The Ultimate Hidden Veggie Sloppy Joe Sliders: A Family Favorite Recipe
These Sloppy Joe Sliders are incredibly delicious, and your kids (and even some adults!) won’t even notice the hidden vegetables in these super-cute and fun-to-eat sandwiches! Get ready to revolutionize your family dinner with a meal that’s both nutritious and irresistibly tasty.
👩🏻🍳 About These Hidden Veggie Sloppy Joe Sliders
These Sloppy Joe Sliders are a true game-changer for any household. They’re chock-full of wholesome nutrition, thanks to clever additions like butternut squash and cauliflower, but we promise you don’t have to sacrifice any of that classic, savory flavor. Imagine a dish where real ground beef meets perfectly blended vegetables, creating a rich, hearty, and slightly sweet sauce that’s impossible to resist.
These delightful little sandwiches are perfect for even the pickiest eaters and adventurous adults alike! Whether you’re dealing with children who turn up their noses at anything green or simply want to boost the nutritional value of your favorite comfort food, this recipe delivers. The vegetables become so soft and integrated into the sauce that they practically disappear, leaving behind only their beneficial nutrients and a subtly enhanced texture.
But the benefits don’t stop there. This recipe is also incredibly easy to prepare and cook. From start to finish, you’ll only need about 20 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when time is of the essence but you still want to serve a homemade, healthy meal. It’s a one-skillet wonder that minimizes cleanup and maximizes flavor!
If you’re constantly looking for more creative ways to sneak healthy veggies into your family’s diet, explore this insightful article on kid-friendly ways to add more vegetables. For another hidden veggie delight, don’t miss our recipe for Wonton Cheeseburger Cups, which also cleverly conceals nutritious ingredients.
For those craving a more traditional sloppy joe experience, consider these delicious homemade classic sloppy joes that come together in just 30 minutes and are always a family favorite!
And if you’re a true fan of sliders, you’ll definitely want to check out these animal style sliders. They’re absolutely perfect for game day gatherings, casual parties, or any social event where crowd-pleasing finger foods are a must!
🥘 Ingredients Needed for Your Sloppy Joe Sliders
Crafting these delectable hidden veggie sloppy joe sliders requires a simple list of ingredients, each playing a crucial role in achieving that perfect balance of flavor and nutrition. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Cauliflower Rice: This is a superstar for adding volume and essential nutrients like Vitamin C and K, all while remaining virtually undetectable in the finished sloppy joe mixture. It contributes significantly to the recipe’s nutritional factor without altering the beloved classic flavor.
- Butternut Squash: Much like the cauliflower rice, finely chopped butternut squash (or frozen diced squash for convenience) seamlessly blends into the sauce. It adds a touch of natural sweetness, vibrant color, and a boost of vitamins A and C, enhancing the health profile of your sloppy Joe sliders without compromising that authentic taste.
- Extra Lean Ground Beef: The foundation of any good sloppy joe, extra lean ground beef provides a hearty, savory base. Choosing lean beef helps keep the dish lighter while still offering robust flavor and protein. This is your typical sloppy Joe starting point.
- Yellow Mustard: A key ingredient that provides a delightful tang and just a little bit of bite, cutting through the richness of the beef and adding complexity to the sauce.
- Ketchup: The quintessential sloppy joe ingredient, ketchup brings sweetness, acidity, and that signature tomato-rich base that defines the dish. What better to pair with mustard than ketchup?
- Brown Sugar: With all of the savory and tangy ingredients, a touch of brown sugar provides essential sweetness, balancing out the flavor profile and creating that perfectly caramelized sloppy joe taste. It rounds out the sauce beautifully.
- Garlic Powder: An aromatic powerhouse, garlic powder helps to build deep flavor and brilliantly covers up any mild, earthy notes from the cauliflower and squash. It truly tricks your taste buds into forgetting they’re there, making the veggies truly “hidden”!
- Salt and Pepper: These fundamental seasonings are crucial for enhancing and bringing all of the diverse flavors together, ensuring a well-seasoned and satisfying sloppy joe experience.
- Slider Buns: Small, soft buns are essential for the “slider” experience, making these sandwiches easy to handle and perfectly portioned for little hands and party platters.
🔪 Easy Instructions for Your Hidden Veggie Sloppy Joe Sliders
Preparing these delicious and healthy sloppy joe sliders couldn’t be simpler. Follow these straightforward steps for a quick and satisfying meal that the whole family will adore!
- Sauté the Veggies: Begin by pouring a tablespoon or two of olive oil into a large skillet and heating it over medium-high heat. Add your cauliflower rice and finely chopped butternut squash. Cook these vegetables, stirring occasionally, until they become tender and slightly softened, about 5-7 minutes. This step helps them break down and integrate smoothly into the sauce.
- Brown the Beef: Next, add the extra lean ground beef to the skillet with the softened vegetables. Break up the beef with a spoon as it cooks. Continue to cook until the beef is thoroughly browned and no pink remains. If you’re not using extra lean beef, you might want to drain any excess grease at this stage.
- Simmer the Sauce: Once the beef is browned, stir in the remaining ingredients: yellow mustard, ketchup, brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until all the ingredients are well combined and the beef is coated in the rich, flavorful sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the skillet from the heat. Spoon the warm, saucy sloppy joe mixture generously onto your slider rolls. Serve immediately and watch as everyone, especially the kids, devours these delightful sandwiches!
👪 Frequently Asked Questions about Sloppy Joe Sliders
To store leftovers, first allow the beef mixture to cool completely to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked beef mixture. It should keep well in the freezer for up to 6 months. Make sure to label your container with the date!
You have a couple of great options for reheating your delicious sloppy joe mixture. First, for a quick method, transfer the beef mixture to a microwave-safe bowl. Cover the top loosely with plastic wrap, leaving a small space for venting, and microwave for about 2 minutes. Give it a good stir, and continue heating in 30-second intervals until it’s heated through to your desired temperature. Alternatively, you can reheat it on the stovetop. Place the beef in a pot with about ¼ cup of water or beef broth. Heat on low with the lid on, stirring occasionally, until the beef is all heated through and steaming. If reheating from frozen, simply allow the beef mixture to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before following either of the methods above.
Absolutely! These sloppy joe sliders are a fantastic make-ahead meal, perfect for meal prep or getting a head start on a busy day. You can prepare the filling ahead of time by following all the cooking instructions up to the simmering step. Once cooked, allow it to cool completely and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer as described above. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat the mixture using the methods mentioned. Of course, you’ll want to assemble the mixture onto the slider rolls right before serving to keep the buns fresh and prevent them from getting soggy.
No, you certainly don’t have to stick strictly to slider rolls! The type of roll or bun you choose to serve your sloppy joe mixture on is completely up to your personal preference. While there’s something undeniably cute and convenient about the little mini sandwiches on slider rolls, you can easily use regular hamburger buns, hot dog buns (for a sloppy dog!), or even serve the mixture over rice, baked potatoes, or alongside a hearty salad. Feel free to get creative with your serving vessel!
Yes, absolutely! While cauliflower rice and butternut squash are excellent for their mild flavor and ability to blend seamlessly, you can experiment with other finely grated or riced vegetables. Carrots, zucchini, bell peppers, or even finely chopped mushrooms can work well. The key is to chop them very finely or rice them so they truly disappear into the sauce, maintaining that “hidden veggie” appeal.
💭 Top Tips for Perfect Hidden Veggie Sloppy Joe Sliders
Achieving the perfect sloppy joe slider is easy with a few simple tips:
- Drain Excess Grease: If your ground beef isn’t extra lean (e.g., 80/20 blend), it’s highly recommended to cook it in a separate skillet first. Once browned, drain the grease thoroughly before combining the beef with the sautéed vegetables and sauce ingredients. This prevents your sliders from becoming overly greasy.
- Toast Your Rolls: To truly elevate these sloppy Joe sliders and add an extra layer of texture, lightly toast the slider rolls before assembling. You can do this by buttering them slightly and toasting them in a dry skillet, under the broiler, or in a toaster oven until golden brown. This adds a delightful crunch and prevents the buns from getting soggy too quickly.
- Finely Chop Veggies: The secret to truly “hidden” veggies is chopping them as finely as possible. Using riced cauliflower and finely diced (or even grated) butternut squash ensures they break down and meld into the sauce without being noticeable. A food processor can be your best friend for this step!
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste the sloppy joe mixture after it has simmered for a few minutes. If you prefer a slightly sweeter or tangier profile, you can adjust the amount of brown sugar or ketchup to your liking.
How to Buy the Best Ground Beef:
- Freshly Ground is Best: If possible, look for ground beef that has been ground in-store on the same day you’re buying it. This ensures maximum freshness and flavor.
- Ask the Butcher: Even better, if you have a local butcher, don’t hesitate to request for them to grind it for you on the spot. You’ll know you’re getting the absolute freshest product available.
- Fat-to-Lean Ratio: An 80/20 ground beef (80% lean, 20% fat) is widely considered the perfect blend for many dishes, including burgers, as the fat renders out and adds flavor. However, for this sloppy joe recipe, you can certainly get away with something a bit on the leaner side, especially since you’ll be cooking it with vegetables.
- Color Matters: Look for bright red beef. While some browning on the interior of a package can be normal due to lack of oxygen, overall, a vibrant red color indicates freshness.
How to Buy the Best Butternut Squash:
- Weight and Firmness: You’ll want a butternut squash that feels surprisingly heavy for its size. This indicates a good amount of moisture and dense flesh. It should also be firm all over, with no soft spots or blemishes. Firmness in the stem tends to mean that the squash will hold up longer, which can be useful if you’re not planning on using it immediately.
- Shape for Yield: A fat neck and small bulb is a good indicator of a small seed cavity, which means more delicious squash meat to work with and less waste. Avoid a squash that has soft spots or obvious molding.
- Skin Condition: The skin of the squash should be fairly hard and free of major blemishes, cuts, or punctures. While it’s normal for a pale spot to form where the squash was resting out in the field, avoid any significant green spots or streaks, which tend to mean that the squash isn’t fully ripe yet. For butternut squash, look for a nice, deep beige or tan hue to it.
- Frozen Shortcut: No time to deal with peeling and chopping a fresh butternut squash? Don’t hesitate to buy frozen diced squash. That’s actually what I often recommend for this recipe, as it works incredibly well and saves a significant amount of prep time!
📖 Variations to Customize Your Sloppy Joe Sliders
While the classic hidden veggie sloppy joe slider is fantastic, there are many ways to customize and add your own flair to this versatile recipe:
- Alternate Proteins: Instead of ground beef, you can easily substitute ground chicken or ground turkey. The flavor will be slightly different, but with all of the robust seasonings and condiments in the sloppy joe sauce, the change will hardly be noticeable, offering a leaner alternative.
- Cheesy Topping: For an extra layer of deliciousness, top each of your sloppy Joe sliders with a small slice of cheese while the mixture is still warm. American, sharp cheddar, or spicy pepper jack cheese would be absolutely delicious and melt perfectly, adding creaminess and flavor.
- Southwestern Style: Give your sloppy joes a zesty Southwestern flair! Stir in some chunky salsa and a can of drained and rinsed black beans into the beef mixture during the simmering stage. Serve with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
- Asian Twist: For something truly unique with an Asian twist, omit the ketchup and yellow mustard. Instead, substitute with hoisin sauce and a dash of ground ginger or freshly grated ginger. Garnish the sliders with thinly sliced cucumber, fresh cilantro, and shredded carrots for a refreshing crunch.
- Philly Cheesesteak Inspired: Transform these into tiny Philly Cheesesteaks by adding finely chopped onions, sautéed mushrooms, and diced green peppers to the skillet with the cauliflower and squash. Top generously with slices of provolone cheese and let it melt until gooey before serving.
- Spicy Kick: If you love a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sloppy joe mixture during simmering. Alternatively, serve with pickled jalapeños on the side for those who like it spicy.
🥩 More Delicious Beef Recipes
If these flavorful Hidden Veggie Sloppy Joe Sliders have you craving even more amazing beef dishes, you’re in luck! Check out these fantastic recipe suggestions that are sure to become new family favorites:
🥗 Delicious Side Dish Suggestions
To complete your meal of Hidden Veggie Sloppy Joe Sliders, here are a few fantastic side dish ideas that pair wonderfully with the savory main course:
- Oven Fried Crispy Green Beans: A healthier and incredibly tasty alternative to traditional fries, these crispy green beans are a perfect crunchy complement.
- Slow Cooker Olive Bread Recipe: A fragrant and flavorful bread that’s easy to make and provides a wonderful vehicle for soaking up any extra sloppy joe sauce.
- Jalapeno Garlic Basil Pickles: For a refreshing, tangy, and slightly spicy counterpoint to the rich sloppy joes, homemade pickles are an excellent choice.
- Cornbread Casserole: Super Easy Potluck Dish: A comforting and hearty side that adds a touch of sweet and savory balance, making it perfect for a family dinner.
Or try this delicious and refreshing Cucumber Side Salad for a light and crisp accompaniment!
Rate This Hidden Veggie Sloppy Joe Sliders Recipe!
Love this easy and healthy recipe? We’d be thrilled to hear about your experience! Please take a moment to give it a 5-star ⭐ rating below and leave a comment with your feedback. Your ratings and reviews truly help us to continue providing recipes that you and your family will absolutely adore! And if you make this dish, snap a photo and tag me on Instagram. You can find me at @DizzyBusyandHungry or use the hashtag #dizzybusyandhungry!
📋 Recipe Card: Hidden Veggie Sloppy Joe Sliders
Hidden Veggie Sloppy Joe Sliders
Kristin
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5 minutes
15 minutes
4
Ingredients
- 1 cup cauliflower rice
- 1 cup finely chopped butternut squash (substitute frozen diced squash for a great shortcut!)
- 1 pound extra lean ground beef
- 1 ½ teaspoons yellow mustard
- ¾ cup ketchup
- 3 teaspoons brown sugar
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 12-16 slider rolls
Instructions
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Add a little olive oil to a skillet and heat over medium-high heat. Add the cauliflower and squash and cook until they begin to get soft, about 5-7 minutes.1 cup cauliflower rice, 1 cup finely chopped butternut squash
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Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and no pink remains.1 pound extra lean ground beef
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Add the remaining ingredients (yellow mustard, ketchup, brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper) and mix well until everything is thoroughly combined. Simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.1 ½ teaspoons yellow mustard, ¾ cup ketchup, 3 teaspoons brown sugar, ¾ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper
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Spoon the warm sloppy joe mixture onto your slider rolls and serve immediately. Enjoy!12-16 slider rolls
Notes
- To keep your leftovers fresh, store the beef mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, or in the freezer for up to 6 months.
- No slider rolls? No problem! Feel free to use regular hamburger buns, hot dog buns, or any other type of roll you prefer.
- If you’re using ground beef that’s not extra lean, consider browning it in a separate skillet first. This allows you to easily drain off any excess grease before adding it to the vegetables and sauce.
- For a slightly sweeter sauce, you can increase the brown sugar to taste. For more tang, add an extra splash of yellow mustard or ketchup.
Video
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 19g |
Protein: 20g |
Fat: 22g |
Saturated Fat: 8g |
Cholesterol: 80mg |
Sodium: 660mg |
Potassium: 598mg |
Fiber: 1g |
Sugar: 13g |
Vitamin A: 2090IU |
Vitamin C: 18.3mg |
Calcium: 42mg |
Iron: 2.6mg
Nutritional information is an estimate. The nutritional values for your final dish may vary based on measuring differences and products used.
This recipe was first published March 12, 2014 and last updated September 14, 2020 with additional tips and a recipe change.
Thanks so much for reading! I hope you and your family enjoy these Hidden Veggie Sloppy Joe Sliders as much as we do. It’s truly a fantastic way to ensure everyone gets their vegetables without a fuss.
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