Description
Juicy ground beef simmered in a tangy-sweet barbecue sauce right in the slow cooker. This easy, hands-off meal is perfect for weeknights, game day, or feeding a crowd, delivering flavorful barbecue sliders or sandwiches with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 green bell pepper, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
Serving
- Hamburger buns, for serving
- Pickles, coleslaw, or cheese slices (optional toppings)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until it is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat to avoid greasy sauce.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the finely diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for about 3 minutes until the vegetables have softened, enhancing flavor.
- Combine in Slow Cooker: Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture into your slow cooker. Stir in the barbecue sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, chili powder (if using), salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on Low for 4 to 6 hours or on High for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally to blend flavors and ensure even cooking.
- Serve: Spoon the barbecue beef mixture onto hamburger buns and add optional toppings like pickles, coleslaw, or cheese slices. Serve warm for a delicious meal perfect for sandwiches or sliders.
Notes
- This recipe is perfect for meal prep; the barbecue beef mixture stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- You can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
- Try serving the mixture over baked potatoes or rice for a tasty alternative to sandwiches.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Course, Sandwiches
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
