Description
These Sloppy Joe Sliders are a delicious and fun twist on the classic sloppy joe sandwich, featuring a flavorful beef and vegetable mixture simmered in a tangy BBQ sauce blend, topped with melted cheddar cheese, and served on soft Hawaiian rolls. Perfect for parties, family dinners, or casual gatherings, these sliders are baked to golden perfection with a buttery, slightly crispy top.
Ingredients
Beef Mixture
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper, finely diced
- 1/2 cup onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
Assembly
- 12 slices cheddar cheese
- 12 Hawaiian rolls
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- Sesame seeds (optional topping)
Instructions
- Cook the beef and vegetables: In a large skillet, combine lean ground beef, finely diced red and green bell peppers, and onion. Cook over medium-high heat until the beef is fully browned and the vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally to break up the meat.
- Drain excess grease: Carefully drain off any excess grease by pouring the skillet contents into a colander set over a bowl to catch the drippings.
- Prepare the sloppy joe sauce: Return the beef and vegetable mixture to the skillet and add BBQ sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, chili powder, and minced garlic. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer the mixture: Heat over medium heat for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Allow the mixture to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld.
- Preheat the oven: While the beef mixture simmers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) in preparation for baking the sliders.
- Prepare the Hawaiian rolls: Slice the 12 Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally to create top and bottom buns.
- Assemble the sliders – first layer: Lay 6 slices of cheddar cheese evenly on the bottom halves of the rolls, distributing one slice per slider base.
- Add the beef mixture: Spoon the hot sloppy joe mixture evenly over the cheddar cheese on the bottom buns.
- Top with cheese and buns: Place the remaining 6 slices of cheddar cheese over the beef mixture, then carefully place the top buns on each slider to close them.
- Butter and garnish: Brush the tops of the buns with melted butter and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired, adding a golden flavor and slight crunch.
- Bake the sliders: Place the assembled sliders on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes until the buns are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Notes
- For an extra kick, add a dash of hot sauce to the sloppy joe mixture before simmering.
- Substitute cheddar slices with your favorite cheese such as pepper jack or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
- These sliders can be made ahead and reheated; simply bake until warmed through and cheese melts again.
- Use lean ground turkey or chicken as a lower-fat alternative to beef.
- If sesame seeds are not available, try topping buns with poppy seeds or leaving them plain.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
