Sloppy Joe Sliders

Ingredients

For the Sloppy Joe Filling

• 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
• 1/2 green bell pepper, finely diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 3/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/3 cup water

For Assembly

• 12 slider buns
• 12 dill pickle slices
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon sesame seeds, optional

Substitutions

• Use ground turkey in place of beef for a lighter filling, cooking it to 165°F before the tomato sauce is reduced.

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the beef

Brown the beef, onion, and bell pepper in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking up the meat, until the beef reaches 160°F. Drain excess fat.

Step 3: Simmer the sauce

Add ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire, brown sugar, mustard, paprika, salt, pepper, and water. Simmer 8 to 10 minutes until thick.

Step 4: Assemble

Heat the oven to 350°F. Arrange bottom buns in a baking dish, spoon on filling, add pickles, and replace the tops.

Step 5: Warm and serve

Brush with melted butter, add sesame seeds if using, cover with foil, and bake 8 minutes. Uncover for 3 minutes and serve.

How to Store Leftovers

Refrigerate the beef within 2 hours and use it within 3 to 4 days. Keep buns and pickles separate, then assemble only the portions you plan to eat.

How to Reheat

Cover Sloppy Joe Sliders loosely and warm in a 325°F oven, uncovering near the end so the roll tops do not become damp.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using an uneven filling layer.
• Soaking the roll tops with butter or sauce.

Nutrition Information

Nutrition is an estimate and can vary with brands, portion size, and substitutions.