📝 About This Recipe
A playful twist on a mid-century American classic, these miniature mains turn the traditional messy sandwich into a crowd-pleasing, bite-sized feast. We've elevated the nostalgic sweet-and-savory beef filling with a touch of smoked paprika and a secret melted butter glaze that crisps the tops of the sweet Hawaiian rolls. Perfect for little hands and big appetites alike, these sliders are the ultimate comfort food for a family movie night or a weekend gathering.
🥗 Ingredients
The Beef Filling
- 1 pound Lean Ground Beef (90% lean is best to avoid excess grease)
- 1/2 cup Yellow Onion (finely diced so picky eaters won't notice)
- 1/4 cup Green Bell Pepper (minced very small)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
The Signature Sauce
- 3/4 cup Ketchup (standard tomato ketchup)
- 1 tablespoon Yellow Mustard
- 1 tablespoon Brown Sugar (packed)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt and Black Pepper (or to taste)
Assembly and Topping
- 12 count Sweet Hawaiian Rolls (kept connected in the slab)
- 6 slices Cheddar Cheese (sharp or mild)
- 3 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (melted)
- 1/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Dried Parsley (for color)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
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2
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef, diced onion, and bell pepper. Cook until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink, breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon.
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3
Drain any excess fat from the skillet to ensure your sliders don't become soggy.
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4
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just 1 minute until fragrant.
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5
Lower the heat to medium-low. Add the ketchup, mustard, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
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6
Simmer the beef mixture for 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld. If it looks too dry, add a splash of water.
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7
While the meat simmers, use a long serrated knife to slice the entire slab of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, creating one large top piece and one large bottom piece.
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8
Place the bottom half of the rolls into the prepared baking dish.
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9
Evenly spread the sloppy joe beef mixture over the bottom half of the rolls, going all the way to the edges.
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10
Layer the cheese slices over the beef mixture, overlapping them slightly to cover the entire surface.
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11
Place the top half of the rolls back onto the cheese-covered beef.
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12
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, garlic powder, and dried parsley. Brush this mixture generously over the tops of the rolls.
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13
Cover the dish with aluminum foil (tented slightly so it doesn't stick to the buns) and bake for 10 minutes.
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14
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tops of the buns are golden brown and slightly crisp.
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15
Let the sliders rest for 5 minutes before using a sharp knife to cut between the rolls. Serve warm.
💡 Chef's Tips
For an extra crispy bottom, toast the inside of the bottom buns in the oven for 3 minutes before adding the meat. If you have picky eaters, pulse the onions and peppers in a food processor until they are nearly a paste so they disappear into the sauce. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef for a leaner option; just add a teaspoon of olive oil to the pan first. Make sure to drain the meat very well; any excess liquid will seep into the bottom bun and make it mushy. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain the bun texture.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve with a side of crispy sweet potato fries or classic tater tots. A cold, crunchy coleslaw on the side provides a great textural contrast to the soft sliders. Pair with fresh apple slices or carrot sticks for a balanced kid-friendly meal. For adults, add a few pickled jalapeño slices inside the sliders for a spicy kick. Serve with a tall glass of cold milk or a refreshing homemade lemonade.