Are you looking for a stress-free family dinner? The Pioneer Woman Crock Pot Sloppy Joes Recipe is the perfect solution.
This meal is sweet, tangy, and very comforting. It turns simple ground beef into a thick, delicious sauce.
Many people love this Pioneer Woman Crock Pot Sloppy Joes Recipe for busy nights.
It is a great way to have dinner ready early. You will learn how to make Pioneer Woman Crock Pot Sloppy Joes today.
The slow cooker makes the meat very tender and flavorful. This Pioneer Woman Crock Pot Sloppy Joes Recipe is a true childhood favorite.
Let’s get this easy meal started in your kitchen!
When I first introduced to Pioneer Woman Crock Pot Sloppy Joes
I remember a very busy school night years ago. I wanted a meal that did not need watching.
I saw Ree Drummond make these on her ranch. The red sauce looked so rich and thick.
I tossed everything into my slow cooker that morning. When we came home, the house smelled like sweet onions.
My kids ate two sandwiches each and smiled. It became our favorite meal for sports nights and parties.
You will love how the flavors blend over time. It is much better than the sauce from a can.

Equipment List
- 6-quart Crock Pot (slow cooker)
- Large skillet for browning
- Sharp kitchen knife
- Cutting board
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups
- Can opener
Ingredients You Need for Pioneer Woman Crock Pot Sloppy Joes
- 2 pounds ground beef (lean)
- 1 medium yellow onion (diced)
- 1 green bell pepper (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1.5 cups ketchup
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Brown the Beef
Put your large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef to the hot pan. Break the meat into small crumbles as it cooks. Cook until you see no more pink color.
2. Drain the Excess Fat
Tilt the pan or use a large spoon. Remove the liquid fat from the cooked beef. This keeps your sloppy joe sauce from being greasy.
3. Sauté the Veggies
Add the onions and green peppers to the skillet. Cook them with the beef for five minutes. They should be soft and smell very good. Add the garlic for the last minute.
4. Transfer to the Crock Pot
Scoop the meat and vegetable mix into your Crock Pot. Make sure it is spread out across the bottom.
5. Mix the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk the ketchup and water. Stir in the brown sugar, mustard, and spices. Add the Worcestershire sauce and stir until it is smooth.
6. Combine and Stir
Pour the sweet red sauce over the meat mix. Use your wooden spoon to stir everything together. Every bit of beef should be covered in sauce.
7. Slow Cook
Put the lid on your Crock Pot. Set it to cook on Low for 4 to 6 hours. You can also cook on High for 2 to 3 hours.
8. Toast the Buns
Split your hamburger buns open. Spread a little butter on the inside of each. Toast them in a pan until they are golden. This keeps the bun from getting soggy.
Tips to Make the Best Pioneer Woman Crock Pot Sloppy Joes
- Toast your buns: Always toast the bread before serving. This creates a barrier so the sauce stays on top.
- Use lean beef: Start with 90% lean ground beef. It has less fat but still stays very juicy.
- Don’t skip the pepper: The green bell pepper is very important. It adds a classic, fresh flavor to the heavy sauce.
- Add a little heat: Use red pepper flakes for a kick. If you like it mild, leave the flakes out completely.
- Let it thicken: If the sauce is too thin, vent the lid. Let it cook uncovered for the last thirty minutes.
- Double the batch: This recipe freezes very well for later. Make a big pot and save half for next week.
FAQs about Pioneer Woman Crock Pot Sloppy Joes
Can I use ground turkey?
Yes, ground turkey works very well. It is a leaner choice for a healthy meal.
How do I store leftovers?
Put the meat in a container in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to four days.
Can I cook this on the stove?
Yes, simmer it in a pot for thirty minutes. The slow cooker just makes it more tender.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Check your ketchup and Worcestershire sauce labels. Serve it on gluten-free buns or over rice.
Can I add extra veggies?
Yes, finely chopped carrots or celery work. They add vitamins and blend into the sauce easily.
Final Thoughts
The Pioneer Woman Crock Pot Sloppy Joes Recipe is a dinner lifesaver. It uses simple ingredients for Pioneer Woman Crock Pot Sloppy Joes perfectly.
This meal is messy, fun, and very tasty for kids. Once you know how to make Pioneer Woman Crock Pot Sloppy Joes, you are set.
Your family will love the sweet and savory sauce. It is the best way to feed a hungry crowd.
Every bite is full of flavor and warm memories. Try making this for your family dinner this week.
You will love how easy your evening becomes!

Pioneer Woman Crock Pot Sloppy Joes Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef lean
- 1 medium yellow onion diced
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1.5 cups ketchup
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
Brown the Beef
- Put your large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef to the hot pan. Break the meat into small crumbles as it cooks. Cook until you see no more pink color.
Drain the Excess Fat
- Tilt the pan or use a large spoon. Remove the liquid fat from the cooked beef. This keeps your sloppy joe sauce from being greasy.
Sauté the Veggies
- Add the onions and green peppers to the skillet. Cook them with the beef for five minutes. They should be soft and smell very good. Add the garlic for the last minute.
Transfer to the Crock Pot
- Scoop the meat and vegetable mix into your Crock Pot. Make sure it is spread out across the bottom.
Mix the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk the ketchup and water. Stir in the brown sugar, mustard, and spices. Add the Worcestershire sauce and stir until it is smooth.
Combine and Stir
- Pour the sweet red sauce over the meat mix. Use your wooden spoon to stir everything together. Every bit of beef should be covered in sauce.
Slow Cook
- Put the lid on your Crock Pot. Set it to cook on Low for 4 to 6 hours. You can also cook on High for 2 to 3 hours.
Toast the Buns
- Split your hamburger buns open. Spread a little butter on the inside of each. Toast them in a pan until they are golden. This keeps the bun from getting soggy.
Notes
- Toast your buns: Always toast the bread before serving. This creates a barrier so the sauce stays on top.
- Use lean beef: Start with 90% lean ground beef. It has less fat but still stays very juicy.
- Don’t skip the pepper: The green bell pepper is very important. It adds a classic, fresh flavor to the heavy sauce.
- Add a little heat: Use red pepper flakes for a kick. If you like it mild, leave the flakes out completely.
- Let it thicken: If the sauce is too thin, vent the lid. Let it cook uncovered for the last thirty minutes.
- Double the batch: This recipe freezes very well for later. Make a big pot and save half for next week.












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