Get ready to celebrate game day with these irresistible Sloppy Joe Sliders! Perfect for entertaining, these mini sandwiches pack a punch of flavor that's sure to please everyone. Not gearing up for the big game? No worries, enjoy this quick and easy recipe any day day of the week.
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Sloppy Joe Sliders are a fun and delicious twist on the classic sloppy joe, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. Making its debut in the 1930s, this dish has evolved into a family favorite, known for its rich, tangy flavor and easy preparation. These mini sandwiches are great for busy weeknights, game day, or as a crowd-pleaser at parties.
Why We Love This Recipe:
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy parents.
- Healthy Ingredients: Uses fresh vegetables and lean ground beef.
- Versatile: Great for dinner, lunch, or entertaining.
- Kid-Friendly: Fun and easy to eat for little hands.
If you like this game day recipe, you may also love our Cheesy Quesadillas Recipe or our Homemade Hot Dog Chili.
Jump to:
Ingredients
- King's Hawaiian Sweet Rolls or Bakery Rolls: Soft and fresh, perfect for sliders.
- Ground Beef: Lean and flavorful, the star of the dish.
- Onion: Adds a sweet and savory flavor.
- Green Bell Pepper: Provides a fresh and crunchy texture.
- Garlic: Enhances the overall taste with a robust flavor.
- Ketchup: The base for our tangy sauce.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness.
- Chili Powder: Gives a mild heat and rich flavor.
- Dry Mustard: Adds a subtle tanginess.
- Tomato Paste: Thickens the sauce and adds depth.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Enhances the savory notes.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
A full ingredient list with exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
How to Make Sloppy Joe Sliders
STEP ONE: Prepare the Beef and Vegetables
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef with finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and finely chopped green bell pepper until the beef is browned and the vegetables are fragrant. Drain any excess fat.
STEP TWO: Prepare the Sloppy Joe Sauce
Stir in the ketchup, brown sugar, chili powder, dry mustard, and tomato paste. Mix well. Add up to 1 cup of water if needed and the Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
STEP THREE: Simmer the Mixture
Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes until thickened.
STEP FOUR: Assemble the Sliders
Brush the tops of the bakery rolls with melted butter and toast them until lightly browned. Spoon the Sloppy Joe mixture generously onto the bottom halves of the rolls and top with the remaining halves.
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.
How Can I Customize this Recipe?
- Diet: Make it vegetarian by using a plant-based meat substitute.
- Spice: Use smoked paprika instead of chili powder for a smoky flavor.
- Kid-Friendly: Add a slice of cheese on top of the filling before adding the top bun.
What Kitchen Equipment Is Best?
This post shows some of our kitchen essentials. Please visit our shop if you would like to see more of our favorites. These are Amazon affiliate links and we earn commission from qualifying purchases.
- Large skillet
- Spatula
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
Storage
Store leftover Sloppy Joe filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
👩🍳 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 more meal prep hacks!
Expert Tips for Success
For the best flavor, let the filling simmer for the full 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend together.
To reheat, place the filling in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
More Recipes You'll Love ♥️
Have Leftover Ingredients?
- Add ground beef to tacos, spaghetti, or this Dutch Oven Chili: Cincinnati Style.
- Leftover ketchup goes well in Southern Meatloaf with a Ketchup Topping, BBQ sauce, or homemade cocktail sauce.
- Use up brown sugar when making Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies with Browned Butter, Dry Rub for Oven-Baked Ribs, and sweet marinades.
Need Something To Pair This With?
- This Coleslaw Recipe for Pulled Pork and Chicken BBQ makes a crunchy and tangy side dish.
- Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes pair well with Sloppy Joe Sliders.
- Pickles add a tangy crunch.
In The Mood For a Similar Dish?
- Roast Beef Sliders
- Easy Leftover Turkey Sliders
- Pulled Pork Sliders
- BBQ Chicken Sliders
- Meatball Sliders
Related
More game day recipes you will love:
FAQ
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.
Yes! To freeze, prepare the Sloppy Joe filling as instructed and let it cool completely. Transfer the cooled filling to an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
📖 Recipe
Sloppy Joe Sliders
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Spatula
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
Ingredients
- 16 bakery rolls
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 ½ lbs ground beef
- ½ onion finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper finely chopped
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 1 ½ cups ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup water or as needed
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook 2 ½ lbs 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 1 ½ cups ketchup, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 2 teaspoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon dry mustard, and 2 tablespoons tomato paste. Mix well.
- Add up to 1 cup of water if needed and 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes until thickened.
- While the filling simmers, brush the tops of the 16 bakery rolls with 3 tablespoons melted butter. Toast in the oven or toaster until lightly browned.
- Spoon the Sloppy Joe mixture generously onto the bottom halves of the rolls. Top with the remaining halves and serve.
Save This Recipe 💌
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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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