Name: Cheesy Ground Beef Sliders Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; Salt and pepper to taste; 12 slider buns; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 3 tablespoons melted butter; 1 tablespoon sesame seeds; Fresh chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

There's something truly irresistible about a batch of cheesy ground beef sliders sizzling fresh out of the oven. The soft, buttery buns cradle a savory beef filling, perfectly seasoned and topped with gooey, melty cheese. Whether you're feeding a crowd at a game day party or looking for a simple, satisfying weeknight dinner, these sliders are always a hit.

I first discovered these sliders when I needed an easy, crowd-pleasing dish for a family gathering. The result? A tray of empty plates and requests for the recipe! Now, they’re a staple in our home, beloved for their flavor and simplicity.

Get ready to add these sliders to your list of favorites!

Why You'll Love These Cheesy Ground Beef Sliders

Get ready to fall head over heels for these irresistible sliders. Packed with bold flavors and gooey cheese, they’re about to become a new family favorite.

First, they come together effortlessly. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep work, you can have a batch of sliders ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for those times when you need something tasty and quick!

Not only are these sliders incredibly flavorful, but they're also perfect for sharing. They’re ideal for parties, potlucks, or even cozy movie nights at home. Just set them out, and watch them disappear.

Another huge plus? The recipe is super versatile. You can switch up the seasonings, use different cheeses, or add extra toppings to suit your taste. It's a great way to customize the dish for any occasion.

These sliders are also easy to make in large batches. Double the recipe if you’re serving a crowd, and you’ll have happy guests with minimal effort on your part.

Now, let’s dive into what makes these sliders so special!

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of these sliders lies in their simple, well-chosen ingredients. Let’s break down the key components that make this recipe a hit.

The ground beef is the star of the show. Choose lean ground beef (85% lean works well) for the perfect balance of flavor and moisture. Make sure to cook it until it's just done, avoiding overcooking to keep it juicy.

Seasonings play a crucial role in enhancing the beefy flavor. A simple blend of garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper ensures the meat tastes anything but boring. If you like a bit of a kick, a dash of red pepper flakes adds some heat without overwhelming the dish.

For that irresistible, melty goodness, you’ll need sliced cheese. Cheddar or American cheese both work beautifully, melting smoothly over the beef and providing a rich, creamy texture. Feel free to experiment with mozzarella or a cheese blend if you’re feeling adventurous.

The slider buns bring everything together. Soft, slightly sweet Hawaiian rolls are a popular choice because they balance the savory beef perfectly. But any soft dinner rolls will work in a pinch.

To finish it off, we use a buttery topping brushed over the buns before baking. A mixture of melted butter, garlic powder, and dried parsley adds a golden, flavorful crust that elevates the sliders to gourmet status. Trust me, it makes all the difference!

Now that you know the ingredients, let's jump into how to bring these sliders to life!

How To Make These Cheesy Ground Beef Sliders

Creating these cheesy ground beef sliders is as easy as it gets. Let me guide you through each step for the perfect batch.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add your ground beef. Break it apart with a wooden spoon, stirring occasionally, and cook until it's browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the pan to keep the filling from getting greasy.

Next, season the beef. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, stirring well to combine. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Remove the skillet from heat and set the beef aside.

Slice your slider buns in half horizontally, keeping the rolls connected for easy assembly. Place the bottom half of the buns on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread the seasoned ground beef evenly over the buns, making sure each bun gets a generous amount of meat.

Layer slices of cheese over the beef, covering the entire surface. This step ensures every slider has that signature melty, cheesy topping. Carefully place the top half of the buns over the cheese.

In a small bowl, mix melted butter with garlic powder and dried parsley. Brush this mixture generously over the tops of the buns. The buttery glaze will bake to a beautiful golden brown, adding a burst of flavor.

Cover the sliders loosely with foil and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 3-5 minutes to allow the tops to get nice and toasty. Keep an eye on them so they don’t over-brown!

Once baked, remove the sliders from the oven and let them cool slightly before slicing them into individual pieces. Serve warm, and watch them disappear in no time!

Storage Options

If you have any leftover sliders (though that rarely happens!), here’s how to store them. Place the cooled sliders in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The buns may soften slightly, but the flavors will remain delicious.

For longer storage, wrap each slider tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes. If reheating from frozen, add a few extra minutes.

Microwaving is another option if you’re in a hurry. Place a slider on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat for 30-40 seconds until the cheese is melty. Be careful not to overheat, as the buns can become chewy.

Variations and Substitutions

These sliders are incredibly adaptable, so feel free to get creative with the recipe!

For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture. You can also use pepper jack cheese for an extra kick.

If you’re craving more veggies, try adding sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or caramelized onions to the beef before layering the cheese. It’s a simple way to pack in extra flavor and nutrition.

Switch up the cheese to give the sliders a different twist. Sharp cheddar, provolone, or a smoky gouda all melt beautifully and add unique flavors. You can also use a blend of cheeses for an extra gooey experience.

For a BBQ-inspired take, stir in a bit of your favorite barbecue sauce into the cooked beef before adding it to the buns. It adds a sweet, tangy dimension that pairs perfectly with melty cheese.

Finally, if you're looking to make these sliders a bit lighter, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. Just make sure to season generously, as the leaner meat can be less flavorful.

Experiment and have fun with the recipe – these sliders are endlessly customizable! Enjoy making them your own, and don’t be surprised if they become a permanent fixture in your meal rotation.