Are you ready to elevate your dinner game with a mouthwatering twist on a classic favorite? Say hello to Easy Slow Cooker Italian Sloppy Joes! This delectable dish combines the comforting flavors of Italian cuisine with the convenience of a slow cooker, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Imagine the aroma of savory ground beef, fresh vegetables, and rich marinara sauce wafting through your home, enticing everyone to the table. With just 10 minutes of prep time and a hands-off cooking experience, you’ll have a hearty meal that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Don’t miss out on this delicious recipe that promises to be a new staple in your kitchen!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 hamburger buns
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles. Drain excess fat.
- Transfer the browned ground beef to the slow cooker.
- Add diced onions and bell peppers to the slow cooker with the beef.
- Pour marinara sauce over the meat and vegetables.
- Sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper into the mixture. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat. Cook for 4 hours, allowing flavors to meld together and vegetables to become tender.
- About 15 minutes before serving, lightly toast the hamburger buns in a toaster or under the broiler.
- Once cooking is complete, use a large spoon to generously pile the Italian Sloppy Joe mixture onto the toasted buns.
- Serve immediately while warm, with optional side dishes like a green salad or potato chips.
Tips
- Browning the Meat: Make sure to brown the ground beef well before adding it to the slow cooker. This step enhances the flavor and gives the dish a richer taste.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini to the mix for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Marinara Sauce Choices: Choose a high-quality marinara sauce or even homemade for the best flavor. You can also experiment with different sauces, such as spicy arrabbiata, for a kick!
- Seasoning Adjustments: Taste the mixture before serving and adjust the salt and pepper according to your preference.
- Toasting the Buns: Don’t skip toasting the hamburger buns! This simple step adds a delightful crunch and helps prevent them from becoming soggy.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair your Italian Sloppy Joes with a fresh green salad or crispy potato chips for a complete meal that everyone will love.
- Leftovers Storage: If you have leftovers, store the Sloppy Joe mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave for a quick lunch or dinner.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 70mg
