Savory Slow Cooker Mississippi Sloppy Joes Recipe

Mississippi’s legendary slow cooker sloppy joes bring comfort straight to your dinner table with minimal effort.

Packed with robust flavors, this hearty dish combines tangy sauce and tender meat in one incredible meal.

Regional culinary traditions inspire these delectable sandwiches that make everyone smile.

Simple ingredients create magic when slow-simmered together, melding into a mouthwatering blend.

Weeknight dinners just got easier with this foolproof recipe that requires zero complicated techniques.

Minimal prep means maximum satisfaction as you watch this classic comfort food come together effortlessly.

Slow Cooker Mississippi Sloppy Joes with a Zing

• Simplify your cooking routine with this slow cooker recipe that requires minimal hands-on time and delivers maximum flavor with just a few easy steps.
• Create a crowd-pleasing meal that kids and adults will love, with a hearty and satisfying blend of savory beef and zesty seasonings that everyone can enjoy.
• Transform ordinary ground beef into a delicious, tender dish with minimal effort, letting the slow cooker do the hard work while you focus on other activities.
• Serve on soft burger buns, over rice, or as a standalone dish, making it perfect for casual family dinners, game nights, or laid-back weekend gatherings.

What Goes in Slow Cooker Mississippi Sloppy Joes

• Ground Beef: Provides the hearty foundation for the sloppy joes, rich in protein and classic comfort food texture. Choose lean ground beef for less grease.
• Pepperoncini Peppers: Adds tangy and slightly spicy flavor, bringing brightness to the meat mixture. Pickled peppers work best.

• Ranch Seasoning Mix: Delivers creamy and herbal undertones to the meat. Look for a dry packet mix.
• Au Jus Seasoning Mix: Enhances beef flavor with deep, savory notes. Adds depth and richness to the dish.
• Black Pepper: Provides subtle heat and aromatic warmth. Freshly ground offers the best flavor.
• Paprika: Contributes mild smoky flavor and beautiful color. Use sweet paprika for balanced taste.

• Beef Broth: Creates moisture and intensifies meat flavor. Low-sodium versions allow better seasoning control.
• Butter: Adds richness and smooth texture. Unsalted butter recommended for precise seasoning.

• Onion: Provides sweet and savory base flavor. White or yellow onions work perfectly.
• Garlic: Offers deep, pungent undertones. Fresh garlic cloves preferred over pre-minced.

How to Make Mississippi Sloppy Joes in the Slow Cooker

Step 1: Sizzle and Prepare Ground Beef

Heat a skillet over medium-high flame. Toss in ground beef and cook until it transforms into a rich, golden-brown color. Use a spatula to break up the meat, ensuring even cooking. Once fully cooked, drain away any excess fat to keep the dish light and delicious.

Step 2: Create Flavor Magic in the Slow Cooker

• Ranch seasoning
• Au jus mix
• Butter
• Pepperoncini peppers
• Chopped onion
• Minced garlic
• Beef broth
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Paprika

Stir everything together, mixing the ingredients until they create a harmonious blend. Cover the slow cooker and let the magic happen. For a low and slow approach, cook on LOW for 4-5 hours. If you’re short on time, use the HIGH setting for 2-3 hours.

Step 3: Serve Up Sloppy Deliciousness

Once the meat is tender and infused with incredible flavors, scoop the mixture onto soft burger buns. Prepare for a messy, mouth-watering experience that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Tips to Improve Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes

• Drain Fat Thoroughly: Remove as much grease as possible when browning beef to prevent a greasy texture and ensure a cleaner, more concentrated flavor.
• Customize Spice Level: Adjust the amount of pepperoncini or add hot sauce for those who enjoy extra heat in their sloppy joes.
• Make It Lighter: Swap ground beef for lean ground turkey or chicken to reduce calories and fat content while maintaining a delicious meal.
• Prep Ahead: Brown the beef and mix ingredients the night before, then store in the refrigerator to save time and let flavors meld overnight.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Portion and freeze leftover sloppy joe mixture for quick future meals that can be reheated in the slow cooker or microwave.

Best Way to Store and Reheat Sloppy Joes

• Store leftover Sloppy Joes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the mixture completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled meat mixture to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Warm in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of beef broth to restore moisture and prevent drying out. Heat until temperature reaches 165°F.
• Place portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving.

What Matches with Mississippi Sloppy Joes

• Fresh, tangy cabbage slaw cuts through the rich, meaty flavors and adds a cool crunch to balance the sloppy joe's robust taste.
• Zesty, briny pickles provide a sharp contrast that refreshes the palate and enhances the savory beef mixture.
• Slightly sweet, golden fries offer a delightful textural counterpoint and soak up the delicious saucy joe goodness.
• An amber ale or pale lager with mild bitterness will stand up to the bold, pepperoncini-infused meat while cleansing the palate between bites.

Variations for Sloppy Joe Fans to Try

• Vegetarian Joe's: Replace ground beef with lentils, crumbled tofu, or plant-based meat alternatives. Maintain the same seasoning profile for a protein-packed vegetarian version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free ranch seasoning and au jus mix. Serve on gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps to accommodate gluten-sensitive diners.
• Spicy Pepper Lovers: Add diced jalapeños or increase pepperoncini quantity. Include a dash of hot sauce for extra heat and flavor complexity.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Skip the buns and serve the saucy meat mixture over cauliflower rice or as a protein-rich salad topping for a carbohydrate-conscious meal.

Mississippi Sloppy Joes Questions Answered

• What are pepperoncini peppers?

Pepperoncini are mild, tangy Italian pickled peppers with a slightly sweet and zesty flavor. They add a subtle kick and brightness to the Mississippi Sloppy Joes without being too spicy.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works perfectly as a leaner alternative. Just make sure to drain any excess fat and follow the same cooking instructions as you would for ground beef.

• Do I need to pre-cook the onions before adding them to the slow cooker?

No, you can add raw chopped onions directly to the slow cooker. They will soften and release their flavors during the slow cooking process, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not automatically. Check the labels on ranch seasoning and au jus mix to ensure they are gluten-free. Many brands offer gluten-free versions of these seasonings that you can substitute in the recipe.

Slow Cooker Mississippi Sloppy Joes Recipe

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4.8 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Mississippi Sloppy Joes sizzle with southern charm, blending rich beef and tangy ranch dressing into a mouthwatering comfort classic. Home cooks will discover pure deliciousness in this simple slow cooker recipe that brings family dinner to new flavor heights.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 2 lbs (907 grams) ground beef or ground turkey

Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 packet (28 grams) ranch seasoning mix
• 1 packet (28 grams) au jus gravy mix
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Base and Liquid Ingredients:

• ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, sliced
• ½ cup (118 milliliters) sliced pepperoncini peppers
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) pepperoncini juice
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup (237 milliliters) beef broth

Serving Components:

• 6 brioche or sandwich buns
• ½ cup (57 grams) shredded cheddar or provolone cheese (optional)

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Instructions

1. Sear the ground beef in a hot skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it into crumbly pieces until it achieves a rich, golden-brown color and releases its flavorful essence.
2. Meticulously drain away any lingering fat, ensuring a lean and clean meat base for your sloppy joe mixture.
3. Gently transfer the seasoned beef into the slow cooker, creating a welcoming vessel for the upcoming flavor infusion.
4. Sprinkle ranch seasoning and au jus mix across the meat, allowing these powdery seasonings to dance and meld together.
5. Introduce pats of butter, which will melt and create a luxurious undertone to the developing sauce.
6. Scatter tangy pepperoncini peppers throughout the mixture, adding a vibrant, zesty kick to the dish.
7. Incorporate finely chopped onions and minced garlic, which will slowly dissolve and impart deep, aromatic layers of flavor.
8. Pour beef broth around the ingredients, creating a moisture-rich environment for slow cooking.
9. Dust the surface with freshly cracked black pepper and a whisper of smoky paprika to enhance the overall complexity.
10. Stir the ingredients gently, ensuring an even distribution of seasonings and peppers.
11. Cover the slow cooker and allow the mixture to simmer and transform on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours, developing rich, interconnected flavors.
12. Once cooking is complete, use a fork to shred the meat into delectable, sauce-coated morsels ready for serving.

Notes

• For the juiciest results, choose ground beef with a slightly higher fat content like 80/20, which helps keep the meat moist during slow cooking.
• Drain excess grease thoroughly to prevent a greasy texture and allow the seasonings to penetrate the meat more effectively.
• Pepperoncini peppers add a tangy kick, but for those sensitive to heat, remove the seeds or reduce the quantity for a milder flavor.
• Make this dish gluten-free by using certified gluten-free ranch and au jus mixes, and serving on gluten-free buns or over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg