Slow Cooker Mississippi Sloppy Joes

There’s something inherently comforting about a plate of Slow Cooker Mississippi Sloppy Joes. I can vividly recall the first time I served these at a casual gathering with friends. The aroma wafted through the house, drawing everyone into the kitchen, eager to dig in. I remember the gleeful chatter as we piled the robust mixture onto soft buns, the perfect vessel for capturing all that flavor. Each bite was a delightful mess, with the zesty, spicy notes mingling beautifully with the richness of the ground beef and the sweetness of the brown sugar. This dish has become a staple in my home, reminding me of laughter-filled evenings and carefree days. The beauty of Slow Cooker Mississippi Sloppy Joes lies not just in its taste but also in its simplicity; you can set it and forget it while you go about your day, only to return to an enticing meal waiting for you. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a fun get-together, these sloppy joes are sure to satisfy everyone at the table, making memories along the way.

Key Ingredients for Slow Cooker Mississippi Sloppy Joes

The ingredients for Slow Cooker Mississippi Sloppy Joes are thoughtfully chosen to create a comforting and satisfying meal. Each component plays a role in building flavor and texture, coming together to make this dish a favorite. Whether it’s the savory ground beef for heartiness or the pepperoncini peppers for that zing, these ingredients work harmoniously to create the perfect sloppy joe experience.

• 2 pounds lean ground beef (I recommend 90/10 ground beef): The star of this dish, it provides a rich and hearty base, ensuring each bite is satisfying.
• 1 large yellow onion, finely diced: Adds sweetness and depth, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
• ⅓ cup ketchup: Brings sweetness and tang, a classic ingredient for any sloppy joe.
• 1.5 ounces ranch dressing seasoning mix: This adds a unique flavor twist that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
• 1 ounce au jus gravy mix: Introduces a savory note that elevates the dish and adds richness.
• 3 tablespoons pepperoncini juice: A touch of acidity that brightens up the flavors.
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, packed: Balances the acidity with sweetness, creating a well-rounded flavor.
• ¾ cup pepperoncini peppers, drained and sliced: Adds a delightful zing and texture, making the dish even more enjoyable.
• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, sliced into pats: Adds richness and enhances the sauce’s flavor.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch, optional: Used to thicken the mixture if desired, ensuring a perfect consistency.
• 8 buns, for serving (or mashed potatoes): The ideal vehicle for the filling, making for a fun and easy meal.

Recipe Directions for Slow Cooker Mississippi Sloppy Joes

Cooking Slow Cooker Mississippi Sloppy Joes is as easy as it gets! Let’s walk through the steps together, ensuring you achieve that perfect flavor and texture.

1. Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and onions. Cook for about 8 minutes, stirring frequently, until the ground beef is beautifully browned, and the onions are soft and translucent. If the mixture seems dry, feel free to add a tablespoon of olive oil.
2. Once the ground beef and onions are ready, transfer this hearty mixture into the insert of your 6-quart (or 7-quart) slow cooker.
3. Next, add the ketchup, ranch dressing seasoning mix, au jus gravy mix, pepperoncini juice, and brown sugar. Stir everything together until well combined, ensuring every bit of the ground beef mixture is coated with those delicious sauces.
4. Now, it’s time to enhance the flavor! Evenly distribute the sliced pepperoncini peppers over the top of the mixture. Dot the top with pats of butter to add richness.
5. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on HIGH for 1 to 2 hours or on LOW for 3 to 4 hours. Stir the mixture once or twice during the cooking process. The cooking time may vary depending on your slow cooker, so keep an eye on it!
6. As the cooking time nears completion, check the consistency of the mixture. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water (or additional pepperoncini juice for more flavor). Stir this slurry into the slow cooker and let it cook for an additional 20 to 30 minutes.
7. Remember, the mixture may appear a bit more soupy while hot in the slow cooker, but it will thicken as it cools, so don’t worry if it looks a little wet!
8. When you’re ready to serve, scoop the delicious mixture onto your buns or enjoy it over mashed potatoes for a comforting twist.
9. Don’t forget that these are called sloppy joes for a reason—get ready for a delicious, messy meal!

Variations to Try

While the classic Slow Cooker Mississippi Sloppy Joes are certainly delicious, there are many fun variations you can try to keep things interesting.

• Spicy Kick: Add more sliced pepperoncini or even some jalapeños for additional heat.
• Veggie Boost: Incorporate diced bell peppers or mushrooms to add more depth and flavors.
• Cheesy Delight: Top the final product with shredded cheese before serving for an extra layer of flavor.
• BBQ Twist: Substitute half of the ketchup with your favorite BBQ sauce for a smoky flavor.
• Low-Carb Option: Serve the mixture over a bed of lettuce instead of buns for a healthier alternative.

Perfect Matches for Slow Cooker Mississippi Sloppy Joes

When serving your Slow Cooker Mississippi Sloppy Joes, consider pairing them with sides that complement the rich, savory flavors of the dish. Here are some great options:

• Coleslaw: A crisp, tangy coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch that contrasts beautifully with the sloppy joes.
• Potato Wedges: Crispy, oven-baked potato wedges serve as a hearty side, perfect for scooping up any extra sauce.
• Pickles: The briny crunch of pickles adds an extra layer of flavor and texture, making each bite even better.
• Macaroni Salad: A creamy macaroni salad provides a comforting side that pairs well with the main dish.
• Corn on the Cob: Sweet, juicy corn is a classic side that enhances the overall meal experience.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Slow Cooker Mississippi Sloppy Joes is a dish that combines comfort and flavor in a way that’s hard to resist. With its savory filling and easy preparation, it’s perfect for anyone looking for a satisfying meal. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; you might just find yourself making it a regular on your dinner rotation!

Slow Cooker Mississippi Sloppy Joes

The ultimate comfort food, Slow Cooker Mississippi Sloppy Joes deliver layers of flavor in every messy bite. With a perfect balance of savory and sweet, they make for a delightful easy weeknight dinner. Set your slow cooker and let the delicious aromas fill your kitchen.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 hours hrs

Total Time 2 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 480

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 pounds lean ground beef I recommend 90/10 ground beef
• 1 large yellow onion finely diced
• ⅓ cup ketchup
• 1.5 ounce ranch dressing seasoning mix
• 1 ounce au jus gravy mix
• 3 tablespoon pepperoncini juice plus more if desired with the cornstarch, if using
• 2 tablespoon light brown sugar packed
• ¾ cup pepperoncini peppers drained and sliced
• ⅓ cup unsalted butter sliced into pats
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch optional to thicken juices; mixed with either 1 tbsp water OR 1 tbsp pepperoncini juice
• 8 buns for serving or mashed potatoes

Equipment

• Large Skillet
• 6-quart slow cooker

Method

 

1. To a large skillet, add the ground beef, onions, and cook over medium-high heat for about 8 minutes, or until the ground beef is browned and the onions are soft and translucent. If necessary, add a tablespoon olive oil if the mixture seems dry. Stir and crumble the beef as it cooks to ensure even browning.
2. Transfer the beef and onion mixture to the sprayed insert of a 6-quart (or 7-quart slow cooker).
3. Add the ketchup, ranch mix, au jus gravy mix, pepperoncini juice, brown sugar, and stir well to combine and distribute evenly.
4. Evenly top with the sliced pepperoncini peppers, pats of butter, place the lid on your slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 1-2 hours, or on LOW for 3-4 hours. Stir once or twice during the cooking process. Cook time is approximate and will depend on your slow cooker and how hot (or not hot) it runs as well as ambient kitchen temperature. Cook until done, whatever that means on the clock given your slow cooker.
5. Optional– If during the last 30 minutes or so of cooking, the meat mixture and sauce is not as thick as you'd like, you can help it tighten up by mixing 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water (or pepperoncini juice if you want more of that flavor/heat), add that slurry to the slow cooker, stir to combine, place the lid back on, and continue slow cooking for another 20-30 minutes, or as necessary. Tip– Everything always looks wetter/more soupy while it's hot and in the slow cooker. When it cools, and as time passes, it will dry out; keep that in mind when you're letting it simmer to not allow the meat mixture to get too dry. After all, these are sloppy joes.
6. Serve in buns or as desired.

Notes

• Storage: Leftover sloppy Joe meat will keep airtight in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave for about 30 seconds, or as needed.

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Meet Georgia Clark

I’m the one who obsesses over the details so you don't have to. I love the science of cooking and perfecting comfort classics. I’ve tested this recipe multiple times to guarantee it comes out foolproof and delicious every single time you make it.