Slow Cooker French Dip Sloppy Joes

Slow Cooker French Dip Sloppy Joes are a delightful twist on a classic favorite. These savory sandwiches combine the rich flavors of a French dip with the comforting essence of sloppy joes, all made effortlessly in your slow cooker. Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or game day, this dish delivers amazing taste with minimal effort, making it a standout choice for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: Simply toss ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do the work while you relax.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of beef broth, onion soup mix, and spices creates a deliciously rich flavor that will satisfy your taste buds.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve on brioche buns or slider buns for easy sharing at parties or create a hearty meal for your family.
• Crowd-Pleaser: With its comforting flavors and gooey cheese topping, this recipe is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.

Tools and Preparation

Getting the right tools ready is essential for making these Slow Cooker French Dip Sloppy Joes. Having everything at hand will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Slow cooker
• Large skillet
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Cutting board
• Knife

Why These Tools Matter

• Slow cooker: Allows for hands-off cooking, letting flavors meld beautifully over time.
• Large skillet: Ideal for browning meat and sautéing onions before adding them to the slow cooker.
• Spatula or wooden spoon: Useful for stirring and combining ingredients evenly.

Ingredients

I love making sloppy joes in the slow cooker and these Slow Cooker French Dip Sloppy Joes might be our new favorite! All the flavors of a classic french dip but in sloppy joe form and right from the slow cooker!

For the Beef Mixture

• 2 pounds lean ground beef
• 1 large onion (sliced thin)
• ½ cup quick cooking oatmeal
• 1 1/3 cups beef broth
• 1 ounce onion soup mix (1 packet)

For Flavoring

• 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For Serving

• 6 slices provolone cheese
• 6 buns

How to Make Slow Cooker French Dip Sloppy Joes

Step 1: Brown the Meat

In a large skillet add your ground beef and thinly sliced onion.
* Sauté over medium heat until the beef is cooked through. Ensure that there is no pink remaining.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

Drain any grease from the skillet.
Add the meat and onion mixture to your slow cooker.
To the slow cooker add:
1. The quick cooking oatmeal,
2. Beef broth,
3. Onion soup mix,
4. Worcestershire sauce,
5. Garlic powder,
6. Black pepper.

Step 3: Cook Low and Slow

Stir to combine all ingredients well.
Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours, allowing all flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 4: Add Cheese Topping

Right before serving, place slices of provolone cheese on top of the mixture in the slow cooker.
Cover for about 5 minutes until the cheese is melty and gooey.

Step 5: Serve Your Sloppy Joes

Serve on brioche buns or slider buns, allowing everyone to enjoy their delicious Slow Cooker French Dip Sloppy Joes!

How to Serve Slow Cooker French Dip Sloppy Joes

Serving Slow Cooker French Dip Sloppy Joes is all about enhancing the flavors and making the meal enjoyable for everyone. Here are some creative ways to serve this delicious dish.

Classic Sloppy Joe Style

• Serve on toasted brioche buns for a rich flavor and soft texture.
• Top with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for a touch of color.

Cheese Lovers Twist

• Add an extra layer of cheese such as mozzarella or cheddar, melted on top just before serving.
• Experiment with flavored cheeses like garlic herb for added zest.

Side Kick Options

• Pair with crispy potato wedges or fries to balance the softness of the sloppy joes.
• Offer a side salad with a tangy vinaigrette to lighten up the meal.

Dipping Delight

• Serve with a small bowl of warm beef broth on the side for dipping.
• Consider incorporating a spicy mayo or aioli for those who enjoy a kick.

Family Style Serving

• Present in a large platter, allowing everyone to assemble their own sandwiches.
• Provide various toppings like sliced jalapeños, pickles, and different cheeses for customization.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker French Dip Sloppy Joes

Perfecting your Slow Cooker French Dip Sloppy Joes can elevate your dish from good to great. Here are some tips to ensure you achieve the best results.

• Choose Quality Meat: Use lean ground beef to keep your sloppy joes flavorful yet not overly greasy.
• Sauté Onions First: Sautéing onions before adding them to the slow cooker enhances their sweetness and depth of flavor.
• Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to tweak the garlic powder and pepper levels based on your preference for spice and richness.
• Let It Rest: Allow the mixture to sit after cooking to let the flavors meld together even more before serving.
• Garnish Wisely: A sprinkle of fresh herbs can brighten your dish right before serving, making it look appealing.
• Experiment with Buns: Try different types of buns such as whole grain or ciabatta for unique textures and flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker French Dip Sloppy Joes

Pairing side dishes with your Slow Cooker French Dip Sloppy Joes can enhance the overall meal experience. Here are some great options that complement this hearty dish.

1. Crispy Sweet Potato Fries: These add a sweet contrast to the savory flavors of the sloppy joes.
2. Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw brings freshness and tanginess, balancing out the richness of the main dish.
3. Garlic Bread: Perfect for scooping up any leftover filling, garlic bread adds a comforting touch.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies provide nutritional balance and vibrant colors on the plate.
5. Potato Salad: A creamy potato salad can be a satisfying side that pairs well with sloppy joes.
6. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn adds sweetness and fun to your dining experience, especially in summer.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Slow Cooker French Dip Sloppy Joes can be simple, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Ignoring the Meat Quality: Using low-quality ground beef can lead to a greasy and less flavorful dish. Always choose lean ground beef for the best results.
• Overcooking or Undercooking: Cooking the mixture for too long can make it mushy, while undercooking may leave it raw. Stick to the recommended cooking time of 3-4 hours on low.
• Skipping Seasoning Adjustments: Not tasting and adjusting seasonings can result in bland flavors. Always sample your mixture before serving and tweak as needed.
• Using Regular Oatmeal Instead of Quick Cooking: Regular oatmeal can change the texture of your sloppy joes. Use quick cooking oatmeal for ideal consistency.
• Not Letting Cheese Melt Properly: Rushing the cheese melting process can lead to a less satisfying experience. Covering the slow cooker allows the cheese to melt perfectly before serving.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keeps well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Slow Cooker French Dip Sloppy Joes

• Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Slow Cooker French Dip Sloppy Joes

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Bake covered for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals (about 1 minute) on medium power, stirring in between until warm.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring frequently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Slow Cooker French Dip Sloppy Joes different?

Slow Cooker French Dip Sloppy Joes blend classic sloppy joe ingredients with beef broth and onion flavors, creating a unique twist that’s hearty and satisfying.

Can I customize my Slow Cooker French Dip Sloppy Joes?

Absolutely! Feel free to add toppings like sautéed mushrooms or peppers, or switch out the cheese for your favorite variety.

How can I make this dish healthier?

You can use ground turkey instead of beef and add more vegetables like shredded carrots or zucchini to boost nutrition.

What sides pair well with Slow Cooker French Dip Sloppy Joes?

Try serving these with a fresh salad, sweet potato fries, or vegetable sticks for a balanced meal.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker French Dip Sloppy Joes are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them with various toppings and sides to suit your taste. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion!

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