These French Onion Beef Sliders are a tasty twist on a classic favorite! Juicy beef patties topped with sweet caramelized onions and melted cheese make every bite a delight.
They’re perfect for a fun dinner or a game day treat! I love serving them with some crispy fries on the side—it’s hard to resist a good slider! 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using 80% lean for juicy, flavorful sliders. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you could use ground turkey or chicken, though they might be less juicy. For a vegetarian version, black bean patties work great!
Onions: Yellow onions are best for caramelizing. They turn sweet and rich when cooked low and slow. If you’re in a pinch, can use sweet onions like Vidalia or even red onions for a different twist.
Cheese: Swiss or Gruyere gives that classic French onion taste. If unavailable, provolone or mozzarella are good substitutes, but they’ll change the flavor profile a tad.
Slider Buns: Brioche buns are soft and buttery, making them perfect. However, you could use whole wheat buns for a healthier twist, or even mini ciabatta rolls for a crunchy texture.
How Do You Get Perfect Caramelized Onions?
Caramelizing onions is all about patience. The slow cooking process brings out their natural sweetness, and it’s worth the time! Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat.
- Add sliced onions and a sprinkle of sugar (this helps with caramelization).
- Cook slowly, stirring frequently for 30-40 minutes until they’re golden brown and sweet. If they start to stick, splash a little beef broth or water to help.
- Add thyme at the end for extra flavor, then set aside to cool slightly.
Don’t rush this step; it’s where all the magic happens!
French Onion Beef Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sliders:
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef (80% lean)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 3 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 12 slider buns (small sandwich rolls), preferably brioche or soft rolls
- 6 oz Swiss cheese or Gruyere cheese, sliced
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes for preparation and around 40 minutes for cooking, so total around 55 minutes. The caramelization of the onions takes some time but is so worth it for that rich flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Caramelize the Onions:
In a large skillet, melt the butter and olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and sprinkle the sugar over them. Stir gently to coat the onions. Cook slowly, stirring frequently, until the onions are deeply browned and caramelized—this should take about 30-40 minutes. Stir in the fresh thyme leaves just before they’re done. Once caramelized, set them aside.
2. Prepare the Beef Patties:
While the onions are cooking, divide the ground beef into 12 equal portions. Gently form each portion into small patties that are about the same size as the slider buns. Then, season both sides of the patties generously with salt and pepper.
3. Cook the Patties:
Heat a grill pan or a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef patties and cook them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are nicely browned and cooked through but still juicy. If you’re using Worcestershire sauce, brush it on each patty right before you flip them over.
4. Add Caramelized Onions and Cheese:
Once the patties are done cooking, place a spoonful of the caramelized onions atop each patty. Then, add a slice of Swiss or Gruyere cheese on top. Cover the pan briefly or use a lid to help melt the cheese nicely over the onions.
5. Toast the Buns:
While the cheese melts, slice the slider buns in half and toast them lightly in an oven or on a pan until they’re golden brown.
6. Assemble the Sliders:
Take the bottom half of each toasted bun and place a cheesy, onion-topped beef patty on it. If you have any reduced beef broth or jus from the skillet, spoon a little over the patty for extra flavor. Finally, place the top half of the bun on each slider.
7. Garnish and Serve:
For a fun touch, secure each slider with a toothpick and garnish with fresh sprigs of thyme if desired. Serve hot and enjoy these delightful mini sandwiches!
These sliders bring all the rich, sweet flavor of French onion soup into a satisfying, bite-sized treat. Perfect for any gathering!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative. Just be aware that it may not be as juicy as beef, so consider adding a little olive oil or moisture to keep the turkey patties flavorful.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven or microwave, ensuring they are warmed through without drying out.
What If I Don’t Have Time to Caramelize Onions?
If you’re short on time, you can sauté onions over medium-high heat for about 10-15 minutes until they are softened and lightly golden. They won’t have the same deep sweetness as caramelized onions but will still add flavor!
Can I Freeze the Sliders?
Yes, you can freeze assembled sliders! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
