Sloppy Joes For a Backyard Picnic - Crockpot Style

You may think of sloppy Joes as a "kid" food but I still love to eat them and I serve them to my family on a regular basis. I recently held a picnic style gathering at my house for my family and friends. I didn't  want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen so I have decided that I would use my crockpot and make my famous Large Crowd Pleasing Sloppy Joes. This recipe has been a favorite at many covered dish events.  It is so simple to prepare and it will serve 24 hungry diners.

Ingredients

Crockpot

3 pounds ground beef
1 cup coarsely chopped onion 
3/4 cup celery
1 cup barbeque sauce
1 can (261/2 ounces) sloppy Joe sauce
24 hamburger buns

Directions

* Cook beef and onion in a large skillet over medium heat for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally until beef is brown.
* Drain.
* Transfer beef mixture to 31/2 to 6 quart crockpot.
* To beef mixture, add chopped celery, barbecue sauce, and sloppy joe sauce. Mix thoroughly.
* Cover and cook on low heat setting for 7 to 9 hours (or cook on high heat setting for 3 to 4 hours) or until vegetables are tender.

Quick Tips

1. Spray crockpot with cooking spray for easier cleaning.
2. Buy onions and celery already chopped.
3. Sloppy Joes will stay warm for about 2 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent mixture from getting too brown around the edges.

You can serve any side dish with the sloppy Joes.  To keep preparation simple I usually serve potato chips.

This recipe only takes about 15 minutes to prepare but your guests will think that you spent all day in the kitchen. Be prepared for compliments!

Sloppy Joes For a Backyard Picnic - Crockpot Style

Judy Scuderi is an Information Specialist in Florida. Her kitchen is filled with cookbooks which she has collected over the years. Check out her blog at: http://www.floridamuse.wordpress.com

Thanks To : cuisinart multiclad unlimited 12 piece cookware rachael ray 10 piece cookware set