Name: Beef Slider Recipes for a Crowd: Game Night & Potluck Winners Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12-count package of Hawaiian sweet rolls, potato rolls, or classic dinner rolls; 1 lb lean ground beef; Slow-cooked shredded beef (from a chuck roast), quantity as desired; Sliced deli meats (roast beef, ham, turkey breast), quantity as desired; Shredded chicken (or rotisserie chicken), quantity as desired; Grilled chicken breast slices, quantity as desired; Ground chicken patties, quantity as desired; Plant-based ground ‘meat’ alternatives, quantity as desired; Hearty mushroom and black bean patty, quantity as desired; Garlic powder, 2 teaspoons (divided); Onion powder, 2 teaspoons (divided); Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; Onion flakes, 1 teaspoon (optional, for glaze); Dried parsley, 1 teaspoon; Provolone cheese slices; Cheddar cheese slices; Swiss cheese slices; Pepper jack cheese slices; American cheese slices; Smoked gouda slices; Havarti cheese slices; Dairy-free cheese alternative (optional); Use 6-8 slices for 12 sliders, mix or match as preferred; BBQ sauce (sweet, smoky, or spicy), about 1/4 cup; Honey mustard, optional, as desired; Creamy garlic aioli, optional, as desired; Marinara sauce, optional, as desired; Zesty pesto, optional, as desired; Ranch dressing, optional, as desired

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

Beef sliders are an irresistible crowd-pleaser perfect for game nights and potlucks. These mini sandwiches are packed with savory flavors, tender beef, and melty cheese, all nestled inside soft slider buns. Customize them with your favorite toppings and sauces to suit any taste.

Beef Slider Recipes for a Crowd: Game Night & Potluck Winners Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

12-count package of Hawaiian sweet rolls, potato rolls, or classic dinner rolls
Lean ground beef
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Salt
Pepper
Slow-cooked shredded beef (from a chuck roast), optional
BBQ sauce or savory gravy
Sliced deli meats (roast beef, ham, turkey breast), optional
Shredded chicken or rotisserie chicken, optional
Grilled chicken breast slices or ground chicken patties, optional
Plant-based ground ‘meat’ alternatives or hearty mushroom and black bean patty, optional
Cheese slices such as provolone, cheddar, Swiss, pepper jack, American, smoked gouda, Havarti, or dairy-free alternatives
Additional sauces: honey mustard, creamy garlic aioli, marinara sauce, zesty pesto, ranch dressing, sriracha mayo, homemade relish
Butter
Onion flakes
Dried parsley
Poppy seeds, sesame seeds (optional)
Pickles
Caramelized onions
Pickled jalapeños
Crispy fried onions
Thinly sliced bell peppers
Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

Step 1: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Once no longer pink, drain any excess fat and season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Step 2: If using pre-cooked shredded beef, deli meats, or rotisserie chicken, shred or slice them as needed and set aside. Warm or sauce them if necessary.
Step 3: Slice any onions, pickles, or peppers you plan to include. Caramelize onions ahead of time if desired.
Step 4: Carefully slice the entire slab of slider buns horizontally through the middle, keeping them connected.
Step 5: Place the bottom slab of buns into a 9×13-inch baking dish or onto a foil-lined baking sheet.
Step 6: Spread any sauce or spread evenly over the bottom buns.
Step 7: Evenly distribute the cooked ground beef, shredded beef, or deli meats over the bottom buns.
Step 8: Layer slices of cheese over the protein, using 6-8 slices for 12 sliders.
Step 9: Add any additional toppings like caramelized onions, jalapeños, or pickles.
Step 10: Carefully place the top slab of buns over all the fillings.
Step 11: In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt about 1/2 cup of unsalted butter. Stir in 1-2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce, a teaspoon of garlic powder, a teaspoon of dried parsley, and a pinch of salt.
Step 12: Using a pastry brush, generously brush the melted butter mixture over the tops and sides of the assembled slider buns.
Step 13: Cover the baking dish or sheet loosely with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes.
Step 14: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the tops of the buns are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
Step 15: Let the sliders rest for a few minutes, then cut along the lines of the individual buns to separate them.
Step 16: Arrange the sliders on a platter and serve.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, try mixing Worcestershire sauce into the ground beef while cooking.
Substitute vegetarian patties or plant-based ground meat for a meatless option.
Use a blend of cheeses for a richer, more complex taste.
Try different sauces like spicy sriracha mayo or tangy honey mustard to customize each slider.
Caramelizing onions in advance intensifies their sweetness and adds depth to the sliders.

Storage

Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy buns.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare these sliders ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the sliders up to a day in advance and refrigerate them before baking. Just add the butter glaze and bake before serving for best results.

What if I don’t have slider buns?

You can use small dinner rolls or even cut larger buns into smaller pieces to create your own sliders. Just adjust baking time accordingly to avoid over-toasting.