Description

This Slow Cooker Korean Beef Sloppy Joes recipe offers a delicious twist on the classic sloppy joe sandwich by infusing it with savory Korean-inspired flavors. Ground beef is first browned on the stovetop, then slow cooked with a blend of soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, oats, and cola soda to create a sweet and tangy filling. Served on soft brioche or hamburger buns and garnished with fresh green onions, this easy and comforting dish is perfect for a flavorful family weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Beef Mixture

1 lb lean ground beef
½ cup low sodium soy sauce
½ cup ketchup
½ cup brown sugar
¼ cup quick cooking oatmeal
¼ cup cola soda
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 green onions, sliced plus extra for garnish

Buns

4 hamburger buns or soft brioche buns

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Instructions

Brown the ground beef: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and cook the ground beef until it is browned and fully cooked through. Drain the excess grease to keep the mixture lean and flavorful.
Combine ingredients in slow cooker: Transfer the cooked ground beef to a 6-quart slow cooker. Add low sodium soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, quick cooking oatmeal, cola soda, minced garlic, and sliced green onions. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
Slow cook the mixture: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 4 hours. Stir the mixture once or twice during cooking to ensure flavors meld well and oats are evenly distributed.
Serve on buns: Once the cooking time is complete and the mixture is thickened and flavorful, spoon the Korean-style sloppy joe mixture onto hamburger buns or soft brioche buns. Garnish with additional sliced green onions if desired to add freshness and a pop of color.

Notes

Make sure to drain the grease after browning the ground beef to keep the dish from being too oily.
Quick cooking oatmeal helps thicken the sloppy joe filling and adds texture without overpowering the flavors.
Using low sodium soy sauce balances out the saltiness and allows better control over sodium levels.
Cola soda adds a subtle sweetness and helps tenderize the beef for a rich taste.
Brioche buns provide a soft, slightly sweet base that pairs well with the savory beef mixture, but regular hamburger buns work great too.
This recipe can be prepared ahead by browning the beef and combining all ingredients early in the day and letting them cook slowly for a hands-off meal.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Category: Main Dish
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: Korean-American Fusion