Sloppy Joe Sliders
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read the Privacy Policy & Cookie Policy.
There’s something so satisfying about Sloppy Joe Sliders. They bring all the nostalgia of a classic Sloppy Joe, but in a fun, bite-sized form. These sliders are perfect for family weeknight dinners, a game day party appetizer, or any time you want a crowd-pleasing finger food snack. They’re also quick to make, since you only need to melt the cheese in the oven after the sloppy joe mix is cooked.
This recipe keeps things simple but tasty, using a mix of barbecue sauce, ketchup, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce to add that perfect balance of sweetness and tang to the beef. Serve them warm with a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top, and you’ve got a slider that’s hard to beat.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1 package (12 oz) slider-size Kings Hawaiian rolls, cut in half
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
How to make Sloppy Joe Sliders
Cook the beef mixture: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion, stirring frequently until the beef is cooked through. Drain any excess grease and return the meat to the pan. Season with salt and pepper, then add the barbecue sauce, ketchup, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together and let it cook on low for 8-10 minutes to mix the flavors.
Assemble the sliders: Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease an 11″x7″ baking pan. Arrange the bottom halves of the Hawaiian dinner rolls in the baking dish. Spoon the sloppy joe meat mixture evenly over the rolls, then top with shredded cheddar cheese.
Add the tops and bake: Place the tops of the slider buns over the cheese. Brush the melted butter over the rolls and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Bake for about 12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden. Serve and enjoy: Slice into individual sliders and serve hot.
Why You’ll Love Sloppy Joe Sliders
These sliders are such a hit because they bring together everything we love about a classic sloppy joe in an easy-to-eat package. They’re less messy than traditional sloppy joes, and the mini slider size is perfect for a party spread. If you’re hosting a gathering, consider serving these alongside Pizza Sliders or Ham and Cheese Sliders for a variety of flavors that everyone will love.
If you’re new to sliders, check out my list of the Best Slider Recipes for Parties. It’s packed with recipes that will make your next event a hit, from cheesy, savory Roast Beef and Cheddar Sliders to flavorful Buffalo Chicken Sliders that bring just the right amount of spice.
Common Questions
While you technically could skip the baking step, I wouldn’t recommend it. Baking melts the cheese and crisps up the top of the rolls, making every bite extra delicious. Plus, it helps everything hold together a bit better.
Yes! You can prep the sloppy joe mixture in advance and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just assemble the sliders and bake them, and you’re good to go.
These sliders pair well with simple sides like a fresh salad or veggie platter. They also make a fantastic addition to a slider spread with options like Caprese Sliders for a lighter bite, or classic Hamburger Sliders for a more traditional flavor.
If you want to switch it up, add a few slices of jalapeño or some extra barbecue sauce for a sweeter taste. You could also mix the cheese—mozzarella or pepper jack would add a fun twist!
What toppings go on a sloppy Joe sandwich?
There are so many ways to top Sloppy Joe Sliders, depending on what flavors you like! A slice of American cheese melted on top works perfectly with the sauce. Pickles, whether dill or sweet, or even thin slices of green bell pepper bring a nice crunch. You can also add diced raw onions for a little bite or fried onions if you want extra flavor and texture. If you’re in the mood for something creamy, add a spoonful of coleslaw. Hot sauce or sliced jalapeños are always good choices for a bit of heat.
What’s the Difference Between Sloppy Joes and Sloppy Janes?
Both Sloppy Joes and Sloppy Janes are saucy sandwiches served on buns, but they’re a little different in terms of ingredients and flavors. Sloppy Joes usually have a sweet and tangy sauce made with ketchup, tomato paste, or barbecue sauce, often mixed with ground beef for that classic rich flavor.
Sloppy Janes are often made with a vegetarian filling like beans instead of ground beef. They’re also seasoned differently, with less sweetness and more savory or spicy flavors. Personally this is not for me. I would rather have a Caprese Slider or an Italian slider if I wanted to stay away from ground beef.
Best Side Dishes for Sloppy Joes
What you serve with Sloppy Joe Sliders depends on your style, but some classics always work. Crispy French fries or sweet potato fries are always a hit. A crunchy coleslaw recipe is also a great choice since it balances the sauce’s sweetness. Other sides like tater tots, potato chips, or a simple garden salad make it a full meal without much fuss.
More Sliders to Try
If you’re a slider fan, don’t miss out on my other popular recipes. The Ham and Cheese Sliders are a classic everyone loves, and the Buffalo Chicken Sliders bring a spicy kick that’s perfect for game day. You can also try Roast Beef and Cheddar Sliders if you want something hearty, or Caprese Sliders for a lighter option.
Sloppy Joe Sliders
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 12 sliders Kings Hawaiian rolls cut in half
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter melted
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion, stirring frequently until the beef is cooked through. Drain any excess grease and return the meat to the pan.1 lb ground beef, 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
- Season with salt and pepper, then add the barbecue sauce, ketchup, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together and let it cook on low for 8-10 minutes to mix the flavors.Salt and pepper, 1/2 cup barbecue sauce, 1/2 cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease an 11"x7" baking pan. Arrange the bottom halves of the Hawaiian dinner rolls in the baking dish. Spoon the sloppy joe meat mixture evenly over the rolls, then top with shredded cheddar cheese.12 sliders Kings Hawaiian rolls, 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Place the tops of the slider buns over the cheese. Brush the melted butter over the rolls and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Bake for about 12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden.2 tablespoons butter, Sesame seeds
- Slice into individual sliders and serve hot with a variety of extra toppings.
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer: The nutritional data provided here is auto-calculated and intended for your convenience only. As it’s generated via automation, its accuracy may be compromised. For precise nutritional insight, please compute the values utilizing the actual ingredients in your recipe through your chosen nutrition calculator or application.
Did You Make This Recipe?
Make sure to follow Salty Side Dish on Pinterest and rate the recipe here and make sure to leave a comment below!
