Sloppy Joes Sliders
Making homemade sloppy Joes has never been easier. With just a few pantry staples and ground beef, you can whip up a hearty, flavorful filling that sticks to soft slider buns like it was made for them.
Equipment
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Sharp Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small Saucepan (Optional)
- Serving Platter
Ingredients
For the Sloppy Joe Filling
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion finely diced
- 1 green bell pepper finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ¾ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Sliders
- 12 slider buns
- 1 tablespoon butter optional, for toasting buns
- 6 slices cheddar cheese optional
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
- Finely dice the onion and green bell pepper so they cook evenly and blend smoothly into the sauce.
- Mince the garlic and set it aside—it goes in later to prevent burning.
- Slice the slider buns in half and keep them covered so they stay soft.
- Pro tip: Smaller, evenly chopped veggies create a smoother sloppy Joe filling that holds better on slider buns.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
- Cook for 5–7 minutes, until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink.
- Drain excess grease if needed, but leave a little behind for flavor.
- Pro tip: Don’t rush this step—browning adds depth and prevents the filling from tasting bland.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
- Add the diced onion and bell pepper directly to the browned beef.
- Stir well and cook for 3–4 minutes, until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until aromatic.
- Pro tip: Add garlic last so it doesn’t burn and turn bitter.
Step 4: Build the Sloppy Joe Sauce
- Stir in the ketchup, tomato paste, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and yellow mustard.
- Sprinkle in the paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix everything thoroughly so the beef is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Pro tip: Stir slowly and evenly here to make sure the tomato paste fully dissolves into the sauce.
Step 5: Simmer Until Thick and Saucy
- Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer uncovered for 8–10 minutes.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and allow the flavors to meld.
- Cook until the sauce thickens and clings to the beef without being watery.
- Pro tip: If the sauce gets too thick, add 1–2 tablespoons of water to loosen it slightly.
Step 6: Toast the Slider Buns (Optional but Recommended)
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium-low heat.
- Place the buns cut-side down and toast for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
- Pro tip: Toasting helps prevent soggy buns once the sloppy filling is added.
Step 7: Assemble the Sloppy Joes Sliders
- Spoon the sloppy Joe mixture generously onto the bottom half of each bun.
- Add a slice of cheese if using, then place the top bun over the filling.
- Serve immediately while warm and extra saucy.
Notes
Nutritional Value (per slider, approximate)
- Calories: ~230 kcal
- Protein: ~12 g
- Carbohydrates: ~22 g
- Fat: ~11 g
- Saturated Fat: ~4 g
- Fiber: ~2 g
- Sugar: ~6 g
- Sodium: ~420 mg