Crock Pot Sloppy Joes

Ingredients

• 2 lb ground beef
• 1 bell pepper (Finely chopped)
• 1 onion (Finely chopped)
• 3 garlic cloves (Medium cloves, minced)
• 8 oz tomato sauce (1 can)
• 0.5 cup ketchup
• 0.25 cup barbecue sauce
• 2 tbsp yellow mustard
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• salt (To taste)
• black pepper (To taste)
• hamburger buns (For serving; quantity not specified. Nutrition facts in the source do not include buns.)

Steps

1. 1

   Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and brown it, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it is no longer pink, about 8–10 minutes. Drain off the excess fat, then transfer the cooked beef to a slow cooker.

2. 2

   Add the chopped bell pepper, chopped onion, minced garlic, tomato sauce, ketchup, barbecue sauce, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir thoroughly until the beef and vegetables are evenly coated and the sauce is combined.

3. 3

   Cover the slow cooker and cook on Low for approximately 6–8 hours, until the vegetables are very tender and the flavors have fully melded. The mixture should be hot, saucy, and gently bubbling around the edges.

4. 4

   Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto hamburger buns and serve warm.

Notes

Nutrition facts from the source do not include buns. The recipe is naturally dairy-free. For a gluten-free version, replace Worcestershire sauce with coconut aminos or gluten-free tamari and use gluten-free buns. Store covered in the refrigerator for 3–5 days. To freeze, cool completely, transfer to an airtight freezer-safe bag or container, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the microwave or in a pot or skillet over medium heat. Serve with a green salad, crudités, coleslaw, potato salad, fries, onion rings, tater tots, pasta salad, baked beans, macaroni and cheese, or potato chips. Cheese may be added on top when serving.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• slow-cooked
• slow cooker
• family-friendly
• comfort food
• dairy-free
• make-ahead
• freezer-friendly