Kid-Friendly Beef Black Bean Sloppy Joe Sliders
These hearty sliders combine seasoned ground beef with tender black beans in a sweet-tangy tomato sauce, creating a protein-packed twist on classic sloppy joes. The addition of Worcestershire sauce and brown sugar balances the flavors perfectly, while the black beans add fiber and substance. Served on buttery dinner rolls and baked until golden, these sliders are ideal for family dinners, game day gatherings, or kid-friendly parties. The manageable size makes them perfect for little hands, and the familiar flavors appeal to both children and adults.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder(optional)
- ½ half yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 4 teaspoons dark brown sugar
- 1 cups cooked Camellia Brand Black Beans
- 12 dinner rollshamburger buns1:1size adjustment
Use small hamburger buns for traditional slider size
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 400 degrees and line baking sheet with parchment paper
- 2
Brown ground beef in skillet over medium-high heat, breaking up with spatula and seasoning with salt
- 3
Add chili powder, onion and garlic, cook until onions are softened and translucent
- 4
Stir in tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar
- 5
Gently fold in cooked black beans and reduce heat to low
- 6
Simmer mixture until thickened
- 7
Cut dinner rolls in half and place bottom halves on prepared baking sheet
- 8
Top roll bottoms with beef mixture and cover with top halves
- 9
Brush slider tops with melted butter
- 10
Bake until rolls are warmed through and golden brown around edges
- 11
Cut into individual sliders and serve warm
Tips
Make sure to drain any excess fat from the ground beef before adding other ingredients to prevent greasy sliders.
Pre-cook black beans from dried or use canned beans, drained and rinsed, for convenience.
Let the beef mixture cool slightly before assembling to prevent the rolls from getting soggy.
Good to Know
Store leftover beef mixture in refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.
Beef mixture can be made up to 2 days ahead and refrigerated. Assemble and bake sliders just before serving.
Serve warm immediately after baking for best texture and flavor.
Common Mistakes
Don't skip draining beef fat to avoid greasy sliders
Don't overfill rolls to prevent messy eating
Don't skip butter brushing to avoid dry tops
Substitutions
Use small hamburger buns for traditional slider size
FAQ
Can I freeze the beef mixture?
Yes, the cooked beef and bean mixture freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before reheating and assembling sliders.
What if I don't have Worcestershire sauce?
You can substitute with soy sauce or omit entirely, though the flavor will be less complex. Add a splash of vinegar for tang.
How long do assembled sliders keep?
Assembled sliders are best eaten immediately but can be wrapped and refrigerated for up to 1 day. Reheat in oven at 300°F.