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Mini Beef Sliders with Caramelized Onions

mini beef sliders with caramelized onions - featured image

Juicy mini beef sliders topped with sweet caramelized onions and melted cheddar cheese on soft toasted buns. Perfect for game day or a quick weeknight dinner, these sliders deliver big flavor in a small package.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced (about 4 cups)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 12 slider buns (brioche or potato rolls recommended)
  • 6 slices cheddar cheese, cut in half
  • 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • Optional toppings: pickle slices, lettuce, tomato slices

Instructions

  1. Start the caramelized onions first. Heat a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the 2 tablespoons of butter and let it melt completely. Add the thinly sliced onions and the 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir to coat the onions in butter. Cook for 25-30 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes or so, until deep golden brown and very soft. If they start to stick, add a tablespoon of water and scrape up the browned bits.
  2. While the onions cook, make the patties. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix gently with your hands. Divide the mixture into 12 equal portions (about 1.3 ounces each). Roll each into a ball, then flatten into a thin patty about 2.5 inches wide. Make a small indent in the center of each patty with your thumb.
  3. Toast the buns. Preheat oven to 350°F. Split the slider buns in half and place cut-side up on a baking sheet. Bake for 3-4 minutes until lightly toasted. Alternatively, toast in a dry skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes.
  4. Cook the patties. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Place the patties in the pan, working in batches if needed. Cook for 2-3 minutes on the first side until a nice crust forms. Flip and immediately place a half-slice of cheese on each. Cook for another 2 minutes until cheese is melted and patties are cooked through (internal temperature of 160°F).
  5. Assemble the sliders. Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Place a cheesy patty on top. Add a generous spoonful of caramelized onions. Add optional toppings if desired. Place the top bun on and press down gently.
  6. Serve immediately while hot and cheese is melty.

Notes

Don’t rush the onions—low and slow is key. Season the beef generously as slider patties need more seasoning per ounce. Toast the buns to prevent sogginess. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Let patties rest for a minute after cooking before assembling. Caramelized onions taste even better the next day.

Nutrition

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