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

Introduction

These beef sliders are perfect for game nights and potlucks, offering a variety of savory flavors that please any crowd. Easy to customize with different meats, cheeses, and toppings, they’re sure to be a hit at any gathering.

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)
• BBQ sauce or savory gravy
• Sliced deli meats (roast beef, ham, turkey breast)
• Shredded chicken (or rotisserie chicken)
• Grilled chicken breast slices
• Ground chicken patties
• Plant-based ground ‘meat’ alternatives
• Hearty mushroom and black bean patty
• Provolone cheese
• Cheddar cheese
• Swiss cheese
• Pepper jack cheese
• American cheese
• Smoked gouda
• Havarti cheese
• Dairy-free cheese alternative
• BBQ sauce (sweet, smoky, or spicy)
• Honey mustard
• Creamy garlic aioli
• Marinara sauce
• Zesty pesto
• Ranch dressing
• Sriracha mayo
• Homemade relish
• Butter
• Garlic powder (for glaze)
• Onion flakes
• Dried parsley
• Poppy seeds
• Sesame seeds
• Pickles
• Caramelized onions
• Pickled jalapeños
• Crispy fried onions
• Thinly sliced bell peppers
• Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Step 3: Slice any onions, pickles, or peppers you plan to include. Caramelize onions ahead of time if desired.
4. Step 4: Carefully slice the entire slab of slider buns horizontally through the middle, keeping them connected.
5. Step 5: Place the bottom slab of buns into a 9×13-inch baking dish or onto a foil-lined baking sheet.
6. Step 6: Spread any sauce or spread evenly over the bottom buns.
7. Step 7: Evenly distribute the cooked ground beef, shredded beef, or deli meats over the bottom buns.
8. Step 8: Layer slices of cheese over the protein, using 6-8 slices for 12 sliders.
9. Step 9: Add any additional toppings like caramelized onions, jalapeños, or pickles.
10. Step 10: Carefully place the top slab of buns over all the fillings.
11. 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.
12. Step 12: Using a pastry brush, generously brush the melted butter mixture over the tops and sides of the assembled slider buns.
13. 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.
14. 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.
15. Step 15: Let the sliders rest for a few minutes, then cut along the lines of the individual buns to separate them.
16. Step 16: Arrange the sliders on a platter and serve.

Tips & Variations

• Use a variety of cheeses and meats to create different flavor profiles that suit your crowd.
• Caramelize onions ahead of time for added sweetness and depth of flavor.
• For a vegetarian option, substitute the meat with hearty mushroom and black bean patties or plant-based ground ‘meat’ alternatives.
• Brush the buns with garlic butter and sprinkle with poppy or sesame seeds for an extra special touch.
• Try different sauces like honey mustard, sriracha mayo, or ranch dressing to tailor the sliders to your taste.

Storage

Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat covered in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through to keep the buns soft and the cheese melted. 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 a few hours before baking. Keep them covered in the refrigerator and bake just before serving for best results.

What are good alternatives to ground beef?

You can use shredded chicken, deli meats, ground chicken patties, or plant-based meat alternatives. Mushroom and black bean patties also make a great vegetarian substitute.