinner using your crockpot. 

Crockpot Sloppy Joes are not only an easy dinner recipe but a fun recipe for kids to enjoy that parents can reminisce over. Many of us remember Sloppy Joes from summer camp, school, and summer BBQs. You may not know those Sloppy Joes are 100% American.

That means it is our responsibility to pass these recipes down from generation to generation. You may not find Sloppy Joes on menus at American restaurants and you definitely won’t order one anytime soon from a Michelin Star restaurant.

But you can absolutely make crockpot Sloppy Joes at home and make them as fancy as you’d like. Things will get messy, but that is the absolute best part of these sandwiches. If it doesn’t get all over the plate, then you did it wrong. 

Crockpot Sloppy Joes Recipe Ingredients 

This recipe is a from-scratch recipe. There is no can of Sloppy Joe mix in this recipe. That means you will need more ingredients than you may think. You will need onions, green peppers, garlic, ketchup, brown sugar, ground mustard, Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce, and salt and pepper. All of that is just for the sauce.

You will also want your favorite type of ground beef. We can fancy things up with the buns as well. A pretzel bun sounds amazing or a brioche bun. Of course, you could also stick with the classic hamburger bun if you’d like.

Directions

Brown ground beef with onion & bell pepper. Add garlic the last couple minutes of cooking. The meat does not need to cook all the way through since it will be going into the crockpot.

Spray crockpot with cooking spray.

Dump tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, ground mustard, Worcestershire, and salt & pepper to crockpot and whisk until combined.

Add meat mixture and mix it up with sauce.

Turn on high for approximately 2 hours.

Enjoy!

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