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Slow Cooker Sweet and Smoky Sloppy Joes

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 170
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 2 Tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 Tbsp worcestershire sauce
  • 0.25 cup brown sugar
  • 1 Tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 Tbsp tomato paste
  • 8 buns hamburger buns Serve the mixture on these toasted buns for the classic experience

Method
 

  1. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up into small crumbles and draining off any excess fat.
  2. Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker.
  3. Add the ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, beef broth, and tomato paste.
  4. Stir everything together until well combined.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours (360 minutes).
  6. If the sauce is too thin after cooking, stir in a tablespoon of cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water) and let it cook for an additional 15 minutes.
  7. When ready to serve, check doneness with a food thermometer before serving.
  8. Serve the savory mixture on toasted hamburger buns, or spoon it over rice for a hearty twist.

Notes

Browning the beef before it goes into the slow cooker locks in extra flavor—skip it if you’re in a rush, but add a tablespoon of tomato paste to help thicken the sauce. A splash of bourbon or apple cider vinegar in the last 30 minutes cuts the sweetness and gives the sauce a subtle depth.