Add a hearty and flavorful twist to your dinner routine with these Crock Pot Sloppy Joes! This easy-to-make recipe transforms basic ingredients into a mouth-watering dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a savory, tangy, and slightly sweet meal that your family will love. Dive into the ultimate comfort food with this no-fuss method.
Why You’ll Love This Family Favorite
- Effortless . Just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do all the work.
- Flavorful . A perfect balance of tangy, savory, and sweet flavors in every bite.
- Family-Friendly . Kids and adults alike will enjoy this classic and comforting main course .
With the convenience of a slow cooker, you’ll achieve that perfect combination of tender, flavorful beef without having to stand over the stove. These Sloppy Joes are sure to become a new family favorite!
What Do Crock Pot Sloppy Joes Taste Like?
Crock Pot Sloppy Joes have a rich, savory, and slightly sweet flavor that’s perfectly balanced with a hint of tanginess.
The slow-cooked ground beef becomes incredibly tender, absorbing the deep flavors of the tomato sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard.
The sauce is thick and hearty, with the sweetness from the brown sugar and ketchup complementing the savory meat, while the apple cider vinegar adds a touch of acidity that cuts through the richness. The onions and bell peppers provide a subtle crunch and freshness, rounding out the dish.
The result is a satisfying, comforting meal with a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory notes that the whole family will love
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Ground Beef - The main protein of the dish. Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess grease.
- Onion - Adds depth and a mild sweetness to the dish.
- Garlic - Enhances the savory taste with its aromatic qualities.
- Tomato Sauce - Forms the base of the sauce, giving it a rich and tangy flavor.
- Tomato Paste - Thickens the sauce and intensifies the tomato flavor.
- Ketchup - Adds sweetness and tanginess, essential for that classic Sloppy Joe taste.
- Brown Sugar - Balances the tangy tomato base with a touch of sweetness.
- Worcestershire Sauce - Adds a layer of umami flavor, deepening the overall taste.
- Yellow Mustard - Provides a bit of tang and sharpness to the sauce.
- Apple Cider Vinegar - Adds a slight acidity to balance the sweetness.
- Salt & Pepper - Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
- Hamburger Buns - Soft buns are ideal for holding the juicy meat mixture.
How To Make Crock Pot Sloppy Joes
- Brown the Meat . Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. This step is important to develop flavor and remove excess grease. Once browned, drain the fat and transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
- Prep the Onion . Dice the onion finely. Mince the garlic. These ingredients will add flavor and texture to the Sloppy Joes.
- Combine the Ingredients . Add the diced onion and garlic to the slow cooker with the beef. Then, pour in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Cook Low and Slow . Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. The longer cooking time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Serve . Once the Sloppy Joe mixture is done cooking, give it a final stir and taste for seasoning. Serve the mixture hot on soft hamburger buns. Enjoy with a side of coleslaw, potato chips, or a simple salad for a complete meal.
Tips And Tricks
Making Crock Pot Sloppy Joes is a great way to enjoy a classic comfort food with minimal effort. Here are some tips and tricks to ensure they turn out delicious every time:
- Brown the Meat First . Browning the ground beef (or any other meat you’re using) before adding it to the crock pot enhances the flavor and allows you to drain off excess fat. This step is crucial for a richer, more robust taste.
- Use Fresh Vegetables . Fresh onions, bell peppers, and garlic can add depth of flavor to your Sloppy Joes. Sauté them briefly before adding them to the crock pot to release their natural sweetness and enhance the overall taste.
- Balance the Sweet and Tangy . The key to great Sloppy Joes is the perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess in the sauce. Typically, a combination of ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and vinegar does the trick.
Variations
Sloppy Joes are a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit a variety of tastes and dietary needs. Here are some creative variations:
- Turkey- Substitute ground turkey for beef to make a lighter version. You may need to adjust the seasonings slightly to enhance the flavor.
- Vegetarian- Use lentils, chickpeas, or a plant-based ground meat substitute in place of beef for a vegetarian-friendly option.
- BBQ- Swap out the ketchup for your favorite BBQ sauce to give your Sloppy Joes a smoky, tangy twist.
What To Eat With Crock Pot Sloppy Joes
Crock Pot Sloppy Joes pair wonderfully with various sides. Here are some great options:
- Potato Chips - A classic choice that adds a satisfying crunch.
- Coleslaw - Provides a creamy and tangy contrast to the rich Sloppy Joes.
- Corn on the Cob - A sweet, buttery side that complements the savory sandwich.
How Long Do They Last?
Sloppy Joes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
Can You Freeze Them?
Absolutely! Sloppy Joes freeze very well. Let the mixture cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
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- Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches
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- Turkey Sloppy Joes
Crock Pot Sloppy Joes | Slow Cooker Sloppy Joe Recipe
Ingredients
- ▢ 1 1/2 pounds Lean Ground Beef
- ▢ 1 Onion
- ▢ 2 cloves Garlic
- ▢ 1 cup Tomato Sauce
- ▢ 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
- ▢ 1/2 cup Ketchup
- ▢ 2 tbsp Brown Sugar
- ▢ 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
- ▢ 1 tbsp Yellow Mustard
- ▢ 1 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
- ▢ 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
- ▢ 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
- ▢ 6 Hamburger Buns
Instructions
- Brown the Meat . Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. This step is important to develop flavor and remove excess grease. Once browned, drain the fat and transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
- Prep the Onion . Dice the onion finely. Mince the garlic. These ingredients will add flavor and texture to the Sloppy Joes.
- Combine the Ingredients . Add the diced onion and garlic to the slow cooker with the beef. Then, pour in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Cook Low and Slow . Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. The longer cooking time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Serve . Once the Sloppy Joe mixture is done cooking, give it a final stir and taste for seasoning. Serve the mixture hot on soft hamburger buns. Enjoy with a side of coleslaw, potato chips, or a simple salad for a complete meal.
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Crock Pot Sloppy Joes | Slow Cooker Sloppy Joe Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds Lean Ground Beef
- 1 Onion
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 1 cup Tomato Sauce
- 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
- 1/2 cup Ketchup
- 2 tbsp Brown Sugar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 tbsp Yellow Mustard
- 1 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
- 6 Hamburger Buns
Instructions
- Brown the Meat . Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. This step is important to develop flavor and remove excess grease. Once browned, drain the fat and transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
- Prep the Onion . Dice the onion finely. Mince the garlic. These ingredients will add flavor and texture to the Sloppy Joes.
- Combine the Ingredients . Add the diced onion and garlic to the slow cooker with the beef. Then, pour in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Cook Low and Slow . Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. The longer cooking time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Serve . Once the Sloppy Joe mixture is done cooking, give it a final stir and taste for seasoning. Serve the mixture hot on soft hamburger buns. Enjoy with a side of coleslaw, potato chips, or a simple salad for a complete meal.
Crock Pot Sloppy Joes | Slow Cooker Sloppy Joe Recipe https://twosleevers.com/crock-pot-sloppy-joes/
Warm up with this delicious and easy-to-make Instant Pot Meatball Soup! This hearty soup is packed with tender meatballs, vegetables, and a flavorful broth, making it the perfect comfort food for any season. Using the Instant Pot, you’ll have a delicious homemade soup on the table in no time, with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Spectacular Soup
- Quick and Easy . Ready in under 30 minutes, thanks to the Instant Pot.
- Hearty and Filling . Packed with protein-rich meatballs and wholesome vegetables.
- Flavorful . A rich and savory broth that complements the tender meatballs perfectly.
- One-Pot Meal . Minimal cleanup with everything cooked in the Instant Pot.
With the convenience of the Instant Pot, you can enjoy a homemade soup that tastes like it’s been simmering all day—without the wait!
How Do You Keep Meatballs From Falling Apart In Soup?
To keep meatballs from falling apart in soup, follow these tips:
- Don’t Overmix . When combining the ingredients for your meatballs, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can make the meatballs tough and more likely to fall apart.
- Use a Binder . Incorporate a binder like breadcrumbs, eggs, or grated cheese into the meatball mixture. This helps hold the meatballs together during cooking.
- Chill the Meatballs . After forming the meatballs, chill them in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes before adding them to the soup. This helps them firm up and stay together during cooking.
- Brown the Meatballs . Browning the meatballs in a skillet or in the Instant Pot on sauté mode before adding them to the soup helps create a crust that keeps them intact.
- Handle Gently . When adding meatballs to the soup, place them gently into the liquid and avoid stirring vigorously. This will prevent them from breaking apart.
- Don’t Overcook . Overcooking can cause the meatballs to lose moisture and become crumbly. Cook them just until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
What Does Meatball Soup Taste Like?
The overall flavor of meatball soup is a balance of savory, slightly tangy, and rich, with the herbs and spices adding layers of complexity. It’s a dish that is both hearty and soothing, making it a perfect comfort food for cooler weather.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For The Meatballs
- Ground Beef - Provides the rich, savory base for the meatballs.
- Breadcrumbs - Helps bind the meatballs and gives them a tender texture.
- Parmesan Cheese - Adds a nutty, salty flavor to the meatballs.
- Egg - Acts as a binder to hold the meatballs together.
- Garlic - Adds aromatic depth and flavor.
- Italian Seasoning - A blend of herbs that infuses the meatballs with traditional Italian flavors.
- Salt and Pepper - Enhances the overall flavor of the meatballs.
For The Soup
- Olive Oil - Used to sauté the vegetables, adding richness to the broth.
- Onion - Provides a sweet and savory base for the soup.
- Carrots - Adds a touch of sweetness and vibrant color.
- Celery - Adds a fresh, slightly peppery flavor.
- Garlic - Adds an aromatic punch to the soup base.
- Crushed Tomatoes - Gives the broth a rich, tangy flavor.
- Chicken Broth - Creates the flavorful, savory base of the soup.
- Pasta (optional) - Makes this meatball soup even more hearty.
- Italian Seasoning - Complements the meatballs and enhances the broth.
- Salt and Pepper - Balances the flavors of the soup.
How To Make Meatball Soup
- Prepare the Meatballs . In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated. Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Sauté the Vegetables . Set your Instant Pot to the sauté function and heat the olive oil. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the Tomatoes and Broth . Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir to combine with the sautéed vegetables. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Add the Meatballs . Gently place the prepared meatballs into the Instant Pot, ensuring they are submerged in the liquid. If using pasta or rice, add it to the pot at this stage.
- Cook the Soup . Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set the valve to the sealing position. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Once the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes, then carefully quick release the remaining pressure.
- Add Pasta. Add the pasta to the cooked soup. Turn the Instant Pot to saute and simmer for 5-7 minutes or until the pasta is al dente.
- Serve . Carefully open the Instant Pot, giving the soup a gentle stir. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs or grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Tips And Tricks
Making a perfect Instant Pot Meatball Soup requires a few simple tips and tricks to ensure that your soup is as delicious as possible:
- Use Fresh Ingredients . Fresh vegetables and herbs will make a big difference in the flavor of your soup.
- Don’t Overmix the Meatballs . Mix the meatball ingredients just until combined to keep them tender.
- Brown the Meatballs (Optional) . For extra flavor, you can brown the meatballs in the Instant Pot on sauté mode before adding the vegetables.
- Adjust the Seasonings . Taste the soup before serving and adjust the salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to your liking.
Variations
This Instant Pot Meatball Soup is versatile and can be customized to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Here are a few variations you might enjoy:
- Turkey- Substitute ground turkey for a lighter option.
- Spicy- Add red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or soup for a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian- Use vegetarian meatballs and vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Creamy- Stir in some heavy cream or coconut milk at the end for a rich, creamy broth.
What To Eat With Meatball Soup
Instant Pot Meatball Soup is a hearty dish that pairs well with a variety of sides:
- Bread - Perfect for soaking up the rich broth.
- Salad - A fresh, crisp salad provides a nice contrast to the warm, hearty soup.
- Grilled Cheese - A classic comfort food pairing.
- Roasted Vegetables - Add even more veggies to your meal with a side of roasted vegetables.
How Long Does It Last?
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Can You Freeze It?
This soup freezes well! Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
MoreInstant Pot Soup Recipes
- Pumpkin Soup
- Keto Zuppa Toscana
- Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Caldo de Res
- Chicken Fajita Soup
- Barley and Chicken Soup
- Szechuan Pork Soup
Meatball Soup Recipe | Instant Pot Meatball Soup
Ingredients
For The Meatballs
- ▢ 1 pound Ground Beef
- ▢ 1/2 cup Bread Crumbs
- ▢ 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese
- ▢ 1 Egg
- ▢ 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
- ▢ 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
- ▢ 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
- ▢ 1/4 tsp Ground Black Pepper
For The Soup
- ▢ 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- ▢ 1 Onion , diced
- ▢ 2 Carrots , Peeled and sliced
- ▢ 2 Celery Stalks , chopped
- ▢ 3 Garlic Cloves , minced
- ▢ 28 oz Crushed Tomatoes
- ▢ 4 cups Chicken Broth
- ▢ 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
- ▢ 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
- ▢ 1/4 tsp Ground Black Pepper
- ▢ 4 oz Medium Shells
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs . In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated. Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Sauté the Vegetables . Set your Instant Pot to the sauté function and heat the olive oil. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the Tomatoes and Broth . Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir to combine with the sautéed vegetables. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Add the Meatballs . Gently place the prepared meatballs into the Instant Pot, ensuring they are submerged in the liquid. If using pasta or rice, add it to the pot at this stage.
- Cook the Soup . Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set the valve to the sealing position. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Once the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes, then carefully quick release the remaining pressure.
- Serve . Carefully open the Instant Pot, giving the soup a gentle stir. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs or grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
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Indian Instant Pot , Keto Instant Pot, Instant Pot Fast and Easy , Healthy Instant Pot & Vegetarian Instant Pot .
