We’ve got a delicious comfort dish for you today: Sloppy Joe sliders! This popular recipe isn’t only easy to make but is also perfect for any occasion that calls for good food and great company.
This time, we’re skipping the Sloppy Joe mix and making our own. The best part? Our Sloppy Joe Slider recipe is effortless to make with simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand, since they’re mostly pantry staples.
Sloppy Joes are the perfect choice for casual get-togethers, whether it's a game night with friends, a family barbecue, or a potluck dinner. Sloppy Joe Sliders are easy to make in large quantities and can be kept warm in a slow cooker, making them an excellent choice for feeding a crowd.
What exactly is a Sloppy Joe?
A Sloppy Joe is a classic American sandwich made with ground beef or pork cooked in a sweet and tangy tomato-based sauce, typically served on a bun. The filling is savory, slightly sweet, and usually includes ingredients like diced onions, ketchup, and various seasonings. Sloppy Joe Sliders are a bite-sized version of this classic recipe, and just as delicious.
What should you serve with Sloppy Joes?
Sloppy Joes are best served with your comfort food favorites. Serve up your sliders with potato salad, baked beans, coleslaw, or potato wedges to impress your guests with a mouthwatering meal.
Do you have to use ground beef?
Not at all! Sloppy Joes can be made with a variety of proteins, making them a versatile dish that can cater to different dietary preferences and restrictions. For a healthier choice, try making your Sloppy Joe Sliders with ground turkey or ground chicken—just keep in mind that the cooking times and flavors may vary slightly.
How long can I keep Sloppy Joes in the refrigerator?
You can store Sloppy Joe Sliders in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days. Make sure to store any leftovers so they’re safe to eat (tips below).
Whether you’re prepping for your next tailgating party or searching for family weeknight dinner ideas, this classic Sloppy Joe slider recipe is bound to steal the show. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s dive in!
1. Start with KING’S HAWAIIAN Original Sweet Rolls
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. As the oven heats up, slice the King’s Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally with a serrated knife, keeping the rolls connected.
King's Hawaiian rolls come pre-scored, meaning they’re connected but designed for easy prep.
You can simply lay out the entire sheet of rolls, add your Sloppy Joe filling, and then separate them into individual sliders at the end. Plus, the Sloppy Joe Sliders will cook evenly, and you’ll ensure each bite has a consistent taste and texture. Win-win!
2. Sizzle Up Some Magic
In a large skillet over medium/high heat, cook your ground beef until it's no longer pink, breaking the ground beef apart with your spoon as it cooks. That’s right: It’s possible to make Sloppy Joe mix right on your stove for a simple, quick, and delicious comfort food without the hassle—no oven, grill, or meat thermometers needed.
While you’re cooking the beef, be sure to drain excess fat. Then, return the ground beef to the heat until it’s fully cooked.
3. Sauce It Up
Add the ketchup, sprinkle in the brown sugar, and pour the dijon mustard into a small bowl. Season it with a bit of garlic powder and onion powder.
Then, add the mixture to your cooked beef on low heat, and let the meat mixture simmer for a few minutes until it thickens up into that luscious Sloppy Joe sauce.
4. Put It All Together
Next, it’s time to assemble the sliders. Place the bottom buns from the 12-pack of King's Hawaiian rolls in a 9 by 13 inch baking pan coated with cooking spray.
Remove the Sloppy Joe mixture from the heat and spread it evenly across all of the rolls. Pile some sharp cheddar cheese on top of the Sloppy Joe meat for extra cheesy goodness, and cover with the top halves.
5. Toasty Bliss
Bake your Sloppy Joes uncovered for about 10 minutes. Then, place a piece of aluminum foil on top of the baking pan and bake for an additional 10 minutes until your slider buns are golden brown.
6. Add the Finishing Touches
Take your delicious Sloppy Joe sliders out of the oven and crown each slider with your favorite toppings—whether that’s toasted sesame seeds, melted butter, or some extra shredded cheese.
Serve them solo for the whole family to enjoy. Or, for some extra flavor points, try dipping them in some Worcestershire sauce, BBQ sauce, or honey mustard. Go ahead, take a bite, and let the flavors whisk you away to happiness. Enjoy every messy, delicious moment!
Want to save your leftovers for tomorrow? Storing and reheating Sloppy Joe sliders is easy, and with a little care, you can enjoy their deliciousness even after they've been refrigerated.
Let your Sloppy Joe sliders cool to room temperature, and store your sliders in an airtight container. If you're stacking them, place a piece of parchment paper between the layers to prevent them from sticking together. Then, refrigerate overnight and pop them in the air fryer or oven for a few minutes and enjoy!
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