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Old Fashioned Sloppy Joe Freezer Meal Recipe
Hannah Stewart
With our Old Fashioned Sloppy Joe Freezer Meal, you can have the rich, savory-sweet goodness of Sloppy Joes without the stress of starting from scratch.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Equipment
  • 1 Slow Cooker or Crock Pot
  • 1 High speed blender or food processor
  • 1 gallon freezer bag
Ingredients
 
 
  • 2 lbs ground beef
  • 1 small yellow onion
  • 1 green bell pepper diced
  • 1/2 cup carrots shredded
Sloppy Joe Sauce (Blend Together):
  • 6 oz tomato paste
  • 2 tbsp raw honey
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 3 garlic cloves or 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tbsp dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2/3 cup water
For Serving
  • 4-6 buns
Instructions
 
Freezer Prep Directions:
  • Prepare a gallon freezer bag, labeling according to your preferred method.
  • Add sauce ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. (You may have to scrap sides once or twice).
  • Add all ingredients, except for serving, to labeled gallon freezer bag.
  • Seal bag, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to three months. 
Slow Cooker Directions:
  • Thaw freezer bag in fridge 12-24 hours before cooking.
  • Add freezer bag contents into slow cooker.
  • Cook on low 5-6 hours. (Do not stir)
  • After cooking, break up the meat in the slow cooker and stir to combine.
  • Serve in your favorite bun and enjoy!
Instant Pot Directions
  1. Dump the contents of the freezer bag into the Instant Pot, add 1/2 cup water.
  2. Set to High Pressure for 15 minutes, then allow a 10-minute natural release followed by a quick release. 
  3. After cooking, break up the meat in the slow cooker and stir to combine.
  4. Serve in your favorite bun and enjoy!
Dietary Adjustments
Make it Gluten-Free:
  • This recipe is naturally gluten-free.
 
 
Make it Dairy-Free:
  • This recipe is naturally dairy-free.

Notes

  • If you like a little extra heat or kick add in some hot sauce to your sandwich or the meat when cooking. 
  • If you do not have fresh garlic use 1 tsp garlic powder as a substitute. 
  • You can sub out hot sauce for the dijon mustard if desired. 
  • This recipe is super family-friendly and so full of flavor! The cinnamon is optional but highly recommended. 
Keyword crockpot dinners, Healthy Sloppy Joe Recipe, Old Fashioned Sloppy Joe Recipe
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