Description
These Sloppy Joe Sliders made with King’s Hawaiian Rolls are a crowd-pleasing party favorite combining savory ground beef in a tangy sauce, melted sharp cheddar cheese, and a buttery, herbed topping. Perfectly portioned as bite-sized sandwiches, they make an ideal appetizer or easy meal for gatherings, with a hint of sweetness from the rolls and a crisp toasted finish.
Ingredients
Sloppy Joe Filling
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/4 cup yellow onion, diced
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 3/4 cup ketchup
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Assembly
- 1 package King’s Hawaiian Rolls (12-count)
- 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Topping
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 2 teaspoons sesame seeds
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, finely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Beef Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, combine ground beef, diced onions, brown sugar, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper. Break up the meat finely with a spatula and cook until the beef is fully browned and onions are softened.
- Add Liquids: Pour beef broth, ketchup, and yellow mustard into the skillet with the beef. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together water and cornstarch until smooth. Slowly stir this into the beef mixture in the skillet to thicken the sloppy joe sauce, cooking until it reaches a slightly thickened consistency.
- Prepare the Rolls: Place the Hawaiian rolls on a cutting board and carefully slice them in half horizontally all at once using a large knife. Arrange the bottom halves evenly in the greased baking dish.
- Layer the Filling: Evenly spoon the sloppy joe beef mixture onto the bottom buns, spreading it out to form a uniform layer with the back of the spoon or a spatula.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the layered beef mixture to cover it completely.
- Top with Rolls: Place the top halves of the buns over the cheese layer to form sliders.
- Make the Topping: In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, sea salt, sesame seeds, and freshly chopped thyme. Spoon or brush this mixture evenly over the tops of the rolls.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and the sandwich to heat through fully.
- Broil to Toast: Remove the foil, turn the oven to broil, and toast the tops of the buns for 2-3 minutes until golden and slightly crisp. Serve warm and enjoy your Sloppy Joe Sliders!
Notes
- Make sure to slice the whole pack of rolls in one cut to ensure uniform slider sizes.
- The cornstarch slurry helps thicken the sauce without making it too heavy or gloopy.
- For extra flavor, you can add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika to the beef mixture.
- If you prefer, substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Watch carefully when broiling to avoid burning the tops of the buns.
- Feel free to add pickles or jalapeños inside the sliders for a spicy kick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
