Slow Cooker Beef and Bean Sloppy Joes

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These Slow Cooker Beef and Bean Sloppy Joes are a great twist on a delicious family classic. Use your favorite can of baked beans to change up the flavor!

close up shot of slow cooker beef and bean sloppy joes on white plate

I don’t know about you guys but I have a feeling I am going to be using my crock pot a lot this year — it’s one way I can ensure there will be supper ready at a reasonable hour. Anyone else have this same problem?? Ok, good, it’s not just me!

A New Twist on an Old Favorite

I thought I would put a small twist on a classic recipe with these slow cooker beef and bean Sloppy Joes. To be honest, I thought of my Dad when I was coming up with this meal because it’s a riff from a casserole he really likes that has potatoes, onions, beef and baked beans. Maybe I should put it on here someday?? I haven’t made it in a very long time!

Anyway, these Sloppy Joes include all of those casserole ingredients. The recipe does make a pretty large batch, so feel free to cut the recipe in half and use a small can of baked beans.

top shot of white plate with slice of watermelon, open bun with mayo and sloppy joe mixture

Key Ingredients for Slow Cooker Beef and Bean Sloppy Joes:

BEEF: Use a lean ground beef. That way you don’t have to skim off a bunch of grease from the crock pot.

BAKED BEANS: Use any canned baked bean. I used the standard maple baked bean but there are many flavors that I think would go well with this. Some of those grilling baked beans would be great!

BUNS: One thing I have learned over my years of making Sloppy Joes is to toast the bun. This way the bun doesn’t immediately soak up all the juices from the sloppy joe mix and leave you with a soggy bun. If you don’t mind your bun a little soggy then, by all means, skip this step. But it does add a little something to the sandwich!

TOPPINGS: Use whatever you normally top your Sloppy Joes with. I like cheddar cheese and so do my kids. I also have one that really likes pickles on hers.

top shot of cheese being added on top of beef and bean mixture on white plate

How to make Slow Cooker Beef and Bean Sloppy Joes:

BROWN BEEF: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with the onions and garlic before putting it into the Crockpot. I added this step because it added another dimension of flavor!

ADD TO CROCKPOT: Transfer the beef, onions, and garlic to a Crockpot, then add in the baked beans, tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce and chili powder. Stir well to combine.

ALLOW TO COOK: Cover and cook on low 6-7 hours and high 3-4 hours. Serve your slow cooker beef and bean Sloppy Joes with Creamy Coleslaw and fresh fruit or Old Fashioned Potato Salad with a side salad covered in Homemade Buttermilk Ranch Dressing.

hand holding slow cooker beef and bean sloppy joes above white plate

FAQs

Can this recipe be made for a smaller group?

Yes! This recipe can be cut in half to make a smaller batch. Just use the smaller can of baked beans.

Can you freeze this recipe?

You can definitely make the full batch and freeze. Place cooled sloppy joe in a freezer safe container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Place in the refrigerator overnight to thaw.