Slow Cooker Mississippi Sloppy Joes

 

The culinary journey of the Sloppy Joe, a beloved American comfort food, begins in the early 20th century. While the exact origin is debated, it is widely accepted that the Sloppy Joe evolved from the "loose meat" sandwiches popular in the Midwest. These sandwiches, consisting of seasoned ground beef served on a bun, were a staple in small-town diners. The modern Sloppy Joe, a mixture of ground beef, onions, and tomato sauce or ketchup, likely got its name from a bar in Havana, Cuba, called Sloppy Joe's, which was frequented by American tourists and expatriates during Prohibition.

The Mississippi variation of Sloppy Joes introduces a unique Southern twist to the classic recipe. The term "Mississippi" in culinary contexts often denotes dishes that incorporate robust flavors, often using ingredients like ranch seasoning, au jus gravy mix, and pepperoncini peppers. These ingredients are typically found in the popular Mississippi Pot Roast, a dish that inspired this version of Sloppy Joes. By adapting these flavors to the traditional Sloppy Joe, the Slow Cooker Mississippi Sloppy Joes offer a tangy, savory, and slightly spicy experience that stands out from the usual sweet and tomato-based versions.

• Meatball sliders

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Mississippi Sloppy Joes

2 pounds ground beef

1 packet ranch seasoning mix

1 packet au jus gravy mix

1/2 cup unsalted butter

6-8 pepperoncini peppers

1/2 cup beef broth

1 onion, finely chopped

1 green bell pepper, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Salt and pepper to taste

6-8 hamburger buns

Procedure for Slow Cooker Mississippi Sloppy Joes

Preparation Time:

Preparation: 20 minutes

Cooking: 4-6 hours

Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes to 6 hours 20 minutes

Instructions:

Prepare the Ingredients:

Chop the onion and green bell pepper finely.

Mince the garlic cloves.

Brown the Ground Beef:

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat until it is no longer pink. Drain the excess fat.

Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker:

Transfer the browned ground beef to the slow cooker.

Add the finely chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the slow cooker.

Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix and au jus gravy mix over the beef mixture.

Place the unsalted butter on top of the mixture.

Add the pepperoncini peppers and pour in the beef broth.

Drizzle the Worcestershire sauce over the mixture.

Cook:

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure the flavors meld together.

Final Seasoning:

About 30 minutes before serving, taste the mixture and add salt and pepper as needed.

Serve:

Toast the hamburger buns, if desired.

Spoon the Mississippi Sloppy Joe mixture onto the buns.