Name: Slow Cooker Cowboy Sloppy Joes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Yield: 6 Servings
Cuisine: American

Real Life of Lulu Verified

January 22, 2026

Smoky, sweet, and a little spicy, these Slow Cooker Cowboy Sloppy Joes pack bacon, jalapeños, and BBQ sauce into one saucy sandwich. The slow cooker does the work while the beef turns tender and rich, ready to pile onto toasted buns with melty Colby Jack. It’s messy in the best way and the kind of weeknight dinner that has everyone hovering for seconds.

From the Cook

1/9

Slow Cooker Cowboy Sloppy Joes

Real Life of Lulu Verified

Ingredients

WarningMilk and 5 other allergens identified

Instructions

This recipe also lives on Real Life of Lulu.Show them some love by checking it out! 😊

Check out original post! 😊

Original PostView

Instructions

Add the ground beef, bacon, onion, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, brown sugar, jalapenos, barbecue sauce, rolled oats, and water to your slow cooker.

Stir to combine.

Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, stirring occasionally.

Make your sandwiches with the sloppy joe mixture, a slice of cheese, and some extra jalapenos.

Smart Nutrition

My Calorie Intake

0
Review & Earn

Be the first to review this recipe and earn a 20% Bonus

Level up & unlock free Premium by reviewing recipes!

My Notes

Your kitchen notebook is waiting.

Whether it's a recipe tweak or an inspiration burst — jot it down here.

Tips & Tricks (5)

Bacon Rendering Magic 🥓
Partially freeze the bacon before chopping for cleaner cuts, and render it separately to develop deep, smoky flavor before adding to the slow cooker.
Jalapeño Heat Control 🌶️
Remove the seeds and membranes from jalapeños to control spice level, or keep them in for maximum heat and flavor complexity.
Oat Moisture Magic 🥣
The rolled oats act as a natural thickener and moisture absorber - mix them thoroughly to prevent clumping and create a perfect sloppy joe texture.
Bun Toasting Technique 🍞
Butter the inside of the hamburger buns and toast them briefly under the broiler for a crisp, golden surface that prevents sogginess from the saucy filling.
Flavor Layering Trick 🧂
Caramelize the onions and garlic before adding to the slow cooker to unlock deeper, more complex flavor profiles in your cowboy sloppy joes.