Sloppy Joe sliders:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 can (approximately 15 oz) Sloppy Joe sauce
• 1 can (approximately 10 oz) Totino’s Salsa Con Queso
• 12-pack Hawaiian sweet rolls
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the Beef: In a skillet or frying pan, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Season the beef with salt, pepper, and any other preferred seasonings to your liking. Once the beef is fully cooked, drain any excess fat.
3. Add Sloppy Joe Sauce: Pour the can of Sloppy Joe sauce into the cooked ground beef. Stir and let it simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Adjust seasoning if needed.
4. Prepare the Rolls: While the beef is simmering, take the Hawaiian sweet rolls and slice them in half, keeping them connected. Place the bottom halves in a baking dish.
5. Assemble the Sliders: Spread the Totino’s Salsa Con Queso evenly over the bottom half of the rolls. Then, spoon the prepared Sloppy Joe mixture over the queso-covered rolls. If you’d like, you can add an additional layer of shredded cheese on top of the Sloppy Joe mixture.
6. Top with the Other Half of the Rolls: Place the top halves of the Hawaiian sweet rolls over the Sloppy Joe filling, creating sandwich-like sliders.
7. Prepare the Butter Seasoning: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning together.
8. Drizzle and Bake: Drizzle the butter seasoning mix evenly over the top of the sliders.
9. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 8-10 minutes or until the sliders are heated through, the cheese is melted, and the tops of the rolls are slightly crispy and golden.
10. Serve: Once done, remove from the oven and allow the sliders to cool for a few minutes. Serve and enjoy your delicious Sloppy Joe sliders!

Feel free to adjust the ingredients or add any additional toppings and seasonings to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy your meal!

1. Can I make Sloppy Joe sliders in advance?

Yes, you can prepare Sloppy Joe sliders in advance by assembling them and refrigerating them before baking. However, it’s best to add the melted butter and seasonings just before baking to maintain the texture of the rolls.

2. What are some alternative ingredients I can use?

You can customize Sloppy Joe sliders by using different meats (like ground turkey or chicken), various cheeses, and different types of rolls or buns. Additionally, adding toppings such as sliced onions, pickles, or crispy bacon can add extra flavor.

3. Can I make Sloppy Joe sliders vegetarian or vegan?

Yes, you can make vegetarian or vegan Sloppy Joe sliders by using plant-based alternatives like veggie crumbles or lentils instead of ground meat. For a vegan option, use dairy-free cheese and butter alternatives.

4. How can I adjust the spice level of Sloppy Joe sliders?

You can control the spice level by choosing a milder or spicier Sloppy Joe sauce or adjusting the amount of added spices like red pepper flakes or hot sauce. Additionally, choose a milder or spicier queso or cheese based on your preferences.

5. What side dishes go well with Sloppy Joe sliders?

Side dishes like coleslaw, potato salad, green salads, sweet potato fries, or chips would complement Sloppy Joe sliders nicely. You could also serve them with a side of vegetables or a soup for a balanced meal.

6. How do I prevent the sliders from getting too soggy?

To prevent sliders from getting too soggy, ensure the Sloppy Joe mixture isn’t overly liquid. You can also lightly toast the inner sides of the rolls before assembling the sliders to create a barrier that helps prevent sogginess.

7. Can I freeze Sloppy Joe sliders?

While you can freeze Sloppy Joe mixture or the cooked ground beef separately, it’s generally not recommended to freeze the assembled sliders as the texture of the rolls might change upon thawing.

Achieving great Sloppy Joe sliders involves a few secrets to enhance flavor, texture, and overall appeal.

Here are some tips to make your Sloppy Joe sliders even better:

1. Meat Mixture Enhancement:

• Seasoning Balance: Season the ground beef well. Besides salt and pepper, add a pinch of paprika, chili powder, or Worcestershire sauce for depth of flavor.
• Vegetable Addition: Sauté finely chopped onions, bell peppers, or even carrots along with the ground beef to add sweetness and texture.

2. Sauce Improvement:

• Homemade Sauce: Consider making your own Sloppy Joe sauce. Simmering tomato sauce, brown sugar, mustard, vinegar, and various spices can create a rich, personalized sauce.

3. Cheese Layer:

• Besides using queso, consider adding a layer of shredded cheese such as cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack for an extra cheesy and gooey texture.

4. Bun Preparation:

• Toasting: Lightly toasting the inner sides of the rolls before assembling the sliders helps prevent sogginess and adds a bit of crunch to the sliders.

5. Butter Seasoning Infusion:

• Add a bit of minced garlic to the butter seasoning mix. Let the minced garlic sit in the melted butter for a few minutes before drizzling over the sliders for an extra garlicky punch.

6. Baking Technique:

• Covering Sliders: If the sliders are browning too quickly on top, cover the baking dish with foil for the first part of the baking time to ensure the insides heat through before the tops get too brown.

7. Resting Time:

• Allow the sliders to rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps the flavors meld and allows the sliders to set, making them easier to handle and serve.

8. Customization:

• Experiment with different variations. Add favorite toppings like crispy bacon, pickles, jalapeños, or a layer of coleslaw for extra flavor and texture.

9. Portion Control:

• Make sure the Sloppy Joe mixture doesn’t overflow the rolls excessively, as this can make the sliders messy and challenging to eat.

By implementing these secrets, you can elevate the flavors, textures, and overall appeal of your Sloppy Joe sliders. Feel free to adapt and experiment with these suggestions to suit your taste preferences!