Everyone knows that the best part of football tailgates is the food…and you don’t even have to be hanging out in a parking lot to enjoy it. These tailgate sloppy joe sliders are perfect for game day and taste just as delicious in your kitchen or backyard as they do in a stadium lot.
Sloppy joes have always been great for feeding a crowd, and these sliders are no different. Even better, you can make the filling ahead of time, so it’s one less thing to do before kickoff. Whether you’re serving them straight from the oven at home or assembling them at the stadium, our sloppy joe sliders are an easy recipe for game day.
How Do You Make Sloppy Joe Sliders for Football Tailgates?
To make sloppy joe sliders for tailgates, brown ground beef with onion and bell pepper, then simmer it with a sweet and tangy tomato-based sauce. Spoon the warm sloppy joe mixture onto slider buns, add cheese, cover with the top buns, and bake until the cheese melts and the buns turn warm and lightly toasted.
The Butcher Shop’s Tailgate Sloppy Joe Sliders
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 pounds TBS ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, if needed
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 1/2 green bell pepper, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 12 slider buns
- 6 slices of cheddar cheese, halved
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, for topping
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, optional
Directions:
1. Brown the Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, until there’s no pink left. Drain the excess grease.
2. Add the Vegetables
Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until they begin to soften. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
3. Make the Sauce
Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken enough to coat the beef without becoming dry.
4. Assemble the Sliders
Spread the warm beef mixture evenly over the bottom buns. Arrange the cheddar cheese over the beef, then place the top half of the buns over the cheese.
5. Top with Garlic Butter
Combine the melted butter with 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. Brush the mixture over the tops of the buns and sprinkle with sesame seeds, if desired.
6. Bake and Serve
Cover loosely with foil and bake for 10 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese melts and the tops turn lightly golden. Cut into individual sliders and serve warm.
Butcher’s Tips for Success
- Don’t make the filling too runny: Let the sauce simmer until it clings to the beef so you get plenty of saucy flavor without losing half the filling after the first bite.
- Keep the vegetables small: Finely diced onions and peppers blend into the filling and add flavor without falling out of the buns.
- Transport to game day: Either cover the pan tightly and serve while still warm, or transport the hot filling separately and assemble at the stadium.
Looking for More Game Day Recipes?
Simple Chicken Wings(opens in new tab)
Pulled Pork Nachos(opens in new tab)
Chicken Parm Meatball Subs(opens in new tab)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make sloppy joe sliders ahead of time?
Yes. You can make the sloppy joe filling up to one day ahead and store it covered in the refrigerator. Then reheat the filling thoroughly before assembling the sliders.
How do I keep sloppy joe sliders from getting soggy?
Let the sloppy joe filling simmer until the sauce thickens and coats the beef instead of pooling in the pan. You can also assemble the sliders shortly before baking. The melted cheese creates an additional layer between the meat and buns and helps the sliders hold together.
How do I keep the sloppy joe filling warm at a football tailgate?
Keep the filling hot in an insulated food container, slow cooker, or other hot-holding setup. Transport the buns and cheese separately and assemble the sliders when you’re ready to eat. This method also helps prevent soggy buns.
What cheese goes best on sloppy joe sliders?
Cheddar works especially well because its sharp, creamy flavor complements the sweet and tangy sloppy joe sauce. Pepper jack adds a little heat, and American cheese provides an extra-creamy melt. We recommend choosing a cheese that melts easily and complements your favorite game-day toppings.
What toppings can I add to sloppy joe sliders?
Dill pickles, pickled jalapeños, crispy fried onions, thinly sliced red onion, coleslaw, hot sauce, and barbecue sauce all work well. Setting out several toppings makes it easy for everyone to customize their sliders at the tailgate.
How many sloppy joe sliders should I make per person?
Plan on about two to three sliders per adult when they’re the main dish. If your tailgate includes several other hearty foods, one to two sliders per person may be enough. We always recommend making a few extras just in case.
Put Sloppy Joe Sliders on Your Family’s Table with The Butcher Shop
At the stadium or at home, you can’t go wrong with sloppy joe sliders on your tailgate menu, especially when your ground beef comes from The Butcher Shop(opens in new tab). We carry all-natural, non-GMO, free-range meat sourced from local farmers for a richer, meatier flavor. You’ll also find farm-fresh produce, high-quality pantry essentials, local beer and wine, and everything else you need for tailgate season. Stop by today or call ahead to pre-order your ingredients.