These easy Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes are the perfect sandwiches for busy days when you need an easy weeknight meal! Made with lean ground beef in a sweet, tangy sauce and topped with cheese, these sloppy joes are a meal the whole family can enjoy!

Slow Cooker recipes make everything easier, am I right? This meal is pretty simple. Basically, all you need to do is put everything in the Crock Pot and wait, similar to this Crockpot Pot Roast. Even though you will need to cook the ground beef over the stove first, this recipe does make the BEST sloppy joes, and it’s so much better than using canned sauce!

It helps contain the mess that is Sloppy Joes, too! Although I admit, the mess completes the meal, even if the family does go through an above-average amount of paper towels when you serve them!

SAVE THIS EASY RECIPE FOR SLOW COOKER SLOPPY JOES TO YOUR FAVORITE PINTEREST BOARD!

Sloppy Joe sandwiches made in the slow cooker.

Tips for Perfect Homemade Sloppy Joes

For a few extra tips, make sure to remember these things when you’re making the Sloppy Joes!

Spice it up however, you like it. Of course, I’m the one who doesn’t want anything to do with spicy food. Siracha or red pepper flakes give the Sloppy Joes a great kick.
Embrace the mess! Just make sure there are paper towels or baby wipes within arm’s reach of you and your kids! You’ll thank me later.
I don’t always do this, but using a toasted bun helps everything stay together better, and it tastes delicious! Pop buns in the toaster on the bagel setting or just put them under the broiler for a few minutes.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes

Ground Beef: I use lean ground beef, but you can use any kind, or substitute ground turkey instead.
Olive Oil: for sauteeing the vegetables.
Chopped Onions and Green Peppers: these add lots of flavor to your ground beef mixture.
Crushed Tomatoes, Barbecue Sauce, and Ketchup: these ingredients form the base of your sloppy joe sauce.
Cornstarch: for thickening
Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and ground black pepper: these add flavor to the sauce.
Shredded Colby Jack cheese: if desired, use the cheese for topping the sandwiches, or a slice of cheese works just as well.

See the recipe card below for exact amounts and directions!

Process photos for Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes.

How to make Sloppy Joes in a Slow Cooker

First, on the stove top, heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and green peppers and sauté until soft, about 3-5 minutes.
Next, add the ground beef and cook it until browned through. Place this ground beef mixture into the slow cooker.
Now, add the can of crushed tomatoes, barbecue sauce, ketchup, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, and the seasonings as directed. Stir until all these ingredients are completely combined.
Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally. If you feel the mixture is too runny, use the remainder of the cornstarch (2 tablespoons) mixed with 2 tablespoons of water to form a slurry, add it about 45 minutes before serving, and stir well. We like ours on the thicker side.
Serve the sloppy joes on hamburger buns topped with shredded Colby Jack cheese. The cheese is optional but takes these delicious slow cooker sandwiches to the next level!

A meat sauce sandwich made in the slow cooker.

FAQs

Do I have to brown the meat first?

It’s best to brown and crumble the ground beef on the stovetop before adding it to the crockpot. It gives you the best flavor when you have that brown, almost seared flavor from the beef.

How do I store leftover Sloppy Joes?

Let the meat cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and place it in the fridge. It will keep for 3-4 days.

Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or you can heat it on the stovetop in a saucepan until warm throughout. I actually think this sloppy joes recipe tastes even better the next day!