Cozy Mississippi Sloppy Joes Recipe for Friendly Gatherings

Comfort food reaches new heights with these mouthwatering slow cooker Mississippi sloppy joes that burst with tangy, savory flavors.

The classic sandwich gets an incredible twist with a rich, zesty sauce that simmers all day.

Tender ground beef soaks up every delicious drop of seasoning, creating a meal that’s both nostalgic and exciting.

Weeknight dinners just became way more delectable with this simple yet sensational recipe.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of spice and sweetness that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

The slow cooker does all the hard work, transforming basic ingredients into a memorable meal everyone will love.

Prepare to be amazed by how quickly this dish becomes a family favorite.

Storing Tips That Keep Them Moist and Flavorful

• Store leftover Mississippi Sloppy Joes in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool the meat completely before refrigerating to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
• Seal the meat mixture in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. These hearty sloppy joes can be frozen for 2-3 months, providing a quick future meal solution.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed sloppy joes in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of beef broth to restore moisture and prevent drying out.
• Keep hamburger buns separate until serving to prevent soggy bread. Toast buns lightly for extra crunch and store them in a sealed bread bag at room temperature.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours

Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 7

Slow Cooker Mississippi Sloppy Joes – What’s in It

• Ground Beef: Hearty protein foundation that creates the rich, meaty texture of the sloppy joes. Choose lean ground beef for less grease and better flavor.
• Pepperoncini: Tangy, mild pepper that adds zesty brightness and subtle heat to the meat mixture. Select fresh, crisp peppers for best flavor.

• Ranch Seasoning: Creamy, herb-packed mix that infuses depth and complexity into the meat. Look for high-quality, preservative-free packets.
• Au Jus Mix: Robust beef concentrate that amplifies the savory umami profile. Select a mix with natural ingredients for authentic taste.
• Black Pepper: Warm, spicy kick that elevates the overall flavor complexity. Use freshly ground for maximum aromatic impact.
• Paprika: Subtle smoky undertone that adds warmth and gentle color to the dish. Choose sweet or smoked variety based on preference.

• Butter: Luxurious ingredient that adds silky smoothness and rich flavor. Select unsalted for better seasoning control.
• Beef Broth: Liquid base that keeps meat tender and intensifies beef flavor. Opt for low-sodium versions to manage salt levels.
• Onion: Sweet, aromatic vegetable that provides natural depth and texture. Choose yellow or white onions for classic sloppy joe taste.
• Garlic: Pungent, aromatic ingredient that creates layered flavor complexity. Use fresh cloves for most vibrant taste.

Tools for Searing and Slow Cooking with Ease

• Large Skillet: Perfect for browning ground beef evenly and draining excess fat.
• Slow Cooker: Essential for creating tender, flavorful Mississippi Sloppy Joes with minimal effort.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring ingredients and mixing beef with seasonings.
• Colander or Strainer: Helpful for draining grease from browned beef.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions for consistent flavor.

How to Prep These Sweet and Tangy Sloppy Joes

• Brown Ground Beef

Sizzle the ground beef in a hot skillet until it’s perfectly golden and crumbly. Make sure to drain away any extra fat for a delicious, lean base.

• Mix Flavor Bombs

Toss the beef into your slow cooker and sprinkle in a magical blend of ranch seasoning, au jus mix, and crushed pepperoncini. Drop in some butter for richness and add diced onions and minced garlic for an extra flavor punch.

• Let the Slow Cooker Work Its Magic

Pour in beef broth and shake in some black pepper and paprika. Give everything a gentle stir to marry all those incredible flavors together. Cover and let your slow cooker transform these ingredients into a mouthwatering meal.

• Prepare for Serving

Once the meat is tender and bubbling with deliciousness, it’s ready to pile onto soft buns. The meat will be so juicy and packed with tangy, savory goodness that everyone will be begging for seconds.

• Enjoy Your Mississippi Sloppy Joes

Serve hot and watch as your family and friends dive into these irresistible sloppy joes that are bursting with Southern-inspired flavor.

Swap Tips for Sauce or Heat Variations

• For extra juicy sloppy joes, choose ground beef with 80/20 fat content to ensure rich flavor and tenderness during slow cooking.
• Adjust heat by selecting mild or hot pepperoncini peppers, or remove seeds for a milder taste that suits different family preferences.
• Swap regular ranch and au jus mixes with certified gluten-free versions to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or chopped mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian alternative that maintains the recipe's signature robust flavor profile.
• Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter protein version that still delivers the same delicious Mississippi-style sloppy joe experience.

Serve on Buns, Rolls, or Even Lettuce

• Flavor-Packed Sandwich Bar: Set up a DIY sloppy joe station with toasted brioche buns, soft potato rolls, or pretzel buns. Offer crispy onion strings, sliced pickles, and shredded cheese as toppings.
• Hearty Meal Companion: Serve alongside creamy coleslaw, golden french fries, or a zesty potato salad to complement the rich, tangy meat. These sides balance the saucy joe filling perfectly.
• Game Day Crowd Pleaser: Transform into mini sliders for parties by using smaller rolls. Guests can grab these handheld bites easily while enjoying sports or casual gatherings. Provide extra napkins for the messy deliciousness.
• Leftover Magic: Repurpose remaining meat over nachos, stuffed into baked potatoes, or mixed with pasta for quick next-day meals that taste even more flavorful after the ingredients meld overnight.

Hearty Slow Cooker Mississippi Sloppy Joes Recipe

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4.6 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Mississippi Sloppy Joes deliver explosive flavor straight from Southern kitchens, blending tangy beef with rich cheese and zesty seasonings. Hearty sandwiches promise comfort and satisfy hungry crowds with minimal kitchen effort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs (907 g) ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 packet (28 g) ranch seasoning mix
• 1 packet (28 g) au jus gravy mix
• ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, sliced
• ½ cup (75 g) sliced pepperoncini peppers + 2 tbsps (30 ml) juice
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• 6 brioche or sandwich buns
• ½ cup (56 g) shredded cheddar or provolone cheese (optional)

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Instructions

1. Meat Preparation: Sizzle ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until golden and crumbled, efficiently draining any lingering fat.
2. Flavor Infusion: Transfer browned beef to slow cooker, introducing ranch seasoning, au jus mix, butter, pepperoncini, diced onion, minced garlic, beef broth, cracked black pepper, and smoky paprika; gently incorporate all ingredients for harmonious blending.
3. Slow Cooking Process: Secure lid and allow mixture to simmer and meld flavors on LOW temperature for 4-5 hours or HIGH temperature for 2-3 hours, developing rich, deep taste profile.
4. Serving Preparation: Once cooking cycle completes, use two forks to shred and separate meat into tender, succulent strands, ensuring even distribution of robust seasonings.
5. Final Assembly: Generously pile saucy, seasoned meat onto soft hamburger buns, creating classic Mississippi-style sloppy joe sandwiches that promise messy, delectable enjoyment.

Notes

• Remove excess fat from ground beef to prevent greasy, heavy sloppy joes and ensure a cleaner, more robust flavor profile.
• Adjust ranch and au jus mix quantities based on personal taste preferences, starting with less and gradually adding more for controlled flavor intensity.
• Use two forks to break down meat during cooking, creating a more tender and cohesive filling that absorbs seasonings better.
• Add diced jalapeños or increase black pepper for extra heat, or reduce pepperoncini for a milder version suitable for sensitive palates.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg