Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs Lean Ground Beef (or Ground Turkey)
  • 1 large Yellow Onion, finely diced
  • 1 medium Green Bell Pepper, finely diced
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1/4 cup Ketchup
  • 1/4 cup Water or Beef Broth
  • 2 tbsp Light Brown Sugar, packed
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1 tbsp Yellow Mustard
  • 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
  • 1/2 tsp Dry Mustard Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
  • 1 tbsp Cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp cold water
  • 8 quality Hamburger Buns
  • Optional Toppings: Sliced cheddar cheese, dill pickles, raw white onion

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef; cook, breaking it up, until fully browned. Drain off excess fat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper; sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic for the last minute.
  2. Transfer the browned meat mixture to the slow cooker insert. Add ketchup, broth/water, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, smoked paprika, dry mustard powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine everything thoroughly.
  3. Cover the slow cooker. Cook on Low for 6–8 hours or on High for 3–4 hours, stirring halfway through.
  4. About 30 minutes before serving, prepare the cornstarch slurry by mixing the cornstarch and 2 tbsp cold water until smooth.
  5. Stir this slurry directly into the meat mixture in the slow cooker. Replace the lid and cook on High for an additional 20–30 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened nicely to a glossy consistency. Adjust seasoning (salt/pepper) if needed.
  6. Lightly toast the hamburger buns. Spoon a generous portion of the Sloppy Joe mixture onto each bun. Top immediately with cheese (if using) and desired toppings like pickles or raw onion.