Name: Rodeo Sloppy Joes Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lbs. ground beef (lean, browned and drained); 8 slices bacon (cooked, diced); 1 small onion (diced); 1 small green bell pepper (diced); 1 cup BBQ sauce; 2 Tbsp brown sugar; 1/4 cup water; 1/4 cup oatmeal; 6 buns; 6 slices American cheese; 12 frozen breaded onion rings (cooked according to bag directions)

Description

Rodeo Sloppy Joes is a hearty, flavorful twist on the classic sloppy joe sandwich, featuring a savory blend of ground beef, crispy bacon, diced onion, and green bell pepper slow-cooked in BBQ sauce and brown sugar. Each sandwich is topped with melty American cheese and crispy onion rings for that perfect combination of smoky, sweet, and crunchy textures. This comforting meal is ideal for casual gatherings and satisfying family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

1 1/2 lbs. ground beef (lean, browned and drained)
8 slices bacon (cooked, diced)
1 small onion (diced)
1 small green bell pepper (diced)

Sauce and Binders

1 cup BBQ sauce
2 Tbsp brown sugar
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup oatmeal

Assembly

6 buns
6 slices American cheese
12 frozen breaded onion rings (cooked according to bag directions)

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Instructions

Combine ingredients in slow cooker: In your slow cooker, add the browned and drained ground beef, cooked diced bacon, diced onion, diced green bell pepper, water, oatmeal, BBQ sauce, and brown sugar. Stir everything together until well combined.
Cook slowly: Set the slow cooker to low and cook the mixture for 4 to 6 hours. This slow cooking allows the flavors to meld and the ingredients to become tender and delicious.
Season and assemble sandwiches: After cooking, season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Place a slice of American cheese on the bottom half of each bun, spoon a generous amount of the sloppy joe mixture on top, then top with two cooked crispy onion rings before placing the bun top and serving.

Notes

You can use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
For extra smoky flavor, consider adding a dash of smoked paprika or chipotle powder to the mixture before cooking.
If you prefer a thicker sloppy joe filling, reduce the amount of water slightly or cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes.
Use gluten-free buns and oatmeal to make this recipe gluten-free.
Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.