These French Onion Beef Sliders are a tasty treat! Imagine juicy beef patties topped with sweet caramelized onions and gooey cheese, all on soft slider buns.
They’re perfect for parties or a fun family dinner! I can’t resist making them; they always disappear quickly! 🥳 Serve with some extra onions on the side for those who love a little more flavor!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using 80% lean beef since it keeps the patties juicy. If you prefer leaner options, 90% lean beef works too, but may require a bit more seasoning to maintain flavor.
Onions: Yellow onions are the best choice for sweetness when caramelized. If you’re looking for a substitute, red onions provide a different flavor, but will still be delicious!
Cheese: Swiss cheese is classic for French onion flavors, but feel free to use Gruyère for a more authentic taste. If you’re lactose intolerant, a good dairy-free cheese can also work!
Balsamic Vinegar: This adds depth to the onions. You can skip it or replace it with a splash of red wine vinegar for a similar tang, enhancing the overall flavor.
How Do You Perfectly Caramelize Onions?
Caramelizing onions is key for rich flavor in these sliders. It takes patience but yields sweet, soft onions. Start by cooking them over medium heat to prevent burning. Here’s how to do it:
- In a skillet, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat.
- Add thinly sliced onions and stir to coat evenly.
- Cook slowly, stirring occasionally for 25-30 minutes. Sprinkle sugar halfway through to enhance caramelization.
- Finish by adding balsamic vinegar near the end to deepen the flavor if you choose.
Taking your time with this step makes all the difference in taste!
French Onion Beef Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef Patties:
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef (80% lean)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Caramelized Onions:
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar (optional, for depth)
For Assembly:
- 12 slider buns or small dinner rolls
- 6 slices Swiss cheese, halved (or Gruyère for more traditional French onion flavor)
- Fresh thyme sprigs, for garnish (optional)
- Cooking oil or butter for cooking patties
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 45 minutes total for cooking and assembling. So, in less than an hour, you’ll have delicious, hearty sliders that everyone will love!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Caramelize the Onions:
Begin by melting the unsalted butter and olive oil together in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and stir until they are well-coated in the butter and oil. Allow the onions to cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and turn a deep golden brown, which should take about 25-30 minutes. To help with this, sprinkle a teaspoon of sugar over the onions about halfway through. If you like, stir in balsamic vinegar toward the end for a bit of extra flavor. Once done, set them aside.
2. Prepare the Beef Patties:
Next, take the ground beef and divide it into 12 equal portions. Shape each portion into small, thin patties that are slightly larger than your slider buns. Remember to create a little indentation in the center of each patty to prevent them from puffing up when cooked. Season both sides of each patty with salt and pepper.
3. Cook the Patties:
Heat a small amount of oil or butter in a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Add the beef patties to the skillet and cook them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are browned and cooked through while still being juicy. It’s important to not overcrowd the pan, so cook them in batches if necessary.
4. Assemble the Sliders:
Now it’s time to assemble! Start by placing each cooked patty on the bottom half of a slider bun. Top it with a spoonful of caramelized onions and a half slice of Swiss cheese. Finally, finish by placing the top half of the bun over it.
5. Melt the Cheese:
If you want that gooey, melted cheese effect, you can arrange the assembled sliders on a baking sheet and pop them under a preheated broiler for 1-2 minutes, until the cheese melts nicely. Just keep a close eye on them so they don’t burn!
6. Garnish and Serve:
For that final touch, garnish your sliders with fresh thyme sprigs. Serve them warm and watch them disappear!
Enjoy these rich, savory sliders that capture the iconic flavor of French onion soup in every bite! They’re perfect for a gathering or a cozy family dinner!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey can be a healthier substitute for beef in this recipe. Just make sure to use a mixture that’s not too lean (around 85% lean works best) to ensure the patties remain juicy.
How Can I Store Leftover Sliders?
Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave or pop them back in the oven at a low temperature until warmed through.
What Can I Use If I Don’t Have Slider Buns?
No worries! You can use regular hamburger buns, mini pretzel buns, or even cut a larger loaf of bread into smaller pieces to create your own sliders. Just be sure your substitutes are sturdy enough to hold the filling!
Can I Make the Onions in Advance?
Yes! You can caramelize the onions a day ahead. Simply store them in the fridge in an airtight container and reheat them in a skillet before assembling your sliders. This saves time on busy days!
