Slow Cooker French Dip Sloppy Joes

Posted on November 16, 2025

These Slow Cooker French Dip Sloppy Joes combine the classic flavors of a French dip sandwich with the comfort of sloppy joes, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering, feeding a busy family, or simply craving something delicious, this recipe delivers on taste and convenience. The slow cooker does all the work for you, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while you enjoy your day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Preparation: Just toss your ingredients in the slow cooker and let it do the work.
Savory Flavor: The combination of beef broth and onion soup mix creates an irresistible taste that everyone will love.
Versatile Meal: Perfect for casual dinners or gatherings, these sloppy joes can be served with various sides.
Cheesy Goodness: Melty provolone cheese adds a creamy richness that elevates each bite.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this hearty dish, making it a great choice for family meals.

Tools and Preparation

To create these delicious Slow Cooker French Dip Sloppy Joes, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools that make cooking easier and more efficient.

Essential Kitchen Tools

Slow cooker
Large skillet
Wooden spoon
Knife
Cutting board

Why These Tools Matter

Slow Cooker: This tool is key for achieving tender and flavorful meat without constant monitoring.
Large Skillet: Ideal for browning ground beef and onions while enhancing flavor through sautéing.
Wooden Spoon: A must-have for mixing ingredients without scratching your cookware.

Ingredients

For the Meat Mixture

2 pounds lean ground beef
1 large onion (sliced thin)
½ cup quick cooking oatmeal
1 1/3 cups beef broth
1 ounce onion soup mix (1 packet)
1 Tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon black pepper

For Serving

6 slices provolone cheese
6 buns

How to Make Slow Cooker French Dip Sloppy Joes

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onions

In a large skillet over medium heat, add your ground beef and thinly sliced onion. Sauté until the beef is cooked through, stirring occasionally to break up the meat.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

Drain any grease from the skillet. Transfer the cooked meat and onion mixture to your slow cooker. Add in the quick cooking oatmeal, beef broth, onion soup mix, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.

Step 3: Cook Low and Slow

Cover your slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours. This allows all flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 4: Add Cheese Before Serving

About five minutes before serving, place slices of provolone cheese on top of the meat mixture. Cover again until the cheese is melty and gooey.

Step 5: Serve on Buns

Scoop generous portions of the beef mixture onto brioche or slider buns. Enjoy your delicious Slow Cooker French Dip Sloppy Joes!

How to Serve Slow Cooker French Dip Sloppy Joes

Serving Slow Cooker French Dip Sloppy Joes can be a fun and delicious experience. These flavorful sandwiches are perfect for gatherings or family dinners, and you can elevate the meal with some simple serving suggestions.

Classic Style

Brioche Buns: Soft and buttery, these buns enhance the rich flavors of the sloppy joes.
Slider Buns: Perfect for appetizers or parties, slider buns make these sandwiches easy to enjoy in smaller portions.

Toppings Galore

Sautéed Peppers: Add colorful bell peppers sautéed in olive oil for extra sweetness and crunch.
Pickles: A few slices of dill pickles on top can add a tangy contrast to the savory meat.

Accompaniments

French Fries: Crispy fries are always a hit; consider tossing them in garlic powder for extra flavor.
Coleslaw: A side of creamy coleslaw can provide a refreshing crunch that complements the richness of the sloppy joes.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker French Dip Sloppy Joes

Perfecting your Slow Cooker French Dip Sloppy Joes involves paying attention to key details during preparation. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out great every time.

Use Lean Ground Beef: Selecting lean ground beef will help keep your sloppy joes from becoming greasy, enhancing the overall texture.
Opt for Quality Broth: A good beef broth will amplify the flavors; look for low-sodium options for better control over saltiness.
Let It Cook Low and Slow: Cooking on low heat allows all the flavors to meld beautifully; don’t rush this step.
Add Cheese at the End: Placing provolone cheese on top during the last few minutes ensures it melts perfectly without overcooking.
Consider Extra Seasoning: Feel free to adjust spices according to your taste; adding a pinch of cayenne can introduce a nice kick.
Serve Immediately: For best results, serve these sandwiches right after they’re assembled while everything is warm and melty.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker French Dip Sloppy Joes

Pairing sides with your Slow Cooker French Dip Sloppy Joes can elevate your meal further. Here are some delightful side dishes that complement this hearty sandwich perfectly.

Garlic Bread: Crunchy on the outside and soft inside, it’s perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce.
Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad provides a cool contrast to the warm sloppy joes, making it an ideal pairing.
Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with creamy dressing adds freshness that balances out the richness of the sandwich.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized make a colorful and healthy side option.
Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn complements savory flavors well; grill or boil it for added sweetness.
Chips and Salsa: Crispy tortilla chips served with fresh salsa offer a delightful crunch and zesty flavor contrast.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Slow Cooker French Dip Sloppy Joes, it’s easy to overlook some key details that can affect the outcome. Here are some common mistakes to keep in mind.

Bold Ingredients: Using low-quality ground beef can lead to a greasy texture. Opt for lean ground beef for a healthier and tastier dish.
Bold Time Management: Cooking on high heat instead of low may not allow the flavors to develop fully. Always stick to the low setting for best results.
Bold Omit Seasoning: Forgetting to add seasoning like garlic powder can make your dish bland. Ensure you measure and include all spices for maximum flavor.
Bold Cheese Timing: Adding cheese too early may cause it to burn. Place it on top just before serving for a perfect melt.
Bold Wrong Buns: Using the wrong type of bun can result in sogginess. Choose sturdy brioche or slider buns that can hold up against the filling.

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Slow Cooker French Dip Sloppy Joes

Freeze in individual portions using freezer-safe bags or containers.
They can be kept frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Slow Cooker French Dip Sloppy Joes

Bold Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the sloppy joes in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
Bold Microwave: Place portions in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high for 1-2 minutes or until hot, stirring halfway through.
Bold Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through, about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Slow Cooker French Dip Sloppy Joe?

A Slow Cooker French Dip Sloppy Joe is a flavorful combination of ground beef simmered with onions and seasonings, served on buns with melted cheese.

How do I customize my Slow Cooker French Dip Sloppy Joes?

You can add different vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms, or try various cheeses such as mozzarella or cheddar for added flavor.

Can I use turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works well and will offer a lighter version of the Slow Cooker French Dip Sloppy Joes without sacrificing flavor.

How long does it take to cook them?

The cooking time is typically around 3-4 hours on low heat in the slow cooker, allowing flavors to meld perfectly.

Conclusion

These Slow Cooker French Dip Sloppy Joes are not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize them with your favorite ingredients or serve them at gatherings. Give this recipe a try; you might find it becomes a family favorite!