Sloppy Joes for a Crowd

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This is a simple and easy recipe for making Sloppy Joes for 24 or more people. Yes, I know, what kind of good Sloppy Joe recipe uses Manwich? In this case it's used as a base (like ketchup) to make a really tasty dish. I used the best ideas of several Sloppy Joe recipes on the Allrecipes website, added my own twist, and expanded it for a crowd.

Submitted by Mr Belvidere
Updated on August 1, 2024
sloppy joes on burger bun
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Prep Time:
20 mins
Cook Time:
4 hrs 15 mins
Total Time:
4 hrs 35 mins
Servings:
24
Yield:
6 quarts
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 24 servings

  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil

  • 6 pounds ground beef

  • 1 ½ cups chopped onion

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 pinch salt and ground black pepper to taste

  • 3 (26.5 ounce) cans Sloppy Joe sauce (such as Manwich®)

  • 5 ribs celery, chopped

  • 1 large green bell pepper, chopped

  • 5 tablespoons brown sugar

  • 2 tablespoons cider vinegar

  • ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves

Directions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1/3 of the beef, 1/2 cup onion, and 1 clove garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer to a slow cooker. Repeat twice more with remaining oil, beef, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper.

  2. Add Sloppy Joe sauce, celery, green pepper, brown sugar, cider vinegar, and cloves to the slow cooker. Cook on Low for at least 4 hours, adjusting seasoning to taste.

Cook’s Note

Sloppy Joes are like chili. There are many variations as to personal taste. You may want to add more or less brown sugar, clove, or vinegar to get the flavor you like. Warning! Do not add ketchup! The Manwich is very ketchupy to start.

This recipe just fits in a 6-quart slow cooker. It can be doubled for a crowd of 48 but you will need 2 slow cookers or an 18-quart NESCO Roaster to hold it.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

305 Calories
15g Fat
20g Carbs
21g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 24
Calories 305
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 15g 19%
Saturated Fat 6g 28%
Cholesterol 69mg 23%
Sodium 953mg 41%
Total Carbohydrate 20g 7%
Dietary Fiber 1g 2%
Total Sugars 16g
Protein 21g 41%
Vitamin C 7mg 8%
Calcium 21mg 2%
Iron 2mg 11%
Potassium 301mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.