The Best Sloppy Joe Sliders Recipe: Finger-Licking Fun Bites

Crafting the ultimate sloppy joe sliders brings pure comfort right to your plate.

Messy and delightful, these mini sandwiches pack incredible flavor into bite-sized portions.

Small rolls cradle savory meat that drips with tangy sauce.

Delectable ingredients combine to create a crowd-pleasing meal perfect for casual gatherings.

Soft buns cushion the hearty beef mixture, ensuring each mouthful bursts with robust seasonings.

Quick to assemble and even faster to devour, these sliders will become your new go-to party favorite.

You won’t be able to resist these irresistible little sandwiches that promise maximum satisfaction in minimal space.

How To Keep Sloppy Joe Sliders Fresh

• Store leftover sliders in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and keep fresh.
• Wrap individual sliders in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Place slider on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature between each cycle. Add splash of water to prevent dryness.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Wrap sliders in aluminum foil to retain moisture. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated thoroughly. Unwrap last 2-3 minutes for crispy bun edges.

Sloppy Joe Sliders Q&A

• Are these Sloppy Joe Sliders kid-friendly?

Absolutely! These sliders are perfect for children with their mild, sweet sauce and easy-to-eat size. Kids love the cheesy, messy nature of these mini sandwiches.

• Can I make these sliders ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture in advance and refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat the meat and assemble the sliders just before baking.

• How do I prevent the sliders from becoming soggy?

To avoid soggy buns, drain excess fat from the meat thoroughly and don’t overload the buns with sauce. Toasting the buns slightly before adding meat can also help maintain crispness.

What Makes Sloppy Joe Sliders Crowd Favorites

• Customize with Ease: Transform the recipe by swapping ground meats or adding personal favorite spices for a unique twist that suits your taste buds.
• Quick Family Meal Solution: Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a delicious, crowd-pleasing dinner that comes together faster than ordering takeout.
• Crowd-Pleasing Party Starter: These sliders are ideal for game days, potlucks, and casual gatherings where guests love finger-friendly, hearty food that packs maximum flavor.
• Budget-Friendly Comfort: Made with affordable ingredients and simple cooking techniques, this recipe delivers maximum satisfaction without breaking the bank.

Sloppy Joe Sliders Ingredient List

• Ground Beef: A classic protein that provides a rich, meaty foundation for the sliders.
• Ground Pork: Adds extra flavor and moisture to the meat mixture.

• Ketchup, Tomato Sauce: Delivers a tangy and sweet base for the sauce.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Provides depth and umami flavor to the meat mixture.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to balance the savory elements.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Enhances the overall flavor profile with aromatic seasoning.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for bringing out the meat's natural taste.

• Egg: Helps bind the meat mixture and adds moisture to the sliders.
• Water: Helps create a saucy consistency for the meat mixture.
• Slider Buns: Provides the perfect vessel for the sloppy joe mixture.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds a creamy, melty topping that complements the meat.
• Green Onions: Offers a fresh, mild onion flavor and vibrant color to the dish.

How To Make Sloppy Joe Sliders Easily

Step 1: Brown the Meat Mixture

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and ground pork, breaking the meat into small crumbles. Cook thoroughly until no pink remains, which takes about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Sauce

• Ketchup
• Tomato sauce
• Worcestershire sauce
• Brown sugar
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 3: Combine Meat and Sauce

Pour the sauce and water into the cooked meat. Stir well to coat evenly and let the flavors mingle for 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Bind the Mixture

Beat an egg and gently mix it into the meat sauce. This helps bind the ingredients and adds moisture to the mixture.

Step 5: Prepare Slider Buns

Arrange slider buns on a baking sheet. Spoon the saucy meat mixture evenly onto the bottom halves of the buns.

Step 6: Add Cheese and Garnish

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the meat. Top with chopped green onions for extra flavor and color.

Step 7: Bake and Serve

Place the top bun halves on the sliders. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until the cheese melts and buns turn golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes. Serve warm and enjoy these mouthwatering Sloppy Joe Sliders.

Pro Cooking Tips For Sloppy Joe Sliders

• Master Meat Browning: Use high heat and continuously break down ground beef and pork into small, uniform crumbles for even cooking and maximum flavor development.
• Sauce Depth Enhancement: Let meat simmer with sauce for 3-4 minutes to allow ingredients to blend and develop richer, more complex taste profiles.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Sprinkle cheese evenly and ensure baking creates golden, slightly crispy edges while maintaining gooey interior texture.
• Moisture Magic: Adding beaten egg helps bind ingredients and creates a more tender, juicy meat mixture that stays succulent inside sliders.
• Quick Serving Strategy: Allow sliders to rest 2-3 minutes after baking to let cheese set and prevent burning while maintaining optimal serving temperature.

Sloppy Joe Sliders Recipe Swaps

• Vegetarian Sloppy Joes: Replace ground beef and pork with crumbled plant-based meat alternatives like Beyond Meat or lentils for a protein-packed vegetarian version.
• Spicy Southwest Sliders: Add diced jalapeños, chili powder, and replace regular cheddar with pepper jack cheese to create a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free slider buns or lettuce wraps and ensure all sauce ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
• Low-Carb Keto Sliders: Swap slider buns with large portobello mushroom caps or crisp lettuce leaves, and use a sugar-free ketchup alternative to reduce carbohydrate content.

Best Pairings For Sloppy Joe Sliders

• Pair with Crisp Lager: Light, refreshing beer cuts through the rich, meaty flavors and cleanses the palate between bites.
• Serve with Tangy Coleslaw: Crunchy, acidic slaw balances the heavy meat mixture and provides a cool contrast to the warm sliders.
• Match with Sweet Potato Fries: Slightly sweet, crispy fries complement the savory sauce and add a delightful textural element to the meal.
• Enhance with Dill Pickle Spears: Zesty, briny pickles offer a sharp counterpoint to the sweet and meaty slider, creating a perfect flavor balance.

Sloppy Joe Sliders Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sloppy joe sliders bring bold, messy comfort to classic sandwich lovers with tender beef smothered in tangy sauce. Miniature buns cradle hearty meat, promising a delightful bite that satisfies hunger and sparks joy at any gathering.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 0.5 lb ground pork

Bread and Buns:

• 12 slider buns

Flavor and Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 cup ketchup
• 0.5 cup tomato sauce
• 2 tbsp worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper

Binding and Moisture:

• 0.25 cup water
• 1 egg

Optional Toppings:

• 0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tbsp chopped green onions

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a large skillet over medium-high heat for browning the meat mixture.
2. Combine ground beef and ground pork in the skillet, breaking the meat into small crumbles and cooking until no pink remains, approximately 8-10 minutes.
3. Drain excess fat from the meat and return the skillet to the stove.
4. Whisk together ketchup, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a separate bowl.
5. Pour the sauce mixture and water into the cooked meat, stirring thoroughly to ensure even coating and allowing the flavors to meld for 3-4 minutes.
6. In a separate bowl, beat the egg and gently mix it into the meat sauce to help bind the ingredients and enhance moisture.
7. Arrange slider buns on a baking sheet, then spoon the saucy meat mixture evenly onto the bottom halves of the buns.
8. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the meat and top with chopped green onions for added flavor and color.
9. Cover the sliders with the top bun halves and bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until the cheese melts and buns turn golden brown.
10. Remove from the oven, let cool for 2-3 minutes, then serve warm and enjoy these savory Sloppy Joe Sliders.

Notes

• Customize meat for leaner options by using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and pork, reducing overall fat content while maintaining delicious flavor profile.
• Balance sauce sweetness by adjusting brown sugar quantity, allowing personal preference for tangier or sweeter taste without compromising recipe integrity.
• Enhance nutritional value by adding finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or carrots into meat mixture, increasing fiber and micronutrient content while maintaining classic slider texture.
• Accommodate gluten-sensitive diets by using gluten-free slider buns or lettuce wraps, ensuring everyone can enjoy this crowd-pleasing comfort food without compromising taste or presentation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 365
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg