Oh The Places You'll Go Pull-apart Sloppy Joes Recipe

Cook aromatics

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil. When shimmering, add chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté until softened and translucent, about 5–6 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds more until fragrant.

Brown the meat

Increase heat to medium-high and add the ground beef (or turkey). Break it up with a spoon and cook until no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if desired, leaving about 1 tsp in the pan for flavor.

Build the sauce

Stir in tomato paste and cook 1 minute to deepen flavor. Add ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.

Simmer

Pour in the beef or chicken stock (or water) and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low and cook uncovered for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened but still saucy. Taste and adjust seasoning (more salt, sugar or vinegar) as needed. Keep warm.

Prepare oven and rolls

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). If your rolls are connected in a pan, separate them into a 9x13 or round baking pan leaving them close but not fully separated so they’ll pull apart after baking.

Cut and fill rolls

Using a serrated knife, slice each roll horizontally almost through, leaving a small hinge if you prefer, or slice into halves. Spoon about 1 to 2 tablespoons of the warm sloppy joe filling onto the bottom half of each roll. Sprinkle shredded cheddar over the meat on each roll. If making sliders stacked closely, you can layer meat and cheese between each roll piece to create a pull-apart braid.

Top and brush

Place the top halves of the rolls back on. In a small bowl, combine melted butter with mustard. Brush the top of each roll (or the entire assembled tray) with the butter-mustard mixture. Sprinkle dried parsley and sesame seeds evenly over the tops if using.

Bake to meld

Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden and slightly crisp. If you like a crispier top, broil 1–2 minutes watching closely to avoid burning.

Rest and serve

Remove from oven and let rest 3–4 minutes so filling sets slightly. Transfer to a serving board or keep in the baking dish for family-style pull-apart. Serve with optional dill pickle slices and a side of coleslaw. To eat, pull rolls apart so each guest gets a cheesy sloppy joe portion.