Slightly messy but super creamy, yummy, and kid-friendly, these Salsa Sloppy Joe Sliders are the perfect appetizers for any party or as a busy weeknight entree. Game day has never been so easy–or delicious!
This recipe was created for the Desert Pepper Trading Company recipe challenge; however, the opinions are my own.
I love how great how food brings people together! Fall is a great time for getting together with family–and not just for turkey! These Salsa Sloppy Joe Sliders are cute and delicious and perfect for a tailgating party, baby shower, work potluck, or busy weeknight when you would rather curl up under a warm blanket and binge watch your favorite series.
The star ingredient in these is the Desert Pepper Trading Company Cantina Medium Salsa.
It has the perfect zing to tantalize your taste buds and, when blended with cream cheese, it makes the perfect sauce to bring these mini sloppy joes to the next level. Add in some ooey, gooey, melty cheese and you have a meal or appetizer your friends and family will devour. Even my picky 5-year old loved these. Here is how to make them!
INGREDIENTS:
1 lb. lean ground beef
2 Tbsp taco seasoning
1 cup Desert Pepper Trading Company Medium Salsa
8 oz. cream cheese
12 slices Colby Jack cheese (or preferred cheese)
24 slider rolls
1/4 cup melted butter
Sesame seeds (for sprinkling)
DIRECTIONS:
1. Set oven to 350 degrees. Line a cookie sheet with foil and lightly spray with cooking spray.
2. Using a serrated knife, carefully slice rolls in half horizontally. Remove tops and set aside.
3. Place cream cheese in a blender and add the 1 cup Desert Pepper Medium Salsa. Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping sides if needed.
4. In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, brown ground beef; drain. Add taco seasoning and stir to combine.
4. Pour taco meat into a medium bowl and add salsa/cream cheese mixture. Stir to combine.
5. Layer cheese slices over roll bottoms, then spread meat and salsa mixture over the top.
6. Place rolls tops back on rolls bottoms and brush with melted butter, then sprinkle with sesame seeds.
7. Cover will foil and bake at 350 for 20 minutes, until cheese is melted. Separate sliders and place on a serving platter. Now you are ready for party time!
Are cream cheese blocks or whipped cream cheese better to use?
I recommend using a cream cheese block. Whipped cream cheese results in a slightly runnier sauce.
Can I use a different seasoning than taco seasoning?
Absolutely! Customize your ground beef mixture to your taste. You can try Onion Soup mix or Ranch mix for a little variation. Or add in whatever spices you like and have on hand, such as cumin, chili powder, oregano, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
Can I use a different type of meat?
For sure. For a healthier version, replace the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. Or if you want to turn up the heat, use ground chorizo.
For more recipe inspiration using Desert Pepper products, check out the Desert Pepper Website and follow them on Facebook and Instagram!
Salsa Sloppy Joe Sliders
Ingredients
- 1 cup Desert Pepper Trading Co Medium Salsa
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 Tbsp taco seasoning
- 24 slider rolls
- 12 slices Colby Jack cheese (or your preferred sliced cheese)
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- Sesame seeds, optional
Instructions
- Set oven to 350 degrees. Line a cookie sheet with foil and lightly spray with cooking spray.
- Carefully cut rolls in half horizontally using a serrated knife. Set roll tops aside.
- In a blender, combine salsa and cream cheese until smooth.
- In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, brown ground beef; drain. Add the taco seasoning.
- Pour taco meat into a medium bowl. Pour in salsa/cream cheese mixture and stir to combine.
- Layer slices of cheese on slider roll bottoms. Spread taco meat and salsa mixture on top.
- Replace roll tops and brush with melted butter. If desired, sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
- Cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes, or until cheese is melted. Enjoy!
Notes
The *Salsa Sloppy Joe Sliders* sound absolutely delicious! I love the twist on the classic sloppy joe with the added salsa—such a fun and flavorful way to spice up a comfort food favorite. They seem like the perfect snack for a game day or casual get-together. What’s your secret ingredient that makes your sloppy joes stand out?