Slow Cooker French Dip Sloppy Joes

Posted on November 3, 2025

Slow Cooker French Dip Sloppy Joes might just become your new go-to meal! This exciting twist on a classic brings all the rich flavors of a French dip sandwich into a hearty sloppy joe, making it perfect for casual dinners or gatherings. With minimal prep time and the convenience of a slow cooker, you can set it and forget it while your house fills with mouthwatering aromas.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Prepare: Simply toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work for you.
Flavor-Packed: Enjoy the delicious combination of savory beef, onions, and melted cheese with every bite.
Versatile Serving Options: Serve it on brioche buns, slider buns, or even over rice for a unique twist.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this comforting dish that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch ahead of time, and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To make these Slow Cooker French Dip Sloppy Joes, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools. Having the right tools makes cooking smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Kitchen Tools

Slow Cooker
Large Skillet
Cutting Board
Chef’s Knife
Measuring Cups and Spoons

Why These Tools Matter

Slow Cooker: Allows for hands-off cooking that develops deep flavors while tenderizing the meat perfectly.
Large Skillet: Ideal for browning the beef and sautéing onions before adding them to the slow cooker.
Chef’s Knife: Ensures quick and precise slicing of onions and other ingredients.

Ingredients

Ingredients:

For the Sloppy Joes

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

For Serving

6 slices provolone cheese
6 buns

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How to Make Slow Cooker French Dip Sloppy Joes

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onions

In a large skillet, add your ground beef along with the thinly sliced onion.
1. Sauté over medium heat until the beef is cooked through.
2. Drain any excess grease.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

Add the cooked beef and onion mixture to your slow cooker.
1. To the slow cooker, add oatmeal, beef broth, onion soup mix, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper.
2. Stir well to combine all ingredients.

Step 3: Cook Low and Slow

Cover your slow cooker and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours. This allows all flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 4: Melt Cheese Before Serving

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

Step 5: Serve Your Sloppy Joes

Scoop generous portions onto brioche buns or slider buns. Enjoy this delightful twist on classic sloppy joes!

How to Serve Slow Cooker French Dip Sloppy Joes

Serving your Slow Cooker French Dip Sloppy Joes can be just as fun as making them. Here are some creative ways to elevate your meal experience and impress your family or guests.

Classic Presentation

Brioche Buns – Serve your sloppy joes on soft, buttery brioche buns for a delightful taste.
Slider Buns – For smaller portions, use slider buns and create a fun appetizer for gatherings.

Toppings Galore

Sautéed Mushrooms – Add sautéed mushrooms on top for an earthy flavor that complements the beef.
Pickled Jalapeños – Spice things up with pickled jalapeños for a zesty kick.

Dipping Sauces

Horseradish Cream Sauce – A creamy horseradish sauce adds a nice tangy contrast to the rich beef flavors.
Garlic Aioli – Use garlic aioli for an extra layer of flavor; it’s perfect for dipping!

How to Perfect Slow Cooker French Dip Sloppy Joes

To achieve the best results with your Slow Cooker French Dip Sloppy Joes, consider these helpful tips.

Bold Flavor Boost – Use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance the flavor profile of your dish.
Right Meat Choice – Opt for lean ground beef to keep your sloppy joes hearty without being greasy.
Layer Ingredients Wisely – Layering ingredients in the slow cooker helps in better flavor fusion during cooking.
Adjust Seasonings – Taste and adjust seasonings before serving; you may want more garlic or pepper based on preference.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker French Dip Sloppy Joes

Pairing side dishes with your Slow Cooker French Dip Sloppy Joes can elevate the meal experience. Here are some fantastic ideas that will complement the rich flavors of your dish.

French Fries – Crispy fries provide a classic comfort food pairing with your sloppy joes.
Coleslaw – A creamy coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch that balances the savory flavors.
Potato Salad – A chilled potato salad can be a great make-ahead option that adds creaminess.
Steamed Vegetables – Lightly steamed broccoli or green beans offer a healthy and colorful addition to your plate.
Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn on the cob is a seasonal favorite that pairs well with any barbecue-inspired meal.
Chips and Salsa – Serve tortilla chips with salsa as an easy starter before diving into the main dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Slow Cooker French Dip Sloppy Joes, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:

Skipping the browning step: Not browning the beef and onions can lead to a lack of flavor. Always brown your meat before adding it to the slow cooker for depth of taste.
Using too much liquid: Adding excess broth can make the mixture too runny. Stick to the recommended amount to achieve the perfect consistency.
Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Every palate is different. Taste your mixture before serving and adjust seasonings as needed to suit your preferences.
Overcooking the cheese: Leaving cheese on too long can lead to an unappetizing texture. Just a few minutes under cover will melt it perfectly without overdoing it.
Ignoring bun quality: Using low-quality buns can ruin the dish. Opt for fresh brioche or slider buns that enhance the overall experience.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator Storage

- Duration: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Containers: Use airtight containers to keep your Slow Cooker French Dip Sloppy Joes fresh.

Freezing Slow Cooker French Dip Sloppy Joes

- Duration: Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Containers: Use freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible.

Reheating Slow Cooker French Dip Sloppy Joes

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 30-second intervals until warm throughout.
Stovetop: Heat gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I customize my Slow Cooker French Dip Sloppy Joes?

You can add various toppings like sautéed mushrooms, jalapeños, or even different types of cheese such as cheddar or Swiss for added flavor.

Can I use chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground chicken works well and offers a lighter version of this classic recipe while still being delicious.

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

Consider serving with sweet potato fries, coleslaw, or a simple green salad for a balanced meal.

How do I know when my sloppy joes are done?

They should be bubbly and heated through after cooking in the slow cooker for 3-4 hours on low. Just ensure all ingredients are well combined.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare everything in advance and store it in the fridge overnight. Just cook in the slow cooker when you’re ready to serve.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker French Dip Sloppy Joes are a delightful twist on two classic dishes that bring comfort and flavor together. This recipe is not only easy but also versatile, allowing you to customize toppings and side dishes based on your preferences. Give this unique meal a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!