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Cheesy French Onion Sliders with Ground Beef - A Comforting Party Favorite

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 12 slider buns (Hawaiian rolls or soft dinner rolls)
  • 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)
  • 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (plus more for topping)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional, for depth)
  • 1/2 cup beef broth (low sodium)
  • 8 slices provolone or Swiss cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère (or more Swiss if you prefer)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for topping)
  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds (optional, for topping)
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder (for the buttery topping)
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce or Worcestershire (for the buttery topping)

Method
 

  1. Caramelize the onions. Heat a large skillet over medium. Add butter and olive oil. Stir in the sliced onions and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cook 25–35 minutes, stirring often, until deep golden and jammy. If they brown too quickly, lower the heat and add a splash of water. Stir in balsamic and thyme during the last few minutes.
  2. Make the beef layer. In the same pan (push onions to the side or remove them), add ground beef. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Worcestershire. Cook over medium-high, breaking it up into small crumbles, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Build a quick jus. With beef still in the pan, add beef broth and simmer 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly. This coats the meat and adds that French onion flavor. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  4. Prep the buns. Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the slider buns horizontally as one sheet. Place the bottom halves in a lightly greased 9x13 pan or lined baking sheet.
  5. Add the first cheese layer. Lay provolone or Swiss slices over the bottom buns, edge to edge. This creates a barrier that helps prevent sogginess.
  6. Layer the beef and onions. Spoon the beef mixture evenly on top. Add the caramelized onions over the beef. Finish with the shredded Gruyère in an even layer.
  7. Top and glaze. Place the bun tops on. Melt 2 tablespoons butter and stir in Dijon, soy or Worcestershire, and onion powder. Brush generously over the tops. Sprinkle with sesame and poppy seeds if you like.
  8. Bake. Cover loosely with foil and bake 12–15 minutes, until the cheese melts. Remove foil and bake 3–5 more minutes to toast the tops lightly.
  9. Rest and slice. Let the sliders sit 5 minutes so the cheese sets slightly. Use a sharp knife to cut between each roll. Serve warm.