Sloppy Joe Sliders are a 30-minute meal, kid-friendly recipe, and game-day party favorite made with ground beef, a tangy homemade sauce, and soft rolls (such as Hawaiian rolls or bakery-style). These mini sloppy joes are perfect for quick family dinners, entertaining, or tailgates because they're easy to prepare and freezer-friendly.
If you like this comfort food, you may also love our Cheesy Quesadillas Recipe or our Homemade Hot Dog Chili.
Sloppy Joe Sliders Recipe at a Glance 🔎
- 🕒 Prep Time: 10 minutes
- ⏱️ Cook Time: 20 minutes
- 👥 Servings: 16 sliders
- 🔥 Cook Method: Stovetop + Assembly
- 🍽️ Cuisine: American, Game Day Party Food
- 👩🍳 Pair With: Garlic Parmesan Wings, Pizza Egg Rolls, Buffalo Chicken Dip
- ⭐ Difficulty Level: Easy
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My children always ask me to make these Sloppy Joe sliders and they're great for parties! Serve them on mini rolls or spoon over Texas Toast and they never last long on the platter. ~Jami
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Why We Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, ideal for busy parents.
- Made with Simple Ingredients: Ground beef, peppers, ketchup, and pantry staples.
- Perfect for Parties: A crowd-pleaser that works for holidays, tailgates, or weeknights.
- Kid-Friendly: Mini sloppy joes are easy for little hands to hold.
Sloppy Joe Slider Ingredients
Here's what you'll need for these sloppy joe sliders with Hawaiian rolls:
- Ground Beef: We like lean ground beef for a hearty filling that isn't greasy.
- Onion: Brings sweetness and depth.
- Green Bell Pepper: Adds crunch and freshness.
- Garlic: Sharpens the flavor.
- Ketchup: Classic base for that tangy-sweet flavor.
- Brown Sugar: Balances acidity.
- Chili Powder and other Seasonings: Mild heat that gives depth.
- Tomato Paste: Thickens the sauce.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Boosts savory flavor.
- King's Hawaiian Rolls, Bakery Dinner Rolls, or Brioche: Soft, slightly sweet, and perfect for mini sloppy joes. They're great with this Turkey Sliders Recipe, too!
A full ingredient list with exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Substitutions & Variations
- Ground Beef: Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Green Bell Pepper: Use red or yellow bell pepper for a sweeter taste.
- Flavor: Add a slice of cheddar or pepper jack before topping with the bun.
- Diet: Make it vegetarian by using a plant-based meat substitute.
- Kid-Friendly: Add a slice of cheese on top of the filling before adding the top bun.
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How to Make Sloppy Joe Sliders
STEP ONE: Prepare the Beef and Vegetables
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef with onion, garlic, and green pepper until the beef is browned and vegetables are softened. Drain excess fat.
STEP TWO: Prepare the Sloppy Joe Sauce
Stir in ketchup, brown sugar, chili powder, mustard, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
STEP THREE: Simmer the Mixture and Toast the Buns
Lower the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, letting the sauce reduce and flavors blend. Add a small amount of water if needed.
While the beef simmers, brush roll tops with melted butter and toast at 375°F for 8-10 minutes.
STEP FOUR: Assemble the Sliders
When ready to serve, spoon the filling onto the bottom halves, add the tops, and enjoy with a side of fries or coleslaw.
Expert Tips for Success
👩🍳Jami's Pro Tips: Want to take this recipe to the next level? Check out my expert tips below for the best flavor, texture, and meal prep hacks!
✔️ DO Let the filling simmer for the full 15 minutes and drain the beef.
✔️ DO Toast the buns for better texture.
✔️ DO Keep the mixture warm in a slow cooker or skillet until time to eat.
❌ DON'T assemble until just before serving, or the bread will get soggy.
❌ DON'T Overload each bun or they'll fall apart.
Storage
Store leftover Sloppy Joe filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the filling in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Recipe FAQ's
A Sloppy Joe sandwich is made of ground beef cooked with onions, bell peppers, garlic, and a tangy sauce typically consisting of ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and spices. The mixture is then served on a toasted bun or roll.
Manwich is a brand of pre-made Sloppy Joe sauce that simplifies the process of making Sloppy Joes. It typically comes in a can and is mixed with cooked ground beef to create the filling.
Common toppings for Sloppy Joes include shredded cheddar cheese, pickles, coleslaw, and sliced onions. Some people also enjoy adding a slice of cheese or a spoonful of mustard for extra flavor.
Sloppy Joe Sliders pair well with crunchy potato chips, creamy coleslaw, or classic game day wings. For a full spread, add dip, fries, or a simple green salad. These sides balance the sliders' rich flavor and make hosting easy.
More Game Day Recipes You'll Love ♥️
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📖 Recipe
Sloppy Joe Sliders
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Spatula
- Baking sheet
Ingredients
- 16 King's Hawaiian rolls bakery dinner rolls, or brioche.
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 ½ lbs ground beef
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 1 small green bell pepper finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 ½ cups ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef with the finely chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic until the beef is browned and crumbled, and the vegetables are fragrant. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in ketchup, brown sugar, chili powder, mustard, Worcestershire, and tomato paste. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well.
- Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes until thickened. Add a little water if needed.
- While the beef simmers, brush roll tops with melted butter and toast at 375°F for 8-10 minutes.
- Spoon the Sloppy Joe mixture generously onto the bottom halves of the rolls. Top with the remaining halves and serve.
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Notes
- Ground Beef: Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Green Bell Pepper: Use red or yellow bell pepper for a sweeter taste.
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