Sloppy Joe Sliders

Introduction

These Sloppy Joe Sliders are a crowd-pleasing twist on the classic American comfort food. They feature saucy, seasoned ground beef tucked into soft, toasted rolls and smothered in melted cheese. Finished with a brush of garlic-herb butter, these mini sandwiches are perfect for game day, parties, or an easy family dinner that kids and adults alike will love.

Ingredients

For the Sloppy Joe Filling:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp yellow mustard
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Sliders & Topping:

• 1 pack (12 count) slider rolls (like Hawaiian rolls)
• 8 slices provolone or mozzarella cheese
• 3 tbsp butter, melted
• 1/2 tsp garlic salt
• 1 tbsp freshly chopped parsley

Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef:
   • In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the onion and bell pepper until the meat is no longer pink. Drain excess grease.
2. Make it Sloppy:
   • Stir in the ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and garlic powder.
   • Simmer on low for 5–10 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the meat.
3. Assemble the Sliders:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Slice the entire pack of rolls in half horizontally. Place the bottom half in a baking dish.
   • Spread the beef mixture evenly over the bottom rolls.
   • Layer the cheese slices over the beef.
   • Place the top half of the rolls back on.
4. The Garlic Butter Finish:
   • Mix the melted butter, garlic salt, and parsley.
   • Brush the mixture generously over the tops of the buns.
5. Bake:
   • Cover with foil and bake for 10 minutes.
   • Remove foil and bake for another 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden brown.

Tips

• Toasted Buns: For extra crunch, lightly toast the inside of the buns in the oven for 3 minutes before adding the meat.
• Cheese Swap: Use pepper jack cheese if you want to add a little spicy kick to your sliders.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the meat filling up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge.

FAQs

Can I use different meat for this recipe? Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles work perfectly as a substitute for beef.

How do I prevent the bottom of the buns from getting soggy? Pre-toasting the bottom buns for a few minutes before adding the meat creates a “barrier” that helps keep them firm.

Can I make these in an Air Fryer? Absolutely. Place the assembled sliders in the air fryer basket at 320°F for 3–5 minutes until the cheese is bubbly.

What side dishes pair well with these sliders? They go great with french fries, a simple Caesar salad, or even the Spaghetti Aglio e Olio for a heavy feast.

Can I freeze these sliders? It is best to freeze only the meat filling. Freezing the assembled sliders can make the bread quite mushy once thawed.

Is this the same as a “Burger Bomb”? No, while they look similar, these are sliders made on rolls. A “bomb” is usually meat and cheese completely wrapped in raw dough and then baked.