Description
Slow Cooker Mississippi Sloppy Joes offer a convenient and flavorful twist on a classic sloppy joe by combining tender ground beef with ranch dressing, brown gravy mix, pepperoncinis, and a savory-sweet sauce. Cooked low and slow for 4 hours, this recipe results in a juicy, tangy, and hearty sandwich perfect for a crowd or family meal.
Ingredients
Meat and Base
- 2 lb lean ground beef
- ⅓ cup quick oats
Seasonings and Sauce
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix (1 oz)
- 1 envelope brown gravy mix (0.87 oz)
- ⅓ cup ketchup
- ¾ cup water
- ½ cup pepperoncini juice
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
Add-ins
- 1 cup sliced pepperoncinis
- 6 tbsp salted butter
Serving
- 6 brioche buns or hamburger buns
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the 2 pounds of lean ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess fat from the skillet to reduce grease.
- Transfer Beef to Slow Cooker: Place the browned and drained ground beef into a 6-quart slow cooker to serve as the base layer for the recipe.
- Add Quick Oats: Sprinkle ⅓ cup of quick oats over the beef in the slow cooker. Stir them in to help thicken the mixture as it cooks.
- Prepare Sauce Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the 1 packet ranch dressing mix, 1 envelope brown gravy mix, ⅓ cup ketchup, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, ½ cup pepperoncini juice, and ¾ cup water. Mix thoroughly to create a smooth sauce.
- Add Sauce and Pepperoncinis: Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and oats in the slow cooker. Add 1 cup sliced pepperoncinis and gently stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Add Butter and Cook: Slice 6 tablespoons of salted butter and place the slices evenly over the top of the meat mixture in the slow cooker. Cover with the lid and cook on LOW heat for 4 hours to allow flavors to meld and the mixture to thicken.
- Serve: After 4 hours, stir the mixture slightly to incorporate melted butter. Spoon the Mississippi Sloppy Joe mixture onto soft brioche buns or hamburger buns and serve hot for a delicious meal.
Notes
- Drain excess fat after browning the beef to reduce grease and improve flavor.
- Using pepperoncini juice adds a tangy kick—do not substitute with plain vinegar or juice for best results.
- Quick oats help thicken the sauce; do not omit or replace with rolled oats as it changes the texture.
- Butter adds richness and a creamy finish; do not skip this step for authentic taste.
- This recipe works best with a 6-quart slow cooker for even cooking.
- Serve with a side of coleslaw or pickles for added crunch and balance.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
