Description
These Labor Day smash burger sliders are crispy on the edges, juicy in the middle, and ready in under 20 minutes. Made on the stovetop with ground beef and cheddar, they offer a budget-friendly, kid-approved alternative to grilling.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 fat ratio)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt (kosher preferred)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 12–16 slider buns
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup slaw sauce (mayo, ketchup, pickle juice)
- 1 jar pickle slices
Instructions
- Divide ground beef into 12-16 loose balls (2-3 oz each). Season lightly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes until very hot. Lightly grease with 1 teaspoon oil.
- Place a meatball in the skillet and smash it thin with a burger press or heavy spatula. Hold for 10 seconds to ensure sticking.
- Cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until a deep brown crust forms and edges are crisp. Flip with a thin spatula.
- Top with shredded cheddar and cook for 1-2 minutes until cheese is melted and bottom is browned. Remove to a sheet pan.
- Melt butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Toast slider buns cut-side down for 30-60 seconds until golden.
- Assemble sliders by spreading slaw sauce on the bottom bun, adding the hot patty with melted cheese, adding pickle slices, and topping with the bun.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Do not overwork the meat; keep meatballs loose for tender burgers. Ensure the pan is smoking slightly before adding meat to prevent steaming. Smash the meat thin for maximum crust. Cook in batches of 4-5 if necessary. Toast buns to prevent sogginess. For extra crispy edges, try the ‘double smash’ technique.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 18
Keywords: smash burger, sliders, labor day recipes, budget friendly dinner, stovetop burgers, kid approved meals, quick dinner, ground beef recipes