This tasty slow cooker meal is perfect for busy weeknights and picky eaters. Simple to prepare and full of classic flavors with a fresh twist, this Slow Cooker Sloppy Joe Casserole is comforting, family-friendly, and ready when you are.
Sometimes you want an easy dish that tastes like home but doesn’t take hours to make. This sloppy joe casserole combines savory seasoned beef with tangy tomato and BBQ notes, topped with shredded hash browns and melted cheddar for a crowd-pleasing finish.
The casserole comes together in one pot: brown the meat, stir in the sauce and seasonings, layer the hash browns on top, and let the slow cooker do the rest. It’s ideal for busy schedules because you can prepare it in the morning and have dinner waiting at the end of the day.
Ingredients You’ll Need To Make Sloppy Joe Casserole In A Slow Cooker:
- 1 pound ground beef (or substitute ground turkey)
- 8 oz can tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried mustard powder (or 1–2 tablespoons prepared mustard)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
- 12 oz shredded frozen hash brown potatoes
- 4–6 oz shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Tip: Swap ground turkey to lower cholesterol, or add diced bell pepper and onion for extra antioxidants and texture.
How To Make Sloppy Joe Casserole In A Slow Cooker
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet, drain any excess fat, and transfer the meat to the slow cooker.
- Add the tomato sauce, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire, apple cider vinegar, onion powder, garlic powder, dried mustard, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine, leaving out the hash browns and cheese for now.
- Spread the frozen shredded hash browns evenly over the meat mixture.
- Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours.
- About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle shredded cheddar over the top and allow it to melt.
If you prefer a crisp, browned top, drizzle 2 tablespoons of melted butter over the hash browns and transfer the slow cooker insert to a 400°F oven for a few minutes—only if your slow cooker liner is oven-safe.
Pro Tips
Cook a large batch of browned ground beef and freeze it in one-pound portions in airtight bags. Thawed portions speed up prep for casseroles, tacos, and skillet meals.
For a crunchy top, melt a little butter over the hash browns and briefly bake the slow cooker insert if it’s oven-safe.
Don’t stress if you’re missing an ingredient—this recipe is forgiving. Substitute similar pantry items or adjust seasonings to taste.
Slow Cooker Sweet BBQ Sloppy Joe Casserole
Jennifer Draper
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Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 8 oz can tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried mustard powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- pinch of red pepper flakes
- 12 oz shredded frozen hash brown potatoes
- 4 – 6 oz shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
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Brown and drain ground beef and place in slow cooker
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Add remaining ingredients except for hash browns and cheese and stir to combine well
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Top with frozen hash browns
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Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4
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Top with shredded cheese and let melt for about 15 minutes before serving
Notes
- Make a big batch of browned ground beef and freeze in one-pound portions to speed future meal prep.
- To brown the top of the hash browns, drizzle with melted butter and briefly bake the slow cooker insert if oven-safe.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
Important nutritional disclaimer