- Cook the Meat and Vegetables:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink.
- Drain any excess grease and return the beef to the skillet.
- Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Make the Sloppy Joe Sauce:
- To the skillet with the beef and vegetables, add ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, brown sugar, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer the mixture for about 10-15 minutes until it thickens slightly. Adjust seasoning to taste, adding hot sauce or cayenne pepper if desired.
- Prepare the Sliders:
- Lightly toast the slider buns if desired for added texture and warmth.
- Spoon a generous amount of the Sloppy Joe mixture onto the bottom halves of the slider buns.
- Add Toppings and Serve:
- Add any optional toppings like sliced pickles, a spoonful of coleslaw, or a slice of cheese on top of the meat.
- Cover with the top halves of the slider buns.
- Serve immediately while hot and saucy.
Tips for Perfection:
- Meat Options: While ground beef is traditional, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Simmering: Let the mixture simmer long enough to meld the flavors together and thicken the sauce so it’s not too runny.
- Serving Size: Since sliders are small, they’re perfect for a crowd and allow for sampling multiple appetizers if you’re serving a variety at a gathering.
These Sloppy Joe sliders will be a hit with both kids and adults, offering all the flavorful punch of traditional Sloppy Joes in a fun, bite-sized format. Enjoy your meal!