Savor these sloppy joe sliders that blend gooey cheese with a rich, savory filling, all nestled in warm, buttery buns. This easy recipe guarantees a hit for weekday dinners or when you have friends over.
This sloppy joe sliders recipe focuses on preventing soggy buns, maintaining firm filling texture, fast preparation, and creating a family-friendly meal suitable for busy evenings.
I know it can be tough to get a meal on the table that everyone enjoys, especially when you’re juggling kids and busy schedules. I’ve had my share of sloppy joe disasters that turned soggy, but I promise this recipe keeps them nice and firm without losing any flavor.
What makes this recipe so reliable is the way it brings together simple ingredients in less than an hour. With about 15 minutes of prep and a quick 30 minutes of cooking, these sliders are ready to satisfy hunger and spark smiles around the table.
If you’re craving something to pair with these sliders, be sure to check out my Honey Garlic Chicken Breast for another tasty option!
Table of contents
Dietary Considerations
- This recipe is not gluten-free due to the inclusion of traditional sliders buns containing wheat flour.
- The recipe contains cheese, so it is unsuitable for vegan diets because of its dairy-based ingredients.
- This recipe is not dairy-free because it includes cheese as one of the main ingredients.
- The recipe is low-carb and keto incompatible because the buns provide a high amount of carbohydrates.
- The recipe is nut-free since none of the ingredients or condiments contain nuts or nut derivatives.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Comforting Flavors This recipe captures the warm, homey taste of classic sloppy joes, featuring a rich and tangy sauce that perfectly complements the savory ground beef.
- Gooey Cheese Goodness Topping these sliders with melty colby jack cheese adds an irresistible creaminess, making each bite satisfying and enjoyable, especially for cheese lovers.
- Quick Preparation With just 15 minutes of prep and 30 minutes to cook, these sliders are great for busy weeknights, allowing you to whip up a tasty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Family-Friendly Option These sliders are a hit with kids and adults alike, making them a go-to for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, ensuring everyone leaves the table happy.
How To Make Sloppy Joe Sliders
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cool Time:
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop, Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
Delicious Sloppy Joe Sliders made with ground beef and cheese, perfect for gatherings.
Ingredients
- 12 slider buns, soft and sturdy (brioche or potato rolls recommended)
- 10–12 slices Colby Jack cheese
- 2 pounds (907 g) ground beef (recommended 80/20 blend for juiciness)
- ½ green bell pepper, diced small
- ½ yellow onion, diced finely
- 3 cloves garlic, minced or grated
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) tomato paste
- 1 ⅓ cups (320 ml) ketchup, quality brand recommended
- ½ cup (120 ml) water
- 2 tablespoons (25 g) brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons (10 ml) mustard (yellow mustard preferred)
- 1 ½ teaspoons (4 g) chili powder
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon (6 g) salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon (1 g) black pepper
- 3 tablespoons (42 g) unsalted butter, melted for brushing buns
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a light coating of oil. Add ground beef, diced green bell pepper, diced yellow onion, and minced garlic. Stir frequently, breaking up the meat as it cooks evenly until browned and crumbled, approximately 5 minutes.
- Step 2: Carefully drain and discard excess grease and moisture from the skillet. This step is important to achieve the right texture and prevent soggy sliders.
- Step 3: In a large bowl or measuring cup, whisk together tomato paste, ketchup, water, brown sugar, mustard, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper until smooth and fully combined.
- Step 4: Pour the sauce mixture into the browned beef in the skillet. Stir thoroughly to combine. Continue to cook over medium heat, simmering and stirring occasionally for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens to a consistency that coats the beef without drying out. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- Step 5: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Optionally, line with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
- Step 6: Arrange the bottom halves of the slider buns in the prepared baking dish. Layer with 5-6 slices of Colby Jack cheese evenly distributed over the buns. Spoon the beef mixture evenly over the cheese layer. Top with remaining cheese slices, then place the top slider buns over the cheese.
- Step 7: Melt the unsalted butter and brush it evenly over the top slider buns to encourage even browning and add flavor. Ensure the butter coating is thorough for better results.
- Step 8: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes uncovered until the buns are lightly golden brown on top. Remove from oven and serve warm.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain soft buns and flavorful filling.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently to preserve melted cheese and moisture.
- Wrap sliders individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, place in freezer bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before reheating.
- If the sauce is too runny after simmering, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of tomato paste to thicken.
- To ensure cheese melts well, keep the baking dish covered for the first 15 minutes to trap heat.
- To prevent soggy buns, place 2 tablespoons of cornmeal in the baking dish before adding the bottom buns for structural support.
- Rotate the baking dish halfway through baking for even browning if oven heat is uneven.
- Add an extra teaspoon of oil if ingredients start to stick during cooking to maintain even heat and avoid burning.
- Reheat refrigerated sliders gently to keep cheese melted and filling moist. Use low heat in oven or microwave briefly.
- Serve sliders alongside coleslaw or a simple garden salad for fresh crunch.
- Baked sweet potato fries or air fryer zucchini chips complement well.
- For lighter options, serve sloppy joe filling in mini pita pockets or lettuce wraps.
- Convert leftovers into a casserole topped with mozzarella cheese.
- Add sliced jalapeños or drizzle with barbecue sauce for extra flavor accents.
- Offer creamy ranch dressing or buffalo sauce on the side for dipping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
Ingredient Notes
- Ground beef: Choose 80/20 beef for a juicy, flavorful filling. Leaner blends can dry out. Brown it well for added depth.
- Onion: Use yellow or sweet onions for a mild, sweet flavor that caramelizes nicely. Dice finely to blend into the meat mixture.
- Bell pepper: Red or green bell peppers add a nice crunch and sweetness. Dice them small so they soften well during cooking.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic packs a punch. Avoid pre-minced for better flavor release; sauté it lightly to prevent bitterness.
- Ketchup: A must for sweetness and tang. Buy a quality brand to avoid excessive sugars and additives that could throw off the taste.
- Worcestershire sauce: This adds umami depth and richness. Go for a good quality brand to amplify the overall flavor profile.
- Mustard: Yellow mustard works well for a tangy kick. Don’t skip it; it brings balance to the sloppy Joe’s sweetness.
- Sliders buns: Look for soft, sturdy mini buns that hold up well. Brioche or potato rolls are great options for a delicious bite.
- Cheese: Shredded cheddar or American cheese melts beautifully over sloppy Joes. Choose a good melting cheese for extra creaminess.
Recipe Tips
- If your sauce is too runny after simmering for 5 minutes, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of tomato paste to thicken it up.
- When the cheese isn’t melting well, cover the baking pan with aluminum foil for the first 15 minutes to trap heat.
- If buns get soggy, consider adding 2 tablespoons of cornmeal to the baking dish before placing the bottom buns for added structure.
- For uneven browning, rotate the baking dish halfway through the 20 minutes of baking for more consistent heat distribution.
- If ingredients start to stick to your skillet, add an extra teaspoon of oil to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with coleslaw or a simple garden salad for a fresh crunch. Baked sweet potato fries or air fryer zucchini chips complement the sliders well.
Add to mini pita pockets or use in lettuce wraps for a lighter meal. You can also turn this into a hearty casserole topped with mozzarella cheese.
Top with sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of barbecue sauce for extra flavor. Consider serving with creamy ranch dressing or buffalo sauce on the side.
Recipe variations
- You can use ground turkey instead of ground beef for a lighter version of sloppy joe sliders. Cook 2 pounds in the same way and adjust seasoning accordingly.
- Add 1 teaspoon smoked paprika or 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper to the sauce mix for a smoky or spicy twist that complements the chili powder already in the recipe.
- Either green or red bell pepper can be used; red adds a sweeter flavor. Use ½ cup diced peppers to keep the texture balanced in the meat mixture.
- If making more sliders, double ingredients for 24 sliders and bake in a 13×18-inch pan; cooking time remains about 20 minutes but check for desired cheese melt.
Save This Recipe!
How to Store?
To keep your sloppy joe sliders fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:
Room Temperature: Store sloppy joe sliders in an airtight container at room temperature up to 2 days to keep buns soft and filling flavorful.
Refrigeration: Place sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 5 days. Reheat gently to keep cheese melted and moist.
Freezing: Wrap sliders individually with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, place in a freezer bag up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before warming.
Other Recipes You’ll Love
- Honey Garlic Chicken Breast
- Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs
- Pan Fried Lemon Chicken
- Buffalo Chicken Breast
If you enjoyed this Sloppy Joe Sliders or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. I appreciate taking time to read about this recipe, thank you!
