These French Onion Beef Sliders are mini sandwiches packed with juicy beef, melted cheese, and sweet onion flavor. They’re perfect for parties or a cozy night in!
Who can resist a bite-sized burger with all the good stuff? I love serving these with crispy fries or a fresh salad. You’ll want to make a double batch—trust me! 🍔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: For juicy sliders, I prefer 80/20 ground beef. If you want a leaner option, you can use 90/10, but the sliders may be less juicy. Ground turkey or chicken can work if you’re looking for a lighter protein.
Yellow Onions: Yellow onions are best for caramelizing due to their sweetness. If you’re out, white onions can be used as a substitute, although they won’t be as sweet. For a milder flavor, consider using shallots.
Cheese: I love using Swiss or Gruyere for their meltiness, but you can swap them for provolone or mozzarella if you prefer. A sharp cheddar adds a nice twist too!
Slider Buns: Soft dinner rolls or Hawaiian rolls make for great sliders. Whole wheat or gluten-free buns can be a good alternative if you have dietary preferences. Just make sure they are soft and not too crusty!
How Do I Caramelize Onions Perfectly?
Caramelizing onions might seem tricky, but it’s all about patience! Start with medium heat, but make sure to cook them slowly. Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet.
- Add the sliced onions along with sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Cook for about 25-30 minutes on medium heat, stirring occasionally to avoid burning.
- If they start to stick, add a splash of water or broth to deglaze the pan.
Keep cooking until the onions are deep golden brown—that’s when their flavor shines! Enjoy this delicious sweetness in your sliders!
French Onion Beef Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sliders:
- 1 lb ground beef (preferably 80/20 for juiciness)
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper, plus more to taste
- 1/2 cup beef broth (for deglazing)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
For the Buns:
- 8 slider buns (soft dinner rolls or Hawaiian rolls work great)
- 8 slices Swiss or Gruyere cheese
For Garnish (optional):
- Fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise or softened butter, for toasting buns
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 40-50 minutes, including 30 minutes to caramelize the onions and 15-20 minutes to prepare and cook the sliders. You’ll be rewarded with delicious, cheesy sliders that everyone will love!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Caramelize the Onions:
Start by melting the butter and olive oil together in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Cook slowly while stirring occasionally until the onions are deeply golden brown and caramelized, which should take about 25-30 minutes. Remember, patience is key here to develop that rich, sweet flavor!
2. Deglaze the Pan:
Once the onions are caramelized, increase the heat to medium-high and pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, which adds tons of flavor. Let this simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly. Taste and adjust any seasoning if necessary.
3. Prepare the Patties:
While your onions are cooking away, divide the ground beef into 8 equal portions and form them into small patties—make them about the size of your slider buns. Don’t forget to season each side with salt and pepper for great flavor.
4. Cook the Patties:
Heat a separate skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the patties and cook them for about 3-4 minutes per side. They should be brown and delicious! Cook them until they reach your desired doneness.
5. Add Cheese:
In the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheese on top of each patty. Cover the pan with a lid briefly to help the cheese melt perfectly over the meat.
6. Toast the Buns (optional):
If you’d like some crispy, buttery buns, spread a little mayonnaise or softened butter on the inside of the slider buns. Toast them in a skillet or under the broiler until they’re golden brown and delicious!
7. Assemble the Sliders:
It’s time to put everything together! Start by placing a cheese-topped beef patty on the bottom half of each toasted slider bun. Then, generously scoop some of the caramelized onion mixture over each patty before adding the top half of the bun.
8. Serve Immediately:
Dig in and serve these warm French Onion Beef Sliders immediately. They make fantastic appetizers or a satisfying main dish paired with fries or salad!
Enjoy the rich and savory flavors that these sliders bring to your table—everyone will be asking for seconds!
Can I Use Leaner Ground Beef for These Sliders?
Yes, you can use leaner ground beef (like 90/10), but keep in mind that they may be a little drier. Adding a bit of extra oil or butter can help retain moisture and flavor.
How Should I Store Leftover Sliders?
Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave them for a quick option. Just be careful not to overheat, as this can dry them out!
Can I Make the Onions Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can caramelize the onions a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Just reheat them briefly in a skillet with a splash of beef broth for extra moisture before assembling your sliders.
What’s the Best Way to Toast the Buns?
You can toast the buns either on a skillet with a little butter or under the broiler in your oven. If broiling, keep a close eye on them to avoid burning—just until they’re golden brown and crisp!