Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes is a simple way to make your meal with minimal effort at the stove and perfect for potlucks and parties. The first time I made it for a Highschool event it was devoured. Kids loved it and it was so easy to transport. Just needed the Slow Cooker, buns, spoon and paper plates.
To make this easier I often use pre-cooked hamburger and onion that I have frozen. I start with 10-20 pounds at a time and cook in the slow cooker with chopped onions. I stir every hour or so until it’s all cooked, drain off the great and freeze. When I do this I find I do a better job at avoiding going to fast food restaurants because I can easily put dinners together with the precooked hamburger. Precooking sausage and ground turkey or chicken works well too.
I typically just use hamburger but if you want to make Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes a bit cheaper you can use ground turkey or chicken. I can find either of those for less than $2 a pound whereas Hamburger is nearly $4 a pound even for the 73%. You can also use ground Bison or Venison. If you need to calm a gamey taste just use part hamburger and part venison. All great ways to be frugal.