Description
Juicy ground beef simmered in a tangy-sweet barbecue sauce right in the slow cooker. An easy, hands-off meal that’s perfect for weeknights, game day, or feeding a crowd!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 green bell pepper, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauces & Seasonings
- 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, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat until no longer pink. Drain excess fat thoroughly to ensure the final dish is not greasy.
- Cook Vegetables: Add finely diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for about 3 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture to the 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 the slow cooker and cook on Low for 4 to 6 hours, or on High for 2 to 3 hours. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution.
- Serve: Spoon the barbecue beef mixture onto hamburger buns and add your favorite toppings such as pickles, coleslaw, or cheese slices. Serve hot for a delicious and hearty meal.
Notes
- Perfect for meal prep — the mixture stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw and reheat before serving.
- Great served as sliders for parties, or spooned over baked potatoes or rice for variety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Course, Sandwiches
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
