Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Slow-Cooked Sloppy Joes?
They are a hearty dish made with lean ground beef, onions, and green peppers simmered in a tangy sauce using a crock pot.
What kind of meat is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of lean ground beef for the best results.
Do I need to brown the beef before slow cooking?
Yes, you should brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked before adding it to the crock pot.
How should I prepare the onion?
One small onion should be chopped and cooked with the beef until softened.
What type of pepper is used in this recipe?
One green pepper, chopped small, is added to provide a crisp texture and flavor.
What is the base of the sloppy joe sauce?
The sauce is made from a combination of tomato soup, ketchup, and mustard.
How many cans of tomato soup are needed?
You will need two 10-ounce cans of tomato soup.
How much ketchup is required?
The recipe requires 1 cup of ketchup.
Is there any sweetener in the sauce?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar are added for a touch of sweetness.
How much mustard is used?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of mustard.
What spices are used for seasoning?
The mixture is seasoned with 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper and 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder.
How long do I cook the sloppy joes on low?
Cook the mixture on the low setting for 4 hours.
Can I cook this recipe faster on high?
Yes, you can cook it on high for 2 hours if you are short on time.
Should I drain the fat from the meat?
Yes, once the beef, onion, and pepper are cooked in the skillet, you should drain the excess fat before transferring to the crock pot.
How should I serve these sloppy joes?
They are traditionally served on burger buns, but can also be enjoyed over rice.
Is this recipe suitable for a crowd?
Yes, using a crock pot makes it easy to prepare a large batch for gatherings or picnics.
What are some suggested toppings?
While the recipe is great on its own, you can add additional garnishes like cheese or pickles if desired.
Is this a good recipe for game day?
Absolutely, it is categorized as comfort food and is perfect for casual events like game days.
How do I ensure the meat is broken up correctly?
Use a spatula while browning the beef in the skillet to break it into small pieces.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, the slow cooker method allows for easy preparation ahead of time.
What makes these sloppy joes 'savory'?
The combination of aromatic onions, green peppers, and a spice blend of garlic and black pepper creates a deep savory flavor.
Can I substitute the green pepper?
While green pepper provides a specific flavor, you could use red or yellow peppers for a slightly sweeter taste.
Is the sauce very thick?
The use of tomato soup and ketchup creates a rich, thick sauce that coats the beef perfectly.
Do I need to stir the mixture while it cooks?
It is recommended to stir the mixture occasionally while it is in the crock pot.
What size onion should I use?
The recipe specifies one small onion.
Is this recipe easy to follow?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe with simple steps involving a skillet and a crock pot.
Can I use fresh garlic?
The recipe calls for garlic powder, but you could substitute fresh minced garlic during the browning stage if preferred.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 main ingredients in this recipe.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
While the specific nutrition data is not provided, the onion and green pepper contribute small amounts of fiber.
What is the final step before serving?
Once cooked to your liking, stir well and serve on buns or over rice.