Introduction

These beef sliders are perfect for feeding a crowd at game nights or potlucks. Packed with flavorful beef, melty cheese, and customizable toppings, they come together easily and always impress. Make a big batch and watch them disappear fast!

The image shows a group of small burgers arranged close together on a white plate, placed on a white marbled surface. Each burger has a shiny, golden-brown top bun with a soft texture. The front row burgers have one layer of green lettuce at the bottom, followed by a thick, juicy beef patty with melted yellow cheese on top, and a few slices of crispy bacon beneath the golden top bun. Behind them, some burgers have a different filling—pulled pork with a green creamy layer that looks like guacamole, all inside the same style of shiny buns. The layers are clear and colorful, creating a rich, inviting look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

12-count package of Hawaiian sweet rolls, potato rolls, or classic dinner rolls
Lean ground beef
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Salt
Pepper
Slow-cooked shredded beef (from a chuck roast)
BBQ sauce or savory gravy
Sliced deli meats (roast beef, ham, turkey breast)
Shredded chicken (or rotisserie chicken)
Grilled chicken breast slices
Ground chicken patties
Plant-based ground “meat” alternatives
Hearty mushroom and black bean patty
Provolone cheese
Cheddar cheese
Swiss cheese
Pepper jack cheese
American cheese
Smoked gouda
Havarti cheese
Dairy-free cheese alternative
BBQ sauce (sweet, smoky, or spicy)
Honey mustard
Creamy garlic aioli
Marinara sauce
Zesty pesto
Ranch dressing
Sriracha mayo
Homemade relish
Butter
Garlic powder (for glaze)
Onion flakes
Dried parsley
Poppy seeds
Sesame seeds
Pickles
Caramelized onions
Pickled jalapeños
Crispy fried onions
Thinly sliced bell peppers
Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

Step 1: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Once no longer pink, drain any excess fat and season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Step 2: If using pre-cooked shredded beef, deli meats, or rotisserie chicken, shred or slice them as needed and set aside. Warm or sauce them if necessary.
Step 3: Slice any onions, pickles, or peppers you plan to include. Caramelize onions ahead of time if desired.
Step 4: Carefully slice the entire slab of slider buns horizontally through the middle, keeping them connected.
Step 5: Place the bottom slab of buns into a 9×13-inch baking dish or onto a foil-lined baking sheet.
Step 6: Spread any sauce or spread evenly over the bottom buns.
Step 7: Evenly distribute the cooked ground beef, shredded beef, or deli meats over the bottom buns.
Step 8: Layer slices of cheese over the protein, using 6-8 slices for 12 sliders.
Step 9: Add any additional toppings like caramelized onions, jalapeños, or pickles.
Step 10: Carefully place the top slab of buns over all the fillings.
Step 11: In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt about 1/2 cup of unsalted butter. Stir in 1-2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce, a teaspoon of garlic powder, a teaspoon of dried parsley, and a pinch of salt.
Step 12: Using a pastry brush, generously brush the melted butter mixture over the tops and sides of the assembled slider buns.
Step 13: Cover the baking dish or sheet loosely with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes.
Step 14: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the tops of the buns are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
Step 15: Let the sliders rest for a few minutes, then cut along the lines of the individual buns to separate them.
Step 16: Arrange the sliders on a platter and serve.

Tips & Variations

For a vegetarian option, substitute ground beef with a hearty mushroom and black bean patty or plant-based ground “meat” alternatives.
Try different cheeses like smoked gouda or pepper jack for varying flavors and spice levels.
Add extra texture with crispy fried onions or poppy and sesame seeds on top for a bakery-style finish.
Mix and match sauces such as honey mustard, sriracha mayo, or creamy garlic aioli to customize your sliders.
Caramelize onions in advance to save time and enhance sweetness.

Storage

Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a 350°F (175°C) oven covered with foil for about 10 minutes to keep them moist and melty. Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy buns.

How to Serve

A close-up image of a white plate filled with small, round burgers arranged in rows. The front row features three mini burgers, each with a glossy brown bun on top, melted yellow cheese covering the beef patty, crispy bacon strips, and fresh green lettuce peeking from underneath the patty. Behind these, there are burgers topped with shredded meat and green guacamole, also with soft brown buns. The buns have a smooth, shiny texture, and the burgers sit on a white marbled surface. The focus is sharp on the front burgers, with slight blur on the ones behind. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare these sliders ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the sliders a few hours before baking. Keep them covered in the refrigerator and bake just before serving for best results.

What can I use if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?

You can substitute Worcestershire sauce with soy sauce or a splash of balsamic vinegar mixed into the butter for the glaze to achieve a similar savory depth.