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Sloppy Joe Sliders

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Easy, saucy, and crowd-pleasing Sloppy Joe Sliders, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

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  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
  • 1 pound ground beef (85–90% lean)
  • 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 green bell pepper, finely chopped (optional)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3/4 cup ketchup
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce (or crushed tomatoes)
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 12 tablespoons brown sugar, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 12 slider buns (Hawaiian-style or plain)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or American cheese slices
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing buns)
  • Sesame seeds, for topping (optional)
  • Dill pickle slices, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with foil for easy cleanup. Split the slider buns.
  2. Warm oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned and no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook, stirring, until soft and fragrant, 3–4 minutes.
  4. Stir in ketchup, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire, mustard, brown sugar, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  5. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until thick and glossy, 6–8 minutes. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or sugar.
  6. Arrange bottom halves of buns in the dish. Spoon the sloppy joe mixture evenly over them. Top with cheese. Place bun tops on. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle sesame seeds if using.
  7. Cover loosely with foil and bake 8–10 minutes, until the cheese melts and buns are warm. Uncover and bake 2–3 more minutes for a light toast. Add pickles if you like. Serve hot.

Notes

For a spicier version, add chopped jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes. Can be made ahead for convenience.

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