Save to Pinterest These juicy barbecue beef sliders combine smoky spiced ground beef with a tangy BBQ glaze, served on buttery brioche buns. Topped with crisp coleslaw, red onion, and pickles, they offer a balanced mix of textures and flavors. Quick to prepare and grill, they’re a great choice for game day or casual get-togethers. Optional melted cheddar cheese adds creamy richness while fresh herbs brighten each bite.
The first time I made these sliders for a Super Bowl party, my brother-in-law ate six of them and refused to touch the store-bought wings I had spent hours preparing. Something about that combination of smoky beef, tangy coleslaw, and buttery brioche just hits different when everyone is crowded around the television.
Last fall I made these for my daughter's soccer team tailgate. Between the smell of grilled beef wafting through the parking lot and that first bite of hot, cheesy slider with cold, crisp coleslaw, I had three parents asking for the recipe before the game even started. Now they are my go to whenever I need to feed a hungry crowd without spending my whole day at the stove.
Ingredients
- Ground beef (80/20): The higher fat content keeps these patties juicy and prevents them from drying out on the grill. Do not go leaner here or you will regret it.
- Smoked paprika: This is the secret weapon that gives the beef that deep, smoky flavor without hours of actual smoking.
- Brioche slider buns: These buttery, slightly sweet buns can actually hold up to the juices and toppings without falling apart.
- Cheddar cheese: Melted over the patties it adds creaminess and helps the toppings stick together.
- Coleslaw mix: The vinegar based slaw cuts through the rich meat and adds necessary crunch to each bite.
Instructions
- Mix and season the beef:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix gently until just combined. Do not overwork the meat or your patties will be tough.
- Form the patties:
- Divide the beef mixture into 12 equal portions and shape them into small patties, making them slightly larger than the buns since they will shrink when cooking.
- Heat the grill:
- Preheat your grill or a large skillet over medium high heat until it is nice and hot.
- Cook the patties:
- Grill or cook the patties for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they are browned and cooked through to an internal temperature of 160°F.
- Add the finishing touches:
- In the last minute of cooking, brush each patty with BBQ sauce and top with half a slice of cheddar. Cover to melt the cheese beautifully.
- Make the coleslaw:
- In a small bowl, toss the coleslaw mix with mayonnaise and apple cider vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toast the buns:
- Split the brioche buns and brush the insides with melted butter. Toast the cut sides until golden brown.
- Assemble and serve:
- Place a beef patty on each bottom bun, top with coleslaw, red onion, pickles, and chives. Cap with the top bun and serve them immediately while they are hot.
Save to Pinterest These sliders have become such a staple at our house that my kids actually request them for their birthday dinners now. Something about having their own perfect little sandwich makes them feel special, and honestly, watching a room full of people reach for seconds and thirds never gets old.
Getting the Right Texture
The coleslaw needs to be cold when it hits the warm beef. That temperature contrast is what makes each bite interesting instead of just one note. I usually make the slaw first and let it hang out in the fridge while I work on the patties.
Cheese Choices
While cheddar is classic, pepper jack brings a whole different vibe if you like some heat. I have also used provolone when I wanted something milder, and honestly, any good melting cheese will work beautifully here.
Make Ahead Strategy
You can form the patties the night before and keep them layered between parchment paper in the refrigerator. The coleslaw actually gets better after a few hours, so make that ahead too. Just grill the patties and toast the buns right before serving.
- Keep the toasted buns warm in a low oven while you finish cooking the patties
- Set up a toppings station and let people build their own sliders if you are serving a crowd
- Have extra napkins ready because these are gloriously messy
Save to Pinterest There is something about handing someone a warm, cheesy slider that just makes everything feel like a party. Even on a regular Tuesday.
