Sloppy Joe Sliders
Sloppy Joe Sliders are a fun, tasty twist on the classic sloppy joe, just mini! These sliders are packed with a hearty beef filling that’s rich, tangy, and slightly sweet…
By Ava
•
•
Reading time: 7 min
Tip: save now, make later.
Sloppy Joe Sliders are a fun, tasty twist on the classic sloppy joe, just mini! These sliders are packed with a hearty beef filling that’s rich, tangy, and slightly sweet all at once. The soft, small buns are perfect for holding all that flavorful saucy goodness without making a mess.
I love making these sliders for casual get-togethers or when I want something quick and filling. They’re simple to throw together but always a hit, especially with kids and adults alike. I find adding a little extra seasoning or a squeeze of ketchup on top spices things up just right.
My favorite way to serve them is with some crunchy pickles on the side and maybe a bit of cheddar melted on top. They’re great for sharing and perfect for snacking while chatting with friends. Honestly, once you try these sloppy joe sliders, they become a go-to anytime comfort food that everyone asks for again and again.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground beef: Using an 80/20 blend helps keep the sliders juicy with enough fat. If you want leaner, try 90/10, but add a splash of oil while cooking to prevent dryness. For a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken work well too.
Yellow onion: This adds sweetness and depth when cooked. If you don’t have yellow onion, white or sweet onions are good substitutes. Just chop finely so they cook quickly and blend into the sauce.
Ketchup and tomato paste: These give a rich and tangy base. If ketchup isn’t available, tomato sauce with a bit of sugar can work. Tomato paste thickens the sauce; canned tomato puree is okay, but you may want to cook it down a bit longer.
Worcestershire sauce and mustard: Worcestershire adds umami depth, while mustard brings a little tang. If Worcestershire isn’t on hand, soy sauce or a splash of balsamic vinegar can help. Use Dijon or yellow mustard depending on your taste.
Slider buns: Soft dinner rolls or Hawaiian rolls are perfect here. Hawaiian rolls add a touch of sweetness, which pairs nicely with the saucy meat. If you can’t find slider buns, mini hamburger buns or dinner rolls sliced to size work too.
How Can I Make Sure the Sloppy Joe Filling Is Thick and Not Runny?
A thick filling helps the sliders hold together and keeps bites neat. Here’s what I do:
- Drain fat: After browning the ground beef, drain excess fat. Too much grease makes the sauce watery.
- Add tomato paste: This ingredient is key for thickening. It adds concentration and body to the sauce.
- Simmer uncovered: Cook the sauce on medium-low to let excess liquid evaporate while flavors blend. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Adjust with seasonings: Brown sugar balances acidity and helps caramelize the sauce as it thickens.
- Check consistency: If it’s still too runny near the end, increase heat briefly to reduce more or add a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water.
These steps keep your filling thick, sticky, and ready for topping slider buns without the mess.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet – perfect for browning the beef and cooking the sauce evenly in one pan.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – helps break up the meat and stir without scratching your pan.
- Baking sheet or shallow baking dish – great for assembling and warming the sliders in the oven.
- Sharp knife – to slice the slider buns cleanly in half without squishing them.
- Basting brush (optional) – handy for brushing butter onto the buns for a golden finish.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken to keep it lighter but still tasty.
- Add diced pickles or a spoonful of relish inside the slider for a tangy crunch.
- Mix in a little barbecue sauce with the sloppy joe mix for a smoky twist.
- Top with sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to add some heat and zing.
How to Make Sloppy Joe Sliders?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sloppy Joe Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely chopped (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Sliders:
- 12 slider buns (soft dinner rolls or Hawaiian rolls work great)
- Butter, for brushing buns
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley or chopped green onions, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare the meat filling and about 10-12 minutes to bake the assembled sliders. Overall, expect around 30 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick and tasty meal or appetizer.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Beef and Veggies:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it into pieces with a spatula, until it’s browned and cooked through (about 5 to 7 minutes). Drain off any excess fat if needed. Then add the chopped onion and red bell pepper (if using), cooking together for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Add the Sauce and Simmer:
Now stir in the ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well to combine. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the filling simmer gently for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and all the flavors meld nicely.
3. Prepare and Assemble the Sliders:
While your filling simmers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the slider buns horizontally, keeping the tops and bottoms together. Lightly brush the bun halves with butter, then place the bottom halves on a baking sheet or baking dish. Spoon the sloppy joe mixture evenly over the bottom buns. If you like, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the meat filling, then place the bun tops back on.
4. Bake and Serve:
Bake the assembled sliders in the preheated oven for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cheese melts and the buns are warmed through. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with some fresh parsley or chopped green onions for a fresh touch.
5. Enjoy!
Serve your sloppy joe sliders hot, maybe alongside some crunchy pickles or a scoop of coleslaw for a delicious bite. These sliders are perfect for parties, game days, or casual dinners with family and friends.
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly and add a little oil if needed since they have less fat than ground beef.
How Should I Store Leftover Sloppy Joe Sliders?
Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or in the microwave until warmed through.
Can I Make the Sloppy Joe Meat Filling Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the meat filling up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat it on the stove before assembling the sliders and baking.
What Are Good Variations or Add-Ins for This Recipe?
You can mix in barbecue sauce for a smoky flavor, add diced pickles for crunch, or top the sliders with jalapeños for some heat. Using Hawaiian rolls adds a touch of sweetness that pairs well with the tangy filling.