Name: Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 2 h 20 min
Yield: 8 serving(s)
Ingredients: 2 tbsp. salted butter, plus more for the rolls; 2 1/2 lb. ground beef; 5 garlic cloves, minced; 1 large green bell pepper, diced; 1/2 large onion, diced; 1 tsp. kosher salt; 1/2 tsp. black pepper; 1 1/2 c. ketchup; 2 tbsp. brown sugar; 1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce; 2 tsp. chili powder, plus more to taste; 1 tsp. dry mustard; 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes, plus more to taste; 8 kaiser rolls, split; 8 slices cheese (such as cheddar, American, pepper jack; optional); Hot sauce, for serving; Kettle cooked potato chips, for serving; 8 dill pickle spears, for serving

Step 1In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until browned, 5 to 7 minutes. Drain off and discard most of the fat.

Step 2Add the garlic, bell pepper, onion, salt, and black pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften, 5 to 7 minutes. Pour the mixture into a 6-quart slow cooker.

Step 3Add the ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, dry mustard, red pepper flakes, and ½ cup water. Stir to combine.

Step 4Cook until the flavors concentrate and the mixture reduces slightly and deepens in color around the edges, on high for 2 hours or low for 4 hours. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.

Step 5Heat a griddle or skillet over medium heat. Spread the cut sides of the rolls with butter and, working in batches as necessary, toast buttered-side down until golden brown, 1 to 2 minutes. Spoon the meat mixture (about ½ cup) over each roll, topping with slices of cheese, if you like. Serve with hot sauce, chips, and a pickle.

Ingredients

Directions

Slow Cooker