Big Game BBQ Beef Sliders (Printable Version)

Smoky BBQ beef sliders with coleslaw on toasted brioche buns, perfect for hearty gatherings.

# Ingredient List:

→ Beef Patties

01 - 1 ½ lbs ground beef (80/20 fat ratio)
02 - 1 tsp kosher salt
03 - ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
04 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
05 - ½ tsp garlic powder
06 - ½ tsp onion powder

→ BBQ Sauce

07 - ½ cup barbecue sauce

→ Coleslaw

08 - ½ cup coleslaw mix
09 - 2 tbsp mayonnaise
10 - 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

→ Slider Assembly

11 - 12 mini brioche slider buns
12 - 6 slices cheddar cheese, halved
13 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
14 - 1 tbsp butter, melted
15 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives
16 - Pickles for serving

# Step-by-Step Instructions:

01 - Combine ground beef with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder in a large bowl. Mix gently until just incorporated, being careful not to overwork the meat.
02 - Divide the seasoned beef into 12 equal portions and shape into small patties, making them slightly wider than the buns to account for shrinkage during cooking.
03 - Heat grill or large skillet over medium-high heat until properly preheated.
04 - Grill or pan-fry patties for 2 to 3 minutes per side until well-browned and cooked through to an internal temperature of 160°F.
05 - During the final minute of cooking, brush each patty with barbecue sauce and top with a half-slice of cheddar. Cover briefly to melt the cheese.
06 - Toss coleslaw mix with mayonnaise and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
07 - Split the brioche buns and brush the cut sides with melted butter. Toast until golden brown.
08 - Place each cooked patty on a bottom bun, then layer with coleslaw, sliced red onion, pickles, and fresh chives. Top with the bun and serve immediately.

# Tips from hearthlykitchen:

01 -
  • These sliders disappear faster than you can grill them, so consider doubling for big crowds
  • The coleslaw adds the perfect crunch that cuts through all that rich beef and cheese
02 -
  • Don't press down on your patties while they cook or you'll lose all those precious juices
  • Let the finished patties rest for just 2 minutes before assembling—this small step makes such a difference in texture
03 -
  • Mix a tablespoon of pickle juice into your coleslaw for extra tang
  • If your buns are fresh, let them sit out uncovered for an hour before toasting—they'll hold up better