Slow Cooker Cowboy Sloppy Joes
Smoky, sweet, and a little spicy, these Slow Cooker Cowboy Sloppy Joes pack bacon, jalapeños, and BBQ sauce into one saucy sandwich. The slow cooker does the work while the beef turns tender and rich, ready to pile onto toasted buns with melty Colby Jack. It’s messy in the best way and the kind of weeknight dinner that has everyone hovering for seconds.
Servings 6
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 Pounds Lean Ground Beef browned and drained
- 1 Pound Bacon cooked and crumbled
- ½ Onion diced
- 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
- 3 Cloves Garlic minced
- ¼ Cup Brown Sugar
- 1 Can Diced Jalapenos 4 ounces, drained
- 1½ Cup Barbecue Sauce
- ¼ Cup Rolled Oats
- ½ Cup Water
- 6 Hamburger Buns
- 6 Colby Jack Cheese Slices
- Jalapenos for topping
- Barbecue Sauce for topping
Instructions
- Add the ground beef, bacon, onion, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, brown sugar, jalapenos, barbecue sauce, rolled oats, and water to your slow cooker.
- Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Make your sandwiches with the sloppy joe mixture, a slice of cheese, and some extra jalapenos.
Notes
Helpful Tips
Pick the right beef. Aim for 85–90% lean for a saucy finish without greasy pools.
Brown in batches so the beef actually sears. Crowding steams it and dulls the flavor.
Mind the setting. Low is safest for sugary sauces. If you use High, watch closely and shorten the time.
Stir mid-cook. A quick stir halfway keeps edges from catching and helps the flavors combine.
Keep the lid closed. Every peek adds time. Stir just once or twice to keep the edges from catching.