Easy Homemade Sloppy Joe Sliders Recipe

Sandwiches are great all year round. There's truly no season for a recipe like sloppy joes, especially when they are homemade.

Sliders like my Mississippi pot roast inspired sliders are just so dang delicious that I cannot wait to make more.

What are the ingredients for these sloppy joe sliders?

1. Ground Turkey - I went with ground turkey for this particular version as I like to eat more turkey than I do ground beef. BUT, if you want to use ground beef, absolutely go for it.
2. Fresh Garlic - fresh minced garlic is part of the mirepoix that builds the sauce.
3. Celery - minced celery is another added layer to the mirepoix
4. Carrots - the third vegetable for the mirepoix which we sauté at the beginning to build the sloppy joe sauce.
5. Tomato paste - a little tomato paste helps to thicken the sauce and also give more flavor.
6. Tomato sauce - just one cup of sauce is all we need. We don't want a runny sloppy joe.
7. Worcestershire sauce - gives the sauce more flavor.
8. Chili powder - a little bit of chili powder is added to the ground turkey for a smokey, light spice taste.
9. Paprika - paprika is a spice that I like to add to a lot of ground meat recipes for color and for flavor.
10. Salt and Pepper - a classic duo! I add just a sprinkling of both tot he ground turkey along with the other seasonings.
11. Dried parsley or basil - this is mixed with melted butter to brush on top of the buns as they bake.
12. Butter - the butter is melted to brush on top of the buns as they bake.
13. Provolone Cheese - I like the sharpness of provolone cheese paired with the ground turkey mixture.
14. King’s Hawaiian rolls or Trader Joe's Aloha rolls - the sweetness of these rolls makes these sloppy joe sliders taste even better.

See the recipe card below for specific information about quantities.

How do I make these sliders?

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350º. On medium heat, drizzle olive oil into a medium frying pan, then sauté the garlic and chopped vegetables until soft and slightly translucent.

Step 2: Add in the ground chicken or turkey, and brown until 50% of the turkey is cooked.

Step 3: To the turkey, add in the seasonings and mix to combine.

Step 4: Add in the tomato paste, stir in well. Pour in the tomato sauce and Worcestershire sauce.

Step 5: Reduce the heat to a medium low and let the ground turkey simmer until the meat becomes thick.

Step 6: Slice open the rolls and scoop the meat onto the bottoms of the rolls.

Step 7: Top with the provolone cheese, then add the tops of the rolls.

Step 8: Spread the melted butter and parsley mixture on top of the rolls then bake for 12-13 minutes or until the cheese melts.

HINT: When baking the sliders in the oven, be sure to keep your eye on them as the tops can brown quickly. I highly recommend keeping to the 12 minute mark, anything longer than that you risk burning the buns on the top and they become hockey pucks.

Recipe Swaps and Substitutions

Here are some of my recommendations when looking to swap out an ingredient and substitute for something that suits your dietary needs:

• Bread/Rolls - If you cannot eat gluten, simply swap for gluten free sliders or smaller hamburger buns. They also don't have to be stuck together like they are shown above.
• Cheese - swap for your favorite dairy-free version or a cheese that you prefer over provolone. I suggest trying Muenster or a simple white cheddar if you don't like provolone.
• Meat - Don't like ground turkey? Try chicken or ground beef. Vegan? Opt for your favorite meat-alternative.
• Dairy-Free - Don't bother with the provolone cheese or butter on top of the buns if you're dairy free. Not necessary and won't make or break the recipe!

Recipes to pair with sloppy joes

Typically Sloppy Joes are a standalone type of recipe, but, if you want to round out your meal, here's some recipes I'd recommend pairing with

• Oven roasted squash
• Herbed garlic bread
• Garlicky sautéed string beans
• Red bliss mashed potatoes

...and for a little drink, try my citrus spritz cocktail!

How do I store this recipe? Can I freeze it?

To Store: Place any leftover sloppy joe sliders in aluminum foil, then wrap and place in the fridge. Consume within three days. When reheating, preheat the oven to 300º and place on a baking sheet for 7-10 minutes COVERED (do not uncover as this could lead to burning the tops).

To Freeze: Any leftover sloppy joe sauce can be added to an airtight container and placed in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.

Hungry for more?