Description
A foolproof, kid-approved slow cooker recipe for sloppy joe sliders that requires minimal active prep time. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish combines savory ground beef with a sweet and tangy sauce on soft Hawaiian rolls.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 12–15 Hawaiian sweet rolls
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Pickle slices (optional)
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook until no longer pink (5-7 minutes), then drain excess grease if desired.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the onion softens and garlic is fragrant.
- Stir in the ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until the beef is evenly coated and adjust seasoning to taste.
- Transfer the meat mixture to a 4-6 quart slow cooker and spread evenly.
- Cover and cook on High for 2-3 hours or Low for 3-4 hours until the sauce has thickened.
- About 30 minutes before serving, slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping them connected. Mix melted butter with a pinch of garlic powder and brown sugar, then brush generously over the top halves of the rolls.
- Place the bottom halves of the rolls in the slow cooker (optional). Scoop the sloppy joe mixture onto each bottom roll, top with cheese if using, and place the brushed top halves on the mixture.
- Serve immediately, optionally adding a pickle slice on top.
Notes
For best results, brown the meat first to enhance flavor. If the sauce is too runny, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water and stir it in for the last 30 minutes of cooking. Do not freeze assembled sliders as the rolls will become mushy; freeze the meat mixture only.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2-4 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 550
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 32
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 12
Keywords: slow cooker, sloppy joes, sliders, ground beef, family dinner, weeknight meals, kid-friendly, comfort food, easy recipes