Welcome to your new favorite weeknight meal! Today, we’re thrilled to share our ultimate Crock Pot Buffalo Sloppy Joes recipe – a mouthwatering slow cooker dinner that brings together the classic comfort of sloppy joes with the zesty kick of buffalo flavor. This recipe is incredibly easy to make, promises amazing taste, and is perfect for busy families looking for a delicious, fuss-free meal. Get ready to transform your dinner routine with this irresistible dish that’s sure to become a staple.
Effortless Flavor: Mastering Crock Pot Buffalo Sloppy Joes
There’s something uniquely satisfying about a meal that cooks itself, filling your home with incredible aromas all day long. Our Crock Pot Buffalo Sloppy Joes deliver exactly that – a convenient, flavorful experience with minimal effort. Imagine tender ground beef simmered in a rich, tangy buffalo sauce, ready to be piled high on toasted buns. This recipe takes the beloved sloppy joe to a whole new level with a spicy, savory twist that will tantalize your taste buds.
We believe in living a little, especially when it comes to flavor! For the initial photo shoot, I admit, I went a bit overboard with the sauce – but who could blame me? The aroma alone was intoxicating! The beauty of this recipe is that you can customize the sauce level to your preference. Whether you love a super saucy sandwich that requires extra napkins or a slightly milder version, this recipe allows for full flexibility. Just be warned, once you try these buffalo sloppy joes, everyone will be diving into the Crock Pot for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Sloppy Joe Recipe
- Incredibly Easy: Simply brown your meat, combine ingredients in the slow cooker, and let it do the work.
- Big, Bold Flavors: The buffalo sauce adds a fantastic spicy and tangy kick that’s perfectly balanced.
- Family-Friendly: A comforting meal that appeals to both kids and adults (spice level can be adjusted).
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Makes excellent leftovers and freezes beautifully for future quick meals.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable for different dietary needs and preferences.
- Ideal for Gatherings: A crowd-pleaser for game days, potlucks, or casual family dinners.
Essential Ingredients for Your Buffalo Sloppy Joes
Crafting epic Crock Pot Buffalo Sloppy Joes starts with a simple yet powerful list of ingredients. This overview provides a glance at what you’ll need, while the detailed recipe card at the bottom of the post includes precise measurements and step-by-step instructions for your convenience.
For the Buffalo Sloppy Joes Mixture:
- Ground Beef: We recommend lean ground beef (like 80/20 or 90/10) for the best texture and flavor, though any ground meat will work.
- Onion: Finely chopped, it adds a foundational aromatic sweetness and depth to the meat mixture.
- Dry Minced Garlic: A convenient way to infuse robust garlic flavor without peeling and mincing fresh cloves.
- Chili Powder: Adds a warm, earthy spice that complements the buffalo sauce without overpowering it.
- Tomato Sauce: Forms the rich, savory base for the sloppy joe mixture, binding all the flavors together.
- Tomato Paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that thickens the sauce and adds a touch of umami.
- Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo Wings Sauce: The star of the show! This classic buffalo sauce provides the signature tangy heat. Feel free to use your preferred brand for a similar effect.
- Cider Vinegar: A touch of apple cider vinegar brightens the flavors and enhances the tanginess, balancing the richness of the beef and tomatoes.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to taste, bringing out the best in all ingredients.
For the Creamy Buffalo Topping (Optional but Highly Recommended):
This cooling, zesty topping perfectly complements the warm, spicy sloppy joes, adding an extra layer of flavor and texture.
- Celery: Finely chopped, it adds a refreshing crunch and classic buffalo pairing.
- Green Onion: Provides a mild, fresh onion flavor and a vibrant pop of color.
- Sour Cream: Creates a creamy, cool base that tempers the spice and adds richness.
- Ranch Dressing: Offers a savory, herbaceous counterpoint to the buffalo heat.
- Crumbled Blue Cheese: A must-have for true buffalo flavor enthusiasts, adding a pungent, salty bite.
- Buffalo Wing Sauce: A touch more buffalo sauce in the topping reinforces the theme and adds a final tangy kick.
Essential Equipment for Easy Cooking
To make these Crock Pot Buffalo Sloppy Joes as effortlessly as possible, a few key kitchen tools will come in handy:
- Crock Pot / Slow Cooker: The star appliance! We highly recommend one with a programmable timer that automatically switches to a “warm” setting after cooking. This ensures your meal is perfectly cooked and ready when you are, without overcooking.
- Mix ‘n Chop Tool: This versatile tool is fantastic for breaking up ground meat as it cooks, ensuring an even texture. If you don’t have one, a sturdy wooden spoon or spatula will also work well.
- Spider Strainer: An invaluable tool for easily removing cooked ground beef from the skillet and allowing excess grease to drain away before transferring it to the slow cooker. This helps keep your sloppy joes from being too greasy.
- Large Skillet: For browning the ground beef and onion before adding them to the slow cooker.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring and mixing.
- Small Mixing Bowl: For preparing the creamy buffalo topping.
Step-by-Step: Crafting Crock Pot Buffalo Sloppy Joes
Making these flavorful sloppy joes is a breeze. Follow these simple steps for a perfect meal every time. Remember, the complete, detailed instructions are available on the printable recipe card below!
- Brown the Beef and Onion: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat. Use your Mix ‘n Chop tool or a wooden spoon to break up the beef into fine crumbles as it cooks. Continue until the beef is thoroughly browned and the onion is softened.
- Drain Excess Grease: Once the beef is browned, it’s crucial to drain any excess grease. A spider strainer works wonderfully for this, allowing you to easily scoop out the meat mixture while leaving the fat behind. This step ensures your sloppy joes aren’t overly greasy.
- Combine in Slow Cooker: Transfer the drained beef and onion mixture to your Crock Pot. Stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, tomato sauce, tomato paste, buffalo wing sauce, and cider vinegar. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
- Season and Cook: Season the mixture generously with salt and black pepper to taste. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 5-7 hours, or on high for 2.5-3.5 hours. The longer cooking time on low allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the meat to become incredibly tender.
- Prepare the Creamy Topping: While the sloppy joes are cooking, or just before serving, prepare the delicious creamy topping. In a small bowl, combine the finely chopped celery, green onion, sour cream, ranch dressing, crumbled blue cheese, and a dash of buffalo wing sauce. Stir until well blended.
- Assemble and Enjoy: Once the sloppy joe mixture is hot and bubbly, it’s time to serve! Spoon a generous amount of the buffalo sloppy joe meat onto the bottom half of a toasted bun. Top it with a dollop of the creamy buffalo sauce, add the top bun, and get ready to enjoy a wonderfully messy, incredibly flavorful sandwich!
Preparation and Storage Tips
This recipe is designed for convenience, offering great flexibility for making ahead, storing, and reheating.
Make Ahead
One of the best features of this slow cooker Buffalo Sloppy Joe recipe is its make-ahead potential. It requires 2.5 to 3.5 hours on high or 5 to 7 hours on low in your Crock Pot, giving you ample time to focus on other tasks or simply relax. You can even prepare the meat mixture a day in advance, refrigerate it, and then transfer it to the slow cooker to cook on the day you plan to serve. This strategy makes entertaining or busy weeknights even easier.
Storage
Leftovers are just as delicious! Allow the sloppy joe mixture to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate promptly and enjoy within three to four days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making the next day’s meal even better.
Freezing/How to Freeze
For longer storage, the Buffalo Sloppy Joe mix freezes beautifully. Once cooled, spoon the mixture into an airtight, freezer-safe container or heavy-duty Ziploc freezer bags. Ensure to remove as much air as possible if using bags to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date. It will maintain its quality for up to three months. This is perfect for batch cooking and having a ready-to-go meal on hand.
How to Reheat
Reheating is simple and adaptable. For individual portions, the microwave works quickly; place in a microwave-safe bowl and heat until warm, stirring occasionally. For larger quantities, you can reheat the mixture on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until heated through. Alternatively, return it to a Crock Pot set to low until it’s hot and ready to serve.
Recipe Variations for Every Taste
This Crock Pot Buffalo Sloppy Joes recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to tailor it to your preferences and dietary needs.
Substitutions:
Feel free to experiment with the hot sauce! While Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo Wings Sauce is a classic choice, you are welcome to use your favorite bottled buffalo hot sauce. Different brands offer varying levels of heat and tang, so choose one that suits your palate.
If you prefer poultry or are looking for a leaner option, you can easily substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for the ground beef to create delicious Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joes. Simply follow the same cooking instructions.
Vegetarian Option:
To make this recipe vegetarian, replace the ground beef with your preferred plant-based ground meat substitute. Many excellent options are available that mimic the texture and absorb flavors well. Cook the vegetarian substitute as you would ground beef, then proceed with the rest of the recipe.
Vegan Option:
For a fully vegan version, follow the vegetarian guidance by using a plant-based ground meat substitute. Additionally, ensure you replace sour cream, ranch dressing, and crumbled blue cheese in the topping with plant-based alternatives. Many hot sauces are naturally vegan, but it’s always a good practice to check the label on your buffalo sauce before beginning to ensure no hidden animal products.
Gluten-Free:
The core ingredients in this recipe are generally gluten-free. However, for those with high sensitivity or celiac disease, always check the labels on your buffalo wing sauce and ranch dressing, as some brands may contain gluten or be subject to cross-contamination. Opt for certified gluten-free versions of these condiments if necessary.
Smaller Serving Size + Larger Group/More Servings:
Our written recipe uses three pounds of ground beef to yield eight generous servings of Buffalo Sloppy Joes. This makes it perfect for a family meal or a small gathering. To adjust the yield, simply scale the recipe up or down according to your needs. If scaling up for a large crowd, you might need to work in batches when browning the beef to avoid overcrowding your skillet, ensuring even cooking and browning.
Make It Spicy:
The heat level of your sloppy joe mixture is largely determined by the spiciness of your chosen buffalo sauce. If you love a serious kick, opt for an extra spicy buffalo sauce. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce directly to the meat mixture in the slow cooker for an extra fiery punch.
Sugar-Free:
The original recipe contains approximately 5 grams of sugar per serving. To make this dish sugar-free, choose sugar-free versions of tomato sauce, tomato paste, buffalo wing sauce, and ranch dressing. Always check ingredient labels carefully, as sugar can be present in many processed condiments.
Expert Tips for the Best Crock Pot Buffalo Sloppy Joes
Achieving the perfect Crock Pot Buffalo Sloppy Joes is easy with these helpful tips:
- Don’t Skip Browning the Beef: While it might be tempting to toss raw ground beef into the slow cooker, browning it first with the onions is crucial. This step develops deep flavors through the Maillard reaction and allows you to drain excess fat, preventing a greasy final product.
- Drain Well: After browning, use a spider strainer or tilt your skillet to thoroughly drain the beef mixture. Less grease means a richer, cleaner-tasting sloppy joe.
- Toast Your Buns: A quick toast on your buns (in a skillet, toaster, or oven) adds a fantastic textural contrast and helps them stand up to the saucy filling. It prevents them from becoming soggy too quickly.
- Balance the Flavors: The combination of buffalo sauce, tomato, and vinegar creates a tangy, spicy, and savory profile. Don’t be afraid to adjust seasonings to your preference. A pinch of sugar can help balance excessive tanginess, while more hot sauce adds extra kick.
- Consider Bun Choice: While classic hamburger buns are great, consider pretzel buns for an added layer of flavor and texture, or brioche buns for a richer experience.
- Serving Beyond Buns: Have a lot of leftover Buffalo Sloppy Joe mixture? Think beyond traditional sandwiches! It’s fantastic over baked potatoes, sweet potatoes, rice, or even as a topping for nachos or quesadillas. Check out our Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese Sandwiches and CrockPot Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole for more creative ideas!
- Slow Cooker Settings: While cooking on high is faster, cooking on low for a longer period often results in a more tender meat and allows flavors to meld more deeply. Plan accordingly based on your schedule.
What to Serve with Crock Pot Buffalo Sloppy Joes
These CrockPot Buffalo Sloppy Joes are incredibly versatile and perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to lively game day gatherings. For game day, set your slow cooker on low to keep the sloppy joes warm, alongside toasted buns and various toppings (like extra blue cheese, chopped celery, or a side of ranch) for an easy, interactive slider station!
Fantastic Side Dishes:
Pair your sloppy joes with these delicious sides for a complete meal:
- Crisp Green Salad: A simple salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast.
- Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw is a classic pairing that complements the tangy buffalo flavor.
- French Fries or Tater Tots: Crispy fried potatoes are always a hit with sloppy joes.
- Onion Rings: Another classic comfort food side that adds a satisfying crunch.
- Roasted or Air Fryer Mixed Vegetables: For a lighter, healthier option, a medley of roasted or air-fried veggies adds color and nutrients.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn is a fantastic seasonal addition.
- Potato Salad or Macaroni Salad: Hearty, creamy salads are great for potlucks.
- Other Slow Cooker Appetizers: For entertaining, consider serving with CrockPot Chipotle Honey Meatballs, CrockPot Swedish Meatballs, CrockPot Cranberry Barbecue Meatballs, CrockPot Spicy Mango Jerk Wings, CrockPot Mexican Chili over Fritos, CrockPot Honey Sriracha Barbecue Wings, or CrockPot Beer-Braised Kielbasa.
For more ideas, explore our favorite side dishes for Sloppy Joes!
Complementary Main Dishes (if serving as part of a larger spread):
If you’re hosting a feast and need more main course options, consider these:
- CrockPot Chili Mac and Cheese
- CrockPot Bacon Mac and Cheese
- CrockPot Kielbasa and Sauerkraut
- CrockPot Beer Chili
- CrockPot Cuban Pork Sandwiches
- Buffalo Chicken Wontons
- CrockPot Bacon Ranch Chicken
Sweet Endings (Desserts):
Balance the savory and spicy with a sweet treat:
- Red Velvet Brownies
- Chocolate Coconut 5 Layer Bars
- CrockPot Mixed Berry Cobbler
- Black Bean Brownies
- Easy Homemade Banana Bread
- Salty & Sweet Ruffles Marshmallow Treats
- Peanut Butter Bacon Cookies
- Molasses Cookies
Refreshing Beverage Pairings:
Quench your thirst with these delightful drinks:
- Coke Slushie
- Kool-Aid Slushie
- Red Robin Freckled Lemonade
- Brazilian Lemonade
- Sonic Ocean Water
- CopyCat McDonald’s Sweet Tea
- Watermelon Agua Fresca
When to Serve Buffalo Sloppy Joes
The versatility of Crock Pot Buffalo Sloppy Joes makes them suitable for a wide range of occasions:
- Lunch: A hearty and satisfying option for a midday meal, especially if you have leftovers.
- Dinner: The ultimate easy weeknight dinner for families, requiring minimal hands-on time.
- Potlucks: Always a crowd-pleaser; simply transport your slow cooker and keep warm for a fuss-free contribution.
- Family and Friends Gatherings: Casual and delicious, perfect for feeding a crowd without stress.
- Game Day: The buffalo flavor makes this a natural fit for sports events. Set up a topping bar for a fun, interactive serving experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this recipe on the stovetop instead of a Crock Pot?
Yes, you can! After browning the beef and onion, combine all the sloppy joe mixture ingredients in a large pot or Dutch oven. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 20-30 minutes, or longer for deeper flavor development, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the better the flavors will meld.
How can I make the sloppy joes less spicy?
To reduce the heat, use a milder buffalo sauce or reduce the amount of buffalo sauce called for in the recipe. You can also add a touch more tomato sauce or a spoonful of brown sugar to sweeten and balance the heat. The creamy topping with sour cream and ranch also helps to mellow out the spice.
What kind of buns work best?
Classic hamburger buns are always a good choice. However, for an elevated experience, consider brioche buns for richness, pretzel buns for a savory twist, or even slider buns for smaller, party-friendly portions. Always toast your buns for the best texture!
Can I add vegetables to the sloppy joe mixture?
Absolutely! Finely diced bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), shredded carrots, or even corn kernels can be added with the onion to boost nutrition and texture. They will cook down nicely in the slow cooker.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, the sloppy joe meat mixture is very freezer-friendly! Allow it to cool completely, then store it in an airtight, freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe, as written with 3 pounds of ground beef, makes approximately 8 servings, perfect for a family meal or a small gathering. You can easily adjust the quantities to make more or fewer servings as needed.
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Crock Pot Buffalo Sloppy Joe Recipe
Print Recipe
Rate Recipe
25 minutes
5 hours
5 hours 25 minutes
8
590kcal
Tammilee Tips
Ingredients
- 3 lbs Ground Beef
- 1 Onion chopped
- 1 Tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 Tablespoon Chili Powder
- 8 oz Tomato Sauce
- 6 oz tomato paste
- ⅔ cup Buffalo Hot Sauce
- 2 Tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce Topping (Optional)
- 2 Celery stalks finely chopped
- 1 green onion finely chopped
- ½ cup Sour Cream
- ½ cup Ranch Dressing
- ⅓ cup Crumbled Blue Cheese
- 1 teaspoon Buffalo Hot Sauce
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat, breaking up the beef until it is thoroughly browned.
- Transfer the browned beef mixture to your Crock Pot, ensuring to drain any excess grease. Stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, tomato sauce, tomato paste, buffalo wing sauce, and cider vinegar. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 5-7 hours, or on high for 2.5 to 3.5 hours, until the flavors have melded and the meat is tender.
- In a small bowl, combine the finely chopped celery, green onion, sour cream, ranch dressing, crumbled blue cheese, and the additional teaspoon of buffalo wing sauce. Mix well.
- Spoon the hot sloppy joe meat mixture generously onto the bottom half of a toasted bun. Top with a dollop of the creamy buffalo sauce and the top bun. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Kitchen Tools
- Slow cooker
- Hamburger Mix and Chop
- Spider Strainer
- Large Skillet
Nutrition Information
Calories from Fat 423
This Crock Pot Buffalo Sloppy Joes Recipe was originally shared on October 28, 2015. Updated for clarity, SEO, and expanded content in November 2023.