Cheesy Ground Beef Sliders

Cheesy Ground Beef Sliders solve dinnertime dilemmas when you need something easy and crowd-pleasing. These little sandwiches are packed with seasoned ground beef, melty cheddar, and a punchy sriracha aioli, perfect for game nights, parties, or weekends when nobody feels like fussing over the stove.

I first made these for a birthday party and everyone went wild over how cheesy and punchy they turned out. Now I keep buns and ground beef on hand just in case someone requests them last minute.

Ingredients

• Slider buns: made with brioche for a pillowy soft base and rich flavor Choose fresh buns that are slightly springy when pressed

• Ground beef: use freshly ground beef with a little fat for best flavor and juiciness

• Onion: finely diced or grated adds savory sweetness and helps the beef stay moist Use a firm onion with shiny skin for the best taste

• Salt and pepper: to round out the beefy flavors Always use kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper if you can

• Garlic powder: gives the filling a subtle earthy flavor Pick a brand with a fragrant garlic scent when you open the jar

• Mayonnaise: makes the beef mixture extra creamy Full fat works best here or try a homemade mayo for a boost

• Shredded cheddar cheese: blends into the meat for layered cheesy flavor Look for freshly shredded for smoother melting

• Cheddar cheese slices: melt over the whole batch for that gooey stretch Use sharp or extra sharp cheddar for the tangiest bite

• Unsalted butter: brushed on top for a golden finish Melt it gently for easier brushing and no burnt bits

• Sesame seeds: sprinkled up top for crunch and nutty aroma Pick up seeds that look plump and unbroken for optimal flavor

• Sriracha aioli: brings a zesty spicy creaminess Mix up your own for fresh taste see below

• For homemade Sriracha Aioli: Mayo sriracha lime juice garlic and a pinch of salt Taste as you go and add more sriracha if you love spice

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare The Pan:

Spray a nine by thirteen inch baking dish with nonstick spray so the sliders release easily and the bottoms stay crisp

Brown The Beef:

In a large skillet over medium heat cook ground beef with onion salt pepper and garlic powder Repeat stirring every minute or so for even cooking until the beef is browned and onions are soft This take about ten minutes Strain off extra grease if needed

Mix The Sriracha Aioli:

In a small bowl whisk mayonnaise sriracha sauce lime juice freshly minced garlic and a pinch of salt until smooth Taste and adjust heat to your liking then set aside

Combine Beef And Cheeses:

Stir half a cup of mayonnaise and the shredded cheddar cheese into the browned beef This creates an ultra creamy and cheesy mixture that binds together

Layer The Sliders:

Lay out the bottom halves of the slider buns in the prepared baking dish Top with half of the cheddar slices then spoon the beef mixture evenly over all Next spread the sriracha aioli then layer on the rest of the cheese slices Place the top buns on

Add Butter And Seeds:

Brush the tops of the buns generously with melted unsalted butter Sprinkle on sesame seeds so each bun catches a little crunch

Bake And Serve:

Bake uncovered at three seventy five degrees Fahrenheit for fifteen to twenty minutes The cheese should melt fully and the tops will turn golden brown If the tops darken too quickly lay a sheet of foil loosely on top Serve piping hot

Save

Cheddar is my go to cheese because it melts beautifully and pairs perfectly with the beef One time my nephews helped sprinkle the cheese and we ended up with pockets of oozy cheddar in every bite That memory always makes me smile when baking up a new batch

Storage Tips

Keep extra sliders covered in the refrigerator for up to three days Reheat in a hot oven for ten minutes so the buns crisp up again Leftovers can also be microwaved for a speedy snack They re best fresh but still totally tasty the next day

Ingredient Substitutions

Try ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version Swap in pepper jack or provolone instead of cheddar to change up the flavor profile The sriracha aioli can be made milder by using less sriracha or swapping for a plain garlic aioli

Serving Suggestions

Pair sliders with a simple slaw crispy baked fries or roasted veggies for a complete meal They also work well alongside a creamy ranch dip or some tangy pickles as a bar snack These make a stellar addition to a party spread with other finger foods

Save

Cultural Note

Sliders have roots in American diner fare and became a tailgating favorite for their size and shareability The spicy sriracha aioli gives this recipe an updated twist with a flavor pop you would not find at old school diners

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use different cheese types?

Yes, swap cheddar for any melty cheese like mozzarella, pepper jack, or Colby for varied flavor and texture.

→ What buns work best for sliders?

Brioche slider buns are ideal for a soft, slightly sweet bite, but any small, sturdy bun will hold the fillings well.

→ How do I make the beef mixture ahead?

Prepare and cool the beef mixture, then refrigerate in an airtight container. Assemble and bake when ready to serve.

→ Can these be made less spicy?

For milder sliders, reduce or omit sriracha in the aioli or serve it on the side for dipping.

→ How do I reheat leftover sliders?

Warm in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes, or microwave briefly until just heated through.

→ What sides pair well with these sliders?

Serve with crisp fries, a fresh salad, or crunchy pickles to complement their rich, cheesy character.