Description
These quick and easy smash burger sliders feature crispy-edged patties, melted cheese, and sweet caramelized onions, all cooked on the stovetop in under 30 minutes for a perfect one-pan dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 12–16 slider buns or Hawaiian rolls
- 1 cup shredded American or cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon pickle relish (optional)
Instructions
- Slice onions thinly and evenly. In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt butter with oil. Add onions, salt, and sugar (if using). Cook slowly, stirring every 5 minutes, for 15-20 minutes until soft, golden brown, and sweet. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and pickle relish until smooth. Set aside.
- Divide ground beef into 12-16 equal balls (2-3 ounces each). Do not overwork the meat. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Heat a large skillet or griddle over high heat until smoking hot. Add a little oil if needed.
- Place meatballs on the hot skillet and immediately press down hard with a burger press or spatula to flatten to about 1/4 inch thick. Cook for 2 minutes without moving.
- Flip burgers. Immediately top with cheese. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until cheese is melted and burgers are cooked to desired doneness.
- Toast buns lightly in the skillet. Spread burger sauce on the bottom bun, place a cheesy burger on top, add caramelized onions, and top with the bun lid.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Keep meat cold until cooking for better smashing. Do not press too hard to avoid squeezing out juices. Toast buns to prevent sogginess. For gluten-free option, use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps. Can substitute ground turkey for beef, but cook carefully to avoid drying out.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 18
Keywords: smash burger, sliders, caramelized onions, stovetop burgers, quick dinner, Labor Day recipes, one-pan meal, ground beef recipes