Beef Slider Recipes for a Crowd: Game Night & Potluck Winners Recipe
These beef sliders are perfect for game night, potlucks, or any crowd-pleasing gathering. Featuring seasoned ground beef or your choice of shredded or deli meats layered with melted cheese, tangy sauces, and flavorful toppings on soft Hawaiian or potato rolls, these sliders offer a delicious and easy-to-serve meal that everyone will love.
- Author: Lara
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
- Category: Sandwiches & Sliders
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Slider Buns
- 12-count package of Hawaiian sweet rolls, potato rolls, or classic dinner rolls
Meats & Protein Options
- Lean ground beef
- Slow-cooked shredded beef (from a chuck roast)
- 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
Seasonings for Meat
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt
- Pepper
- Worcestershire sauce
Cheeses
- Provolone cheese
- Cheddar cheese
- Swiss cheese
- Pepper jack cheese
- American cheese
- Smoked gouda
- Havarti cheese
- Dairy-free cheese alternative
Sauces and Spreads
- BBQ sauce (sweet, smoky, or spicy)
- Honey mustard
- Creamy garlic aioli
- Marinara sauce
- Zesty pesto
- Ranch dressing
- Sriracha mayo
- Homemade relish
- Butter (about 1/2 cup unsalted for glaze)
Toppings and Garnishes
- Garlic powder (for glaze)
- Onion flakes
- Dried parsley
- Poppy seeds
- Sesame seeds
- Pickles
- Caramelized onions
- Pickled jalapeños
- Crispy fried onions
- Thinly sliced bell peppers
- Brown the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Once the meat is no longer pink, drain any excess fat. Season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to build flavor.
- Prepare additional meats: If using pre-cooked shredded beef, deli meats, or rotisserie chicken, shred or slice them as needed. Warm them or toss with sauce if desired and set aside until assembling.
- Prepare toppings: Slice any onions, pickles, or bell peppers you plan to use. Caramelize onions ahead of time if using for a sweet, rich addition.
- Slice the slider buns: Carefully slice the entire slab of slider buns horizontally through the middle, but keep them connected so they hold their shape during assembly and baking.
- Arrange the bottom buns: Place the bottom slab of buns into a 9×13-inch baking dish or on a foil-lined baking sheet to prepare for layering.
- Spread sauce/spread: Evenly spread your choice of BBQ sauce, honey mustard, aioli, or other preferred spreads over the bottom buns for moisture and flavor.
- Add the meat layer: Distribute the cooked ground beef, shredded beef, deli meats, or chicken evenly over the sauced bottom buns for a hearty base.
- Layer cheese slices: Place 6 to 8 slices of your chosen cheese (cheddar, provolone, Swiss, etc.) evenly over the meat to ensure melty goodness in every slider.
- Add additional toppings: Top with caramelized onions, pickled jalapeños, pickles, crispy fried onions, or sliced bell peppers to customize flavor and texture.
- Cap with top buns: Carefully place the top slab of buns over all fillings, keeping the sandwich assembled as one piece.
- Prepare butter glaze: Melt about 1/2 cup of unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Stir in 1-2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon dried parsley, and a pinch of salt to create a flavorful glaze.
- Brush buns with glaze: Using a pastry brush, generously coat the tops and sides of the assembled slider buns with the melted butter mixture to build a golden, savory crust.
- Cover and bake: Loosely cover the baking dish or sheet with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes to warm through and melt cheese.
- Finish baking uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the tops of the buns are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted for a perfect finish.
- Rest and slice: Allow the sliders to rest for a few minutes after baking, then carefully cut along the bun lines to separate individual sliders.
- Serve and enjoy: Arrange the sliders on a platter and serve immediately, perfect for sharing at any gathering or game night.
Notes
- You can customize sliders with different cheeses and sauces to suit your taste preferences.
- The recipe allows for mixing and matching various proteins, including plant-based alternatives for vegetarian or vegan options.
- Caramelizing onions ahead of time adds rich sweetness but is optional.
- Choosing soft Hawaiian or potato rolls provides the best texture contrast to the savory fillings.
- Make sure to brush the butter glaze thoroughly for a golden, flavorful crust on the buns.
- If preferred, sliders can be reheated gently in the oven wrapped in foil to maintain moisture.
Keywords: beef sliders, game night recipe, potluck sliders, Hawaiian rolls, ground beef sliders, party food, crowd-pleaser, easy sliders recipe