Juicy Sloppy Joe Sliders Recipe Easy Homemade Cheddar Lettuce Bites
These Juicy Sloppy Joe Sliders combine savory ground beef with tangy tomato sauce and melted sharp cheddar cheese, topped with crisp lettuce for a perfect balance of flavors. Quick and easy to make, they are ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20), preferably grass-fed
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 small slider buns (soft potato buns recommended)
- 6 slices cheddar cheese, cut in halves
- Fresh leaf lettuce, washed and dried
Instructions
- Finely chop the onion, dice the green pepper, and mince the garlic. Pre-measure tomato sauce, ketchup, and spices. Prep time about 5-7 minutes.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break it up with a spatula. Cook about 5 minutes until starting to brown, stirring occasionally.
- Add chopped onion, green pepper, and garlic to the skillet. Cook another 4-5 minutes until veggies soften and beef is fully browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Lower heat to medium. Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well and simmer gently for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened and juicy.
- Preheat oven broiler or heat a skillet. Slice slider buns and arrange on a baking sheet. Toast lightly for 2-3 minutes until just golden.
- Spoon a generous amount of sloppy joe mixture onto each bun bottom. Top each with half a slice of cheddar cheese. Place under broiler for 1-2 minutes or cover with a lid until cheese melts, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Place a fresh leaf of lettuce on the melted cheese, then cap with bun tops. Serve immediately.
Notes
If the mixture is too thick, add a splash of water to loosen. If too runny, simmer longer. Properly brown the beef and drain excess fat to avoid greasiness. Toast buns lightly to prevent sogginess. Cheese can be melted under broiler or covered skillet lid. For dairy-free, use vegan cheddar alternatives. For gluten-free, use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 14
- Protein: 14
Keywords: sloppy joe sliders, cheddar cheese sliders, easy dinner, ground beef recipe, party food, comfort food, quick meal