Sloppy Joes never go out of style, especially when they’re made in a fuss-free slow cooker. These mini-sized sliders are extra saucy, just sweet enough, and guaranteed to get a thumbs-up from youngsters at mealtime. Get ready to fill up your kitchen with the comforting scent of these hearty sandwiches.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Slider buns (about 8 to 10)
Instructions
Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Break the meat up with a spoon, ensuring it cooks evenly, and drain any excess grease. Transfer the browned beef to your slow cooker, then add chopped onions, bell pepper, tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Stir the ingredients together until everything is well combined. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for about 4 to 5 hours. The mixture should be thick, tangy, and perfectly sweet—feel free to taste and adjust the seasonings if you like it a bit spicier or sweeter.
When you’re ready to serve, line up slider buns on a tray, spoon generous portions of the Sloppy Joe filling onto each bun, and dig in. If you want to get extra cheesy, top them off with a slice of cheddar or American cheese.
Serve with a side of fresh vegetables, a batch of fries, or something crunchy like coleslaw. The beauty of these sliders is their simplicity and kid-friendliness—no advanced kitchen wizardry required.
This recipe is a fabulous option for busy families looking for a comforting, balanced meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Feel free to switch up the meat (you can use turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a health-conscious twist), or sneak in additional veggies like carrots or zucchini. However you customize them, these slow cooker Sloppy Joe sliders are sure to please everyone at the table.
Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.
