Halftime Beef Sliders Caramelized Onions (Printable)
Mini beef patties with melted cheese and sweet caramelized onions on toasted buns, perfect for any gathering or game day.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Beef Patties
01 - 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
02 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
03 - ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
04 - ½ teaspoon garlic powder
→ Caramelized Onions
05 - 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
06 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
07 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
08 - ½ teaspoon salt
09 - 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for faster caramelization)
→ Slider Assembly
10 - 8 slider buns (such as 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)
# How to Prepare:
01 - In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter with 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced yellow onions and ½ teaspoon of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions become soft and golden brown, which typically takes about 20 to 25 minutes. If desired, stir in 1 teaspoon of sugar to help enhance the caramelization. Remove the skillet from heat and set the onions aside.
02 - In a mixing bowl, combine 1 pound of ground beef with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, ½ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper, and ½ teaspoon of garlic powder. Divide the seasoned beef into 8 equal portions and gently shape each portion into a small, slightly flattened patty.
03 - Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Place the beef patties on the hot pan and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until they reach your preferred level of doneness. During the last minute of cooking, top each patty with a slice of cheddar or Swiss cheese and cover the pan briefly to allow the cheese to melt.
04 - Brush the cut sides of the 8 slider buns with the 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter. Toast the buns on a separate skillet or under a broiler until they are lightly golden brown.
05 - In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise and 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard. Spread this mixture evenly onto the bottom halves of the toasted buns. Layer each bun with a few baby arugula or lettuce leaves, a cheesy beef patty, and a generous spoonful of the prepared caramelized onions. Complete the slider by placing the top half of the bun on top.
06 - Serve the Halftime Beef Sliders with Caramelized Onions immediately while they are still warm for the best flavor.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- These sliders are your secret weapon for making everyone happy, even the pickiest eaters.
- The combination of juicy beef, sweet onions, and melted cheese is just pure comfort in a tiny package.
02 -
- Rushing the caramelized onions is a rookie mistake; low and slow is the secret to their sweet magic.
- Pressing down on the patties while cooking squeezes out all the delicious juices, so resist the urge.
03 -
- Prep your onions ahead of time; they can be made a day in advance and gently reheated.
- Don't overmix your beef; gentle handling keeps the patties tender and prevents them from becoming tough.