Smoky BBQ Cowboy Sliders
Mini sliders feature smoky BBQ beef patties topped with crispy onions and tangy pickles, perfect for game days, parties, or casual dinners with flavorful, easy-to-make components.
Equipment
- 1 skillet or grill
- 1 bowl for mixing beef
- 1 toaster or oven for toasting buns (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 12 small slider buns or dinner rolls
- BBQ sauce your favorite
- Crispy fried onions store-bought or homemade
- Dill pickle slices
- Optional: cheddar or American cheese slices
- Optional: lettuce leaves or tomato slices
- Extra BBQ sauce for dipping
- Toothpicks or small skewers to hold sliders together
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix ground beef with garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper until just combined.
- Divide the mixture into 12 equal portions and form each into a patty slightly wider than the buns.
- Heat a skillet or grill over medium-high heat.
- Cook patties 3 to 4 minutes per side until cooked through and edges are slightly charred.
- During the last minute, brush patties with BBQ sauce and top with cheese slices if desired to melt.
- Split and lightly toast slider buns using a toaster, oven, or skillet.
- Spread BBQ sauce on the bottom halves of buns.
- Assemble sliders by placing patties on buns, then add crispy onions, pickle slices, and optional lettuce or tomato.
- Place the top buns on sliders and secure each with a toothpick or small skewer.
- Serve sliders warm with extra BBQ sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Use smoked paprika for added warmth and smoky flavor.
- Crispy fried onions can be homemade or store-bought for convenience.
- Tangy pickles balance rich BBQ and beef flavors.
- Cheddar, American, or pepper jack cheese work well for melting.
- Serve with fries, coleslaw, or baked beans for a complete meal.