Easy Sloppy Joe Sliders With Hawaiian Rolls

Name: Sloppy Joe Sliders (With Hawaiian Rolls)
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1/4 cup yellow onion (diced); 2 teaspoons brown sugar; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon sea salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 cup beef broth; 3/4 cup ketchup; 1 teaspoon yellow mustard; 2 tablespoons water; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 1 package King's Hawaiian Rolls (12-count ); 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded); 1/4 cup butter (melted); 1/2 teaspoon sea salt; 2 teaspoons sesame seeds; 2 teaspoons fresh thyme (finely chopped)

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If these Sloppy Joe Sliders don’t make your mouth water, nothing will. Ground beef is cooked in a thick, sweet and tangy sauce, then enveloped in warm, soft Hawaiian rolls. Toasted to perfection with gooey cheddar cheese dripping out in every bite, these delicious sliders are the ultimate party appetizer!

A plate of sloppy joe sliders on a table.

Sloppy Joe Slider Recipe

If you like classic sloppy joe sandwiches, you won’t be able to get enough of these cheesy sloppy joe sliders! A mouthwatering combination of comfort food and party appetizer, this simple recipe transforms everyone’s favorite sandwich into fun-sized sliders!

The best part is that with just a few simple ingredients, you can make this savory sauce from scratch in a matter of minutes. It’s so much fresher and flavorful than anything you’d get from a can. Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for a quick family dinner, these beefy, cheesy sliders are a hit with all ages.

If you love sliders, you’ll also want to try these Meatball Sliders. You can even get your mornings off to an amazing start with these tasty Breakfast Sliders.

Why We Love This Recipe

Easy recipe to make: These cheese sloppy joe sliders are an easy weeknight dinner or party appetizer.
Better than canned sloppy joes: With a few simple ingredients you’ll have a homemade mixture that’s so much better than the canned stuff.
Great for any occasion: You can serve these as a main course with an easy side like chips or fries. They also make the ultimate appetizer for parties or game day.

Ingredients

Ground beef
Yellow onion, diced (or onion powder)
Brown sugar
Garlic powder
Sea salt and black pepper
Beef broth
Ketchup
Yellow mustard
Cornstarch
Water
Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
King’s Hawaiian Rolls

For the Topping

Butter, melted
Sea salt
Sesame seeds
Fresh thyme, finely chopped

How to Make Homemade Sloppy Joe Sliders

Step 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9×13 pan using nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2. Combine the beef, chopped onions, brown sugar, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until its lightly brown.

Tip: Use a spatula to break up the meat until there are no large chunks left. You’re looking for a fine mince.

A pan with meat, onions and spices on it.

Ground beef in a pan with a wooden spoon.

Step 3. Pour the beef broth, ketchup, and yellow mustard into the pan. Fold into the meat mixture.

Step 4. In a separate bowl, mix the water and cornstarch. Slowly add it to the beef and sloppy joe sauce mixture while stirring to combine. This will slightly thicken the sauce.

Sloppy Joe beef mixture in pan with a spoon.

Step 5. Place the dinner rolls on a cutting board or a flat surface. Using a large knife, slice the rolls in half all at once. Place the bottom half of the rolls in the greased baking dish.

Step 6. Spoon the beef onto the bottom buns, then use the back of the spoon (or a spatula) to spread into an even layer.

Tips: If you want the bottoms of the rolls to be toasted you can bake them at 350 degrees for about 5 minutes before you assemble the sliders.

A white rectangular baking dish with the bottom half of slider buns

Step 7. Spread the shredded cheese over the sloppy joe mix.

Step 8. Add the top layer of the sweet rolls on top of the cheddar cheese.

Tip: We spread our cheese on top of the meat. If you prefer, you can add half of the cheese to the bottom of the buns and the remaining cheese on top.

A casserole dish with cheese and meat on buns

Topping The Rolls

Step 1. Using a separate small bowl, combine the melted butter, sea salt, sesame seeds, and freshly chopped thyme. Spoon this over the top of the rolls evenly. You can use a basting brush, if needed.

A bowl of melted butter and spices with a spoon in it.

Step 2. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the sloppy joe meat is fully cooked.

Step 3. Turn the oven to broil, remove the foil, and allow the tops of the buns to toast for about 2-3 minutes. Serve warm and enjoy.

Storage Instructions

Fridge: Sliders are best when freshly made because the juicy sauce can cause the slider rolls to become soggy after sitting. If you do have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a couple of days.

For the freezer: To freeze leftovers, wrap them individually in plastic wrap or place them in a single layer in an airtight container. Label the container and store in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

A casserole dish with a cheesy sloppy joe slider.

Recipe Variations and Add-ins

Buns: We love Hawaiian bread, but you could also use dinner rolls, hot dog buns, or small hamburger buns. Of course, if you want to make them into a full-sized sandwich, feel free to add the beef mixture to larger buns, onion rolls, or brioche buns.

Meat: Try swapping out the ground beef with ground chicken or ground turkey.

Veggies: Sneak in some veggies by adding diced bell peppers, match stick carrots, or top the meat with slaw.

Sauce: Want to add extra heat to your sauce? Add some red pepper flakes or hot sauce. For a tangier flavor, try a dash of Worcestershire sauce. You can also swap regular mustard with Dijon mustard.

Cheese: We used shredded cheddar cheese but you can use cheese slices if that’s what you have on hand. You could also experiment with other cheeses like pepper jack cheese, mild cheddar, or American cheese.

A casserole dish on a table next to a plate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the sliders in advance

For best results, I prefer to serve the sliders right after they are baked. However you can make the filling for the sliders ahead of time, up to a day or two in advance. When you’re ready to bake them, just reheat the mixture in the microwave before adding it to the rolls.

Are there other ways to use sloppy joe filling?

Absolutely. Instead of serving the sloppy joe mixture in between a bun, you can use it as a pizza topping, in taco shells, phyllo cups or rolled in a flour tortilla. It also makes a great filling for baked potatoes.

What side dish goes with sloppy joes?

If you’re making them as a meal, consider serving these with a simple side of pasta salad, these Sweet Potato Slices, Baked Beans, Zucchini Fries or Broccoli Salad.