These Sloppy Joe Sliders are the perfect solution for picky eaters and busy weeknights.
You want to know what kind of meal I make when I’ve got a crowd of hungry kids in my house? These sloppy joe sliders. This recipe has become one of my go-tos for pool days, family gatherings, and any time I need to feed a hungry bunch without breaking a sweat (or the bank). I turn to this recipe while desperately trying to satisfy my choosy nephews and the parade of their friends who turned our pool into their daily hangout spot this past summer. Thankfully, these incredible little sandwiches were an instant success with everyone—my partner included.
The Hawaiian rolls are absolutely key here since their slight sweetness perfectly balances the savory, tangy beef mixture and they hold up beautifully without falling apart in your hands. I’ve tried other rolls, but trust me, stick with the Hawaiian ones. The recipe’s ground beef mixture has the perfect balance with just enough flavor, tang, and depth. The Worcestershire sauce adds that umami punch that makes people dig in for more.
These sliders disappear faster than I can make them, and I’ve had friends literally text me asking when I’m making them again. One of my favorite parts is that you can prep the meat mixture ahead of time and just assemble and bake when you’re ready to serve. They’re my guaranteed hit every single time.
How can I add extra flavor to the ground beef?
There are loads of ways you can add some extra flavor to the ground beef mixture. I recommend browning it with aromatics like minced garlic, diced bell peppers, or jalapeños along with the shallot for a more complex base. You can also season the meat with additional spices such as smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, or Italian seasoning while it’s cooking to build deeper flavor layers. For a finishing touch, stir in fresh herbs like chopped parsley or cilantro, or add a dash of hot sauce just before serving.
How do I store leftovers?
If you have any leftovers of the ground beef mixture, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also keep it in the freezer for up to 2 months. To defrost, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it thaw completely. Once thawed, you can reheat in a lightly oiled pan over medium heat and stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-7 minutes. If reheating directly from frozen, add the mixture to a skillet with a tablespoon of water, cover, and cook on medium-low heat for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally as it thaws and heats. Once hot, you can assemble fresh sliders with new rolls and cheese as described in the original recipe.
Serving suggestions
I love serving these sloppy joes with a side of sour cream, spicy mustard, freshly chopped dill, and crispy pickles so my guests can customize their sandwiches. I also recommend serving them alongside a few side dishes to make it a full meal. You can serve your sliders with these Garlic-Roasted Potatoes, this lovely Spring Salad, and a Watermelon Fruit Salad. If you want to keep it simple, you can just grab a bag of potato chips from the store and whip up a Fresh Fruit Bowl and call it a day!
Ingredients
- 16 ounces lean ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 8-ounce can tomato sauce
- 3 1/2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce
- 12 Hawaiian slider rolls
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Optional: sesame seeds for topping
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef and diced onion along with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook, breaking up the meat as you stir, until the beef is browned and the onions are soft. Drain any excess grease.
- Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce, ketchup, yellow mustard, and BBQ sauce. Lower the heat and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Carefully slice the Hawaiian slider rolls horizontally. Lay the bottom halves into a baking dish. (Optionally, to prevent sogginess, toast the bottom halves in the oven for a few minutes until they're lightly golden brown.)
- Spoon a generous layer of the sloppy joe meat mixture onto each roll, then sprinkle evenly with shredded cheddar cheese. Place the top halves back on the sliders. Brush the tops with melted butter and, if desired, sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and the rolls are golden. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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