Crockpot Sloppy Joes

Servings: 6–8

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 3–4 hours (low)

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground beef

• 1 small onion, finely diced

• 1 green bell pepper, finely diced

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 cup ketchup

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/2 cup beef broth or water

• Hot dog or hamburger buns (to serve)

Instructions

Brown ground beef in a skillet, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat.

Add onions, bell pepper, and garlic to the pan; cook 2–3 minutes until slightly softened.

Transfer the mixture to the crockpot.

Add ketchup, tomato paste, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and broth. Stir well.

Cook on low for 3–4 hours or on high for 1.5–2 hours.

Stir before serving — the sauce will thicken beautifully.

Spoon generously over toasted buns.

Optional Add-Ins

• A splash of BBQ sauce for deeper flavor

• Red pepper flakes for heat

• Shredded cheddar on top

• Pickles for crunch