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Cozy Slow Cooker Sloppy Joe Bar Recipe Easy Homemade Brioche Buns

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A cozy, hands-off slow cooker sloppy joe recipe paired with homemade brioche buns, perfect for casual entertaining and customizable sandwich bars.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 egg (for egg wash)
  • Suggested toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, dill pickle slices, coleslaw, sliced jalapeños, mustard, mayonnaise, fresh chopped parsley or chives

Instructions

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula (5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
  2. Add chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to skillet. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes.
  3. Transfer beef and veggies to slow cooker.
  4. In a bowl, whisk together ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
  5. Pour sauce over meat and veggies in slow cooker and stir to combine.
  6. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, stirring halfway through if possible.
  7. While filling simmers, prepare brioche buns: combine warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar in a bowl. Let sit 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  8. In a stand mixer bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add yeast mixture and eggs, mixing with dough hook on low until combined.
  9. Gradually add softened butter one tablespoon at a time, kneading about 10 minutes until dough is smooth and elastic.
  10. Transfer dough to greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled, about 1-1.5 hours.
  11. Punch down dough and divide into 8-10 equal pieces. Shape into round buns and place on parchment-lined baking sheet.
  12. Cover loosely and let rise again for 30-45 minutes.
  13. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush buns with beaten egg for shine.
  14. Bake buns for 15-18 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
  15. Slice brioche buns in half. Set sloppy joe filling in slow cooker or warming tray to keep warm.
  16. Arrange toppings for guests to build their own sandwiches.

Notes

[‘Brown the beef and vegetables well before adding to slow cooker for deeper flavor.’, ‘Cook on low heat for best flavor and tender meat.’, ‘Add softened butter gradually when making brioche dough to avoid greasiness.’, ‘Do not overknead dough to keep buns tender.’, ‘Brush buns with egg wash before baking for a shiny golden finish.’, ‘If filling is too thick after cooking, add a splash of water or beef broth.’, ‘Store buns in airtight container and warm before serving to keep soft.’, ‘Sloppy joe filling can be made ahead and stored in fridge for up to 2 days or frozen for 3 months.’, ‘Brioche buns can be frozen individually wrapped and thawed overnight.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, sloppy joe, brioche buns, sandwich bar, comfort food, easy dinner, homemade buns, casual entertaining

Find it online: https://evabake.com/cozy-slow-cooker-sloppy-joe-bar-recipe-easy-homemade-brioche-buns/