Cheesy Sloppy Joe Sliders
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Want a a grown-up twist on childhood favorites? Ditch the soggy hamburger buns and hello, Cheesy Sloppy Joe Sliders! These delectable mini-sandwiches are all about maximum flavor with minimal effort. Think savory ground beef bathed in a sweet and tangy sauce, nestled in toasted pretzel buns, and then smothered (yes, smothered) in melty cheddar cheese.
They’re perfect for feeding a crowd – family dinners, game days, nights when friends just wander in – but they’re also ideal for a solo dinner night. The best part? They come together in a flash, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time savoring that gooey, cheesy goodness.
Why You’ll Love Cheesy Sloppy Joe Sliders
- Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require any special cooking skills.
- Delicious: The combination of savory beef, tangy sauce, and melted cheese is irresistible.
- Perfect for Gatherings: These sliders are ideal for parties, game days, and family dinners.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids love the sweet and tangy flavor of the sloppy joe mixture and the cheesy topping.
- Versatile: You can easily customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
Ingredients Needed To Make Cheesy Sloppy Joe Sliders
- Ground beef
- Tomato paste
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
- Ketchup
- Worcestershire sauce
- Bell pepper, diced
- Onion, diced
- Water
- Light brown sugar
- Mustard powder
- Chili powder
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Slider buns
Before You Get Started: A couple notes to help you get the best results
How To Make Cheesy Sloppy Joe Sliders
- Cook the Sloppy Joe Mixture: In a skillet over low/medium heat, add the ground beef. Once halfway cooked, add the diced bell pepper and onion. Cook until the onion is translucent. Add tomato paste, kosher salt, black pepper, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, water, light brown sugar, mustard powder, and chili powder to the skillet. Stir well to combine. Cover and allow to cook for 10 minutes.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Assemble the Sliders: Split the pretzel slider buns and place them in a baking dish. Spoon the prepared sloppy joe mixture onto the bottom half of each bun.
- Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the sloppy joe mixture on each bun. Place the top halves of the slider buns over the cheese.
- Bake: Bake the assembled sliders in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and enjoy!
Variations & Substitutions
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat substitute.
- Spicier Version: Add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the sloppy joe mixture for an extra kick.
- Different Cheese: Try using a different type of cheese like mozzarella, pepper jack, or Swiss for a unique flavor twist.
Commonly Asked Questions
Do I have to use gluten-free buns?
Nope! Feel free to use regular rolls or buns – whatever works for you!
Can I make Cheesy Sloppy Joe Sliders ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sloppy joe mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, assemble the sliders and bake them.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Can I freeze the sloppy joe mixture?
Absolutely! The sloppy joe mixture freezes well. Just cool it completely, transfer it to a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
What side dishes go well with Cheesy Sloppy Joe Sliders?
These sliders pair well with a variety of sides, such as coleslaw, potato salad, or a simple green salad. For a heartier meal, serve with fries or tater tots.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even pork if you prefer. Adjust the seasoning as needed to complement the different meat.
What kind of buns work best?
Pretzel slider buns are recommended for their texture and flavor, but you can use any slider buns you prefer, such as brioche or whole wheat.
How can I make these sliders healthier?
For a healthier version, use lean ground beef or a meat substitute, reduce the amount of cheese, and use whole grain buns.
Are these sliders suitable for kids?
Yes, kids typically love the sweet and tangy flavor of the sloppy joe mixture combined with the cheesy topping.
Cheesy Sloppy Joe Sliders
Equipment
- Measuring cups/spoons
- Skillet
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 lb 80/20 ground beef
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 bell pepper diced
- 1 onion diced
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar packed
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons chili powder
- 8 oz shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slider buns
Instructions
- Cook the Sloppy Joe Mixture: In a skillet over low/medium heat, add the ground beef. Once halfway cooked, add the diced bell pepper and onion. Cook until the onion is translucent. Add tomato paste, kosher salt, black pepper, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, water, light brown sugar, mustard powder, and chili powder to the skillet. Stir well to combine. Cover and allow to cook for 10 minutes.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Assemble the Sliders: Split the pretzel slider buns and place them in a baking dish. Spoon the prepared sloppy joe mixture onto the bottom half of each bun.
- Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the sloppy joe mixture on each bun. Place the top halves of the slider buns over the cheese.
- Bake: Bake the assembled sliders in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and enjoy!
Nutrition
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These sliders are your answer to weeknight woes or a crowd-pleasing party staple. They’re messy, they’re delicious, and they’re sure to become a new favorite. Just be prepared for requests for seconds
