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Sloppy Joe Sliders Recipe

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4 from 11 reviews

These Sloppy Joe Sliders are a deliciously saucy and cheesy twist on the classic sandwich, served on soft Hawaiian rolls and baked to golden perfection with a sweet and savory butter glaze. Perfect for parties, family meals, or game day snacks, they combine ground beef simmered in a tangy tomato-based sauce with melty cheddar cheese and a flavorful buttery topping.

Ingredients

Slider Base

  • 1 12-count package Hawaiian rolls
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Sloppy Joe Filling

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 small white onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3/4 cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup water

Butter Glaze

  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F, ensuring it reaches the right temperature for perfect baking of the sliders.
  2. Prepare the Rolls: Without separating, slice the Hawaiian rolls horizontally. Place the bottom halves into a 9x13-inch baking pan and sprinkle evenly with half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Set aside while preparing the filling.
  3. Cook the Meat and Onion: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and diced onion, cooking until the beef is browned and the onions are soft. Drain any excess fat from the pan to keep the sliders from becoming greasy. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir this mixture together until well blended, then pour it over the cooked meat.
  5. Simmer Filling: Add 1 cup of water to the meat and sauce mixture. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and reaches a sloppy joe consistency perfect for spooning.
  6. Assemble the Sliders: Spoon the thickened sloppy joe mixture evenly over the bottom halves of the rolls in the baking pan. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top of the meat layer to ensure a cheesy finish.
  7. Prepare the Glaze: Melt the butter in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. Stir in brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and sesame seeds until well combined. Drizzle this glaze evenly over the assembled sliders, making sure each slider is coated to add a deliciously sweet and savory crust upon baking.
  8. Bake: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the sliders are golden brown on top and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  9. Serve: Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before slicing through the rolls to separate the sliders. Serve warm and enjoy this flavorful, crowd-pleasing appetizer or meal.

Notes

  • For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sloppy joe sauce.
  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner alternative.
  • Make sure to drain the fat from the cooked meat to avoid soggy sliders.
  • To make ahead, assemble the sliders and keep them refrigerated; add the glaze and bake just before serving.
  • Serve with pickles or coleslaw for added texture and flavor contrast.