Halftime Beef Sliders Caramelized Onions (Printable)
Juicy mini beef burgers topped with sweet caramelized onions and melted cheese, ideal for game day or casual gatherings.
# What You Need:
→ Beef Patties
01 - 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
02 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
03 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
04 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
→ Caramelized Onions
05 - 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
06 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
07 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
08 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
09 - 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for faster caramelization)
→ Slider Assembly
10 - 8 slider buns (mini brioche or potato rolls)
11 - 8 slices cheddar or Swiss cheese
12 - 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
13 - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
14 - 1 cup baby arugula or lettuce leaves
15 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for toasting buns)
# Steps:
01 - In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the thinly sliced onions and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and golden brown, approximately 20–25 minutes. Optionally, add 1 teaspoon of sugar to enhance caramelization. Remove from heat and set aside.
02 - In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder. Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions and shape them into small, slightly flattened patties. Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 2–3 minutes per side, or until desired doneness. During the final minute of cooking, top each patty with a slice of cheese and cover to allow it to melt.
03 - Brush the cut sides of the slider buns with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Toast them on a skillet or under a broiler until golden brown.
04 - In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise and 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard; spread this mixture onto the bottom halves of the toasted buns. Layer with baby arugula or lettuce leaves, a cheesy beef patty, and a generous spoonful of caramelized onions. Place the top half of the bun to complete the slider.
05 - Serve the sliders immediately and enjoy them warm.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- You get that incredible gourmet taste without slaving away in the kitchen.
- They're absolute crowd-pleasers, vanishing faster than you can say "touchdown."
02 -
- Resist the urge to crank up the heat on those onions; truly caramelized onions need time and gentle care to develop their profound sweetness.
- Mixing a bit of Dijon into the mayo adds just the right zing that elevates the whole slider experience from good to absolutely unforgettable.
03 -
- When mixing your ground beef, use a light hand; overworking the meat will make for tough, dense burgers.
- Press a small indentation in the center of each patty before cooking; it helps them cook more evenly and prevents them from puffing up into a dome shape.