These French Onion Beef Sliders are mini burgers that are bursting with flavor! With juicy beef and rich, sweet onion topping, they are sure to be a hit at any gathering!
Plus, who can resist a little gooey cheese melted on top? I love serving them with crispy fries. Just make sure to have extra napkins handy—things might get a bit saucy! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck Roast: This cut is perfect for shredding because it gets tender after slow cooking. If you can’t find it, brisket works well too. For a lighter option, consider ground beef, but it won’t have the same depth of flavor.
Yellow Onions: They’re ideal for caramelizing due to their natural sweetness. If you’re in a pinch, sweet onions like Vidalia or white onions can substitute, giving similar results. Just keep a closer eye on the cooking time.
Swiss Cheese: This adds a creamy flavor and melts beautifully. Gruyère is a classy alternative if you want something stronger. If you’re feeling adventurous, try provolone or mozzarella for a milder taste!
Slider Buns: I love using soft dinner rolls. If you’re gluten-free, look for gluten-free rolls or even lettuce wraps. You can go whole grain for added texture, too!
How Can I Perfectly Caramelize Onions?
Caramelizing onions might seem tricky, but it’s simple once you know how! The key is low and slow cooking. This method allows the natural sugars in the onions to caramelize, making them sweet and rich.
- Start at medium-low heat in your skillet with a bit of olive oil. Adding a pinch of salt helps draw moisture out.
- Stir occasionally, so they don’t stick or burn. Aim for a golden-brown color; this usually takes around 30-40 minutes.
- In the last 5 minutes, add garlic for extra flavor. Keep stirring to prevent burning!
Once done, they’ll be sweet and soft—perfect for topping your sliders! Keep this patience in mind for the best result.
French Onion Beef Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef:
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast (or brisket), cut into large chunks
For the Caramelized Onions:
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
For Seasoning:
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (plus extra for garnish)
For Assembling the Sliders:
- 12 slider buns (small sandwich rolls or dinner rolls)
- 6-8 slices Swiss cheese (or Gruyère), halved
- Butter, for toasting buns
Time Needed:
This delicious recipe takes about 30-40 minutes of prep time and around 6-8 hours for cooking the beef (or 3-4 hours in the oven). It’s worth the wait for all those scrumptious flavors to meld together!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Caramelize the Onions:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions along with a pinch of salt. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, so they don’t burn. After about 30-40 minutes, the onions should be golden brown and caramelized. In the last 5 minutes, throw in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant. When done, remove from heat and set aside.
2. Cook the Beef:
In a slow cooker or heavy pot, place the beef chunks. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and fresh thyme leaves. Pour in the Worcestershire sauce and beef broth. Cover and let it cook on low heat for 6-8 hours until it’s tender and easy to shred (or in an oven at 300°F/150°C for about 3-4 hours).
3. Shred the Beef:
Once the beef is cooked, take it out of the pot and shred it using two forks. Mix in some of the cooking juices to keep the meat moist and add extra flavor. It should be melt-in-your-mouth good!
4. Assemble the Sliders:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice each slider bun in half and lightly butter the insides. Place them on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for about 5 minutes, until golden brown.
5. Build the Sliders:
With the bottom half of each bun, load up a generous portion of the shredded beef. Next, add the caramelized onions on top, followed by a piece of Swiss cheese.
6. Melt the Cheese:
Put the assembled sliders back into the oven just until the cheese melts, which should only take about 2-3 minutes. Keep an eye on them!
7. Finish and Serve:
Top each slider with the other half of the bun. For a final touch, garnish with a small sprig of fresh thyme, and then serve the sliders warm. Enjoy every juicy, savory bite!
These French Onion Beef Sliders are perfect for any gathering, whether it’s game day or a casual party. You’re going to love how delicious they are!
Can I Use Leftover Roast for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover roast beef is perfect for these sliders. Just shred it and follow the assembly steps for a quick meal. You might want to reheat it with a little beef broth to keep it moist.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any remaining sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to warm through and melty.
What Can I Substitute for Swiss Cheese?
If you’re not a fan of Swiss cheese, Gruyère is an excellent alternative that offers a similar flavor. For a milder option, try mozzarella or provolone. Just ensure it melts well for that gooey slider goodness!
Can I Prepare the Beef in Advance?
Definitely! You can cook the beef a day ahead, shred it, and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it before assembling the sliders, and you’re ready to go!
