These Cowboy Sliders are packed with bold flavors—juicy ground beef, spicy jalapeños, and melted cheese, all tucked inside soft slider buns. Perfect for game days, backyard BBQs, or quick weeknight meals, these mini burgers bring a smoky, slightly spicy kick that will keep everyone coming back for more!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold, Savory Flavor – Smoky, cheesy, and just the right amount of heat.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in 30 minutes!
- Perfect for Parties – Mini-sized burgers that everyone will love.
- Customizable – Adjust the spice level to your preference.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Beef Patties:
- Ground Beef (1 lb, 80/20 blend) – Juicy and flavorful.
- Jalapeño (1–2, finely diced) – Adds a spicy kick.
- Cheddar Cheese (½ cup, shredded) – Classic, melty goodness.
- Worcestershire Sauce (1 tbsp) – Deepens the savory flavor.
- Smoked Paprika (1 tsp) – Adds a smoky, BBQ-like taste.
- Garlic Powder (1 tsp) – Boosts the flavor.
- Salt & Pepper (to taste) – Enhances all the ingredients.
For the Sliders:
- Slider Buns (12-pack, Hawaiian rolls work great!) – Soft and slightly sweet.
- Butter (2 tbsp, melted) – For toasting the buns.
- Cheddar or Pepper Jack Cheese (6 slices, halved) – Extra cheesiness!
- Crispy Fried Onions (½ cup, optional) – Adds crunch.
- BBQ Sauce (¼ cup, optional) – For extra flavor.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Skillet or grill
- Baking sheet (if baking)
- Spatula
How to Make Cowboy Sliders
Step 1: Prepare the Beef Mixture
- In a large bowl, mix ground beef, diced jalapeños, shredded cheddar cheese, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Gently combine (don’t overmix) and shape into 12 small patties about 2½ inches wide.
Step 2: Cook the Patties
- Grill Method: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 3–4 minutes per side until fully cooked.
- Skillet Method: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the patties for 3–4 minutes per side.
- In the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheddar or pepper jack cheese on top of each patty and let it melt.
Step 3: Toast the Buns
- Brush the inside of each slider bun with melted butter.
- Toast in a skillet or oven at 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes until golden brown.
Step 4: Assemble the Sliders
- Spread a little BBQ sauce on the bottom buns (if using).
- Place a cheesy beef patty on each bun.
- Top with crispy fried onions (optional) and extra jalapeño slices for more heat.
- Place the top bun and serve immediately!
What to Serve with Cowboy Sliders
- Sweet Potato Fries – A slightly sweet balance to the spice.
- Coleslaw – Adds a crunchy, creamy contrast.
- Pickles – The tanginess complements the smoky flavors.
- Baked Beans – A hearty side dish for BBQ lovers.
Tips for the Best Cowboy Sliders
- Use 80/20 Beef: The fat keeps the patties juicy.
- Adjust the Spice: Use fewer jalapeños for a milder taste or add extra for more heat.
- Don’t Overmix the Meat: This keeps the patties tender.
- Melt Cheese Properly: Cover the pan for 30 seconds to help it melt faster.
Storing & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftover patties in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze uncooked patties between parchment paper for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Shape the patties and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking.
Can I use ground turkey instead?
Absolutely! Just add a little olive oil to keep them juicy.
What’s the best cheese for these sliders?
Cheddar, Pepper Jack, or even smoked Gouda work great!
Conclusion
These Cowboy Sliders are packed with juicy beef, melty cheese, and a little kick from jalapeños. Whether for game day, a BBQ, or a weeknight meal, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Tried this recipe? Let us know how it turned out and share your pictures online!
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: American
Nutritional Information (Per Slider):
Calories: 280 | Protein: 18g | Carbohydrates: 22g | Fat: 14g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 450mg
Cowboy Sliders with Ground Beef, Jalapeño, and Cheese
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Description
These Cowboy Sliders are packed with bold flavors—juicy ground beef, spicy jalapeños, and melted cheese, all tucked inside soft slider buns. Perfect for game days, backyard BBQs, or quick weeknight meals, these mini burgers bring a smoky, slightly spicy kick that will keep everyone coming back for more!
Ingredients
For the Beef Patties:
- Ground Beef (1 lb, 80/20 blend) – Juicy and flavorful.
- Jalapeño (1–2, finely diced) – Adds a spicy kick.
- Cheddar Cheese (½ cup, shredded) – Classic, melty goodness.
- Worcestershire Sauce (1 tbsp) – Deepens the savory flavor.
- Smoked Paprika (1 tsp) – Adds a smoky, BBQ-like taste.
- Garlic Powder (1 tsp) – Boosts the flavor.
- Salt & Pepper (to taste) – Enhances all the ingredients.
For the Sliders:
- Slider Buns (12-pack, Hawaiian rolls work great!) – Soft and slightly sweet.
- Butter (2 tbsp, melted) – For toasting the buns.
- Cheddar or Pepper Jack Cheese (6 slices, halved) – Extra cheesiness!
- Crispy Fried Onions (½ cup, optional) – Adds crunch.
- BBQ Sauce (¼ cup, optional) – For extra flavor.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Beef Mixture
- In a large bowl, mix ground beef, diced jalapeños, shredded cheddar cheese, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Gently combine (don’t overmix) and shape into 12 small patties about 2½ inches wide.
Step 2: Cook the Patties
- Grill Method: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 3–4 minutes per side until fully cooked.
- Skillet Method: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the patties for 3–4 minutes per side.
- In the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheddar or pepper jack cheese on top of each patty and let it melt.
Step 3: Toast the Buns
- Brush the inside of each slider bun with melted butter.
- Toast in a skillet or oven at 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes until golden brown.
Step 4: Assemble the Sliders
- Spread a little BBQ sauce on the bottom buns (if using).
- Place a cheesy beef patty on each bun.
- Top with crispy fried onions (optional) and extra jalapeño slices for more heat.
- Place the top bun and serve immediately!
Notes
- Use 80/20 Beef: The fat keeps the patties juicy.
- Adjust the Spice: Use fewer jalapeños for a milder taste or add extra for more heat.
- Don’t Overmix the Meat: This keeps the patties tender.
- Melt Cheese Properly: Cover the pan for 30 seconds to help it melt faster.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Cuisine: American
