Description

These bite-sized Sloppy Joe Sliders are the perfect game day appetizer, offering all the nostalgic, tangy, beefy flavor of a classic sloppy joe in a convenient, easy-to-eat package that won’t make a mess.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Salt and black pepper to taste
12–15 kaiser rolls or slider buns
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons melted butter
Optional toppings: pickles, jalapeños, or coleslaw

Instructions

Dice the onion and mince the garlic. In a small bowl, mix tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, and cayenne pepper.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 8-10 minutes until fully browned. Drain excess fat if necessary, but leave about a tablespoon for flavor.
Push beef to the side and add diced onion to the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Mix onions and garlic back into the beef.
Pour the sauce mixture over the beef and onion. Stir to combine and simmer on medium-low heat for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice rolls in half horizontally and brush cut sides with melted butter. Place cut-side up on a baking sheet and toast for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy.
Spoon the meat mixture onto the bottom half of each toasted bun. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
Optional: Return sliders to the oven for 1-2 minutes to melt the cheese. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, toast the buns to prevent sogginess. The meat mixture can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the fridge. Do not assemble sliders ahead of time as the buns will become soggy. If using lean beef or turkey, add a tablespoon of olive oil to the pan.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slider
Calories: 280
Sugar: 6
Sodium: 450
Fat: 14
Saturated Fat: 5
Carbohydrates: 22
Fiber: 1
Protein: 18

Keywords: sloppy joe sliders, game day appetizer, tailgate food, easy appetizer, beef sliders, party food, quick recipes