Sloppy Joes C/P

These ground beef sloppy joes go into the slow cooker and practically forget about themselves. Brown the meat first to render out excess fat (and ditch the grease), then everything else gets stirred together in the crock pot liner for hours of hands-off simmering.

The sauce builds flavor from two directions. Ketchup and tomato paste bring concentrated tomato sweetness, while vinegar, Worcestershire, and dry mustard push back with tang and bite. That sweet-sour balance is what separates a real sloppy joe from ground beef in ketchup.

Crushed beef bouillon cubes dissolved into the sauce add a meaty depth that you’d normally only get from a long braise. Combined with the low, slow cooking, the onions and celery practically melt into the sauce, thickening it naturally so it clings to the bun instead of running down your arm.

Pro Tips

• Brown the beef in batches if needed. Crowding the skillet steams the meat instead of browning it, and you lose all that rich fond.
• Drain the fat thoroughly after browning. The long cook time concentrates flavors, including grease, so start lean.
• The low setting for 6 to 8 hours gives the best results. High heat works in a pinch but the flavors don’t meld as deeply.
• Toast your burger buns before serving. A crisp bun holds up longer against the saucy filling.

Variations

• Turkey sloppy joes: Swap ground beef for ground turkey for a lighter version. Add an extra splash of Worcestershire to boost the flavor.
• Spicy sloppy joes: Stir in diced jalapenos and a few dashes of hot sauce for a kicked-up version.