Juicy Cheesy Beef Sliders

Cheeseburger sliders are the perfect crowd-pleaser when you want all the juicy, cheesy goodness of a classic burger in a convenient bite-sized form. They come together quickly and reheat wonderfully, making them ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings where everyone loves a handheld treat.

These sliders have become my go-to when hosting game day. I first made them on a whim to please a hungry crowd and now they are always requested because of their perfect balance of melty cheese and savory beef.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Two pounds lean ground beef: for the best juicy but not greasy sliders. Choose ground beef with about 90/10 or 93/7 lean to fat ratio.
• Olive oil: adds a light richness; pick extra virgin for the best flavor.
• One teaspoon salt: to bring out the natural flavors in the beef.
• One teaspoon black pepper: for a subtle kick, freshly ground if possible.
• One teaspoon garlic powder: to add warmth without overpowering.
• Half a large yellow onion finely diced: to provide sweet aromatic flavor that melts into the beef.
• Quarter cup mayonnaise: mixed into the cooked beef keeps the sliders moist and adds a touch of creaminess.
• Sliced medium cheddar cheese: placed on the buns for a classic melty topping. Use good quality cheddar for the best melt and flavor.
• Six ounces shredded medium cheddar cheese: layered on top to ensure the cheese blanket is gooey and covers every bite.
• Twenty-four soft dinner rolls: or two packs of 12, choose fresh soft rolls that will toast nicely in the oven.
• Two tablespoons unsalted butter melted: to brush over the buns and grease the baking sheet, enhancing browning and flavor.
• One tablespoon sesame seeds: sprinkled on top for a little crunch and visual appeal.

How to Make It

Preheat oven:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Butter the bottom of a rimmed baking sheet generously to prevent sticking and add a bit of richness to the bottom of the sliders.

Cook beef:

Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add half a tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the finely diced onion, followed immediately by the two pounds of ground beef. Break the beef apart with a spatula and season evenly with one teaspoon salt, one teaspoon black pepper, and one teaspoon garlic powder. Cook the mixture over medium-high heat, continuing to break up the beef and stirring often until the meat is fully cooked but still juicy. Remove skillet from heat.

Drain fat & mix mayo:

Carefully tilt the skillet to spoon off any excess fat discarded into a safe container. Stir the quarter cup of mayonnaise into the hot ground beef mixture thoroughly, which will help keep it moist and add a velvety texture.

Prepare buns:

Slice all the dinner rolls in half horizontally. Place the bottom halves on the buttered baking sheet in neat rows. Layer each bottom bun with a slice of cheddar cheese.

Assemble sliders:

Evenly spread the mayonnaise and beef mixture over the cheese on the buns, using the back of a spatula to press and square off the edges for an even layer. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese liberally on top of the beef mixture to cover the sliders completely. Place the top halves of the buns cut-side down over the cheese-covered beef.

Add finishing touches:

Brush the tops of the buns with the melted butter and immediately sprinkle sesame seeds over them. This helps the tops brown beautifully and adds a slight crunch.

Bake sliders:

Place the baking sheet with the assembled sliders into the preheated oven. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until you see the cheese melted and the tops of the buns turn a glorious golden brown. Remove and serve warm.

My personal favorite has to be the step where you stir mayonnaise into the hot beef. It adds moisture in a way that totally beats adding milk or broth. This recipe reminds me of watching football games as a kid with my family, all gathered around, eagerly pulling slider after slider from the pan.

Flavor Boosters

Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat covered in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit to preserve texture and melt the cheese nicely. For longer storage, freeze sliders individually wrapped in plastic wrap and then in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Avoid microwaving if possible since it can make the buns soggy and cheese rubbery.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with classic sides like crispy fries, coleslaw, or a simple green salad to balance the meal. Offer a variety of condiments such as ketchup, mustard, pickles, and sliced tomatoes on the side so everyone can customize their sliders. These are perfect for parties and game day when served on a large platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing.

Creative Twists

Sliders originated in American cuisine as mini sandwiches often served at diners or fast food joints. Their small size makes them ideal for snacking or serving as appetizers. This recipe elevates the common slider by layering multiple cheeses and adding creamy mayo into the beef for that homemade diner-style comfort food experience. They quickly became a staple at family gatherings and casual parties due to how easily they feed a crowd.

This recipe brings classic cheeseburger flavor to a fun, handheld bite. Perfect for game day or quick weeknight meals, you’ll find yourself making it again and again.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of beef is best for these sliders?

Lean ground beef with a 90/10 or 93/7 fat ratio works best, balancing juiciness and minimal grease.

→ Can I prepare the sliders ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the sliders in advance and refrigerate them before baking for convenient meal prep.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently to maintain juiciness.

→ Why is mayonnaise added to the beef mixture?

Mayonnaise adds moisture and richness, keeping the beef mixture tender and flavorful after cooking.

→ What is the purpose of brushing buns with melted butter?

Brushing the buns with melted butter helps to achieve a golden brown, crispy finish with added flavor.