These French Onion Beef Sliders are packed with rich flavor and covered in gooey cheese! They bring the yummy taste of classic French onion soup to a tasty little sandwich.
Who can resist juicy beef and sweet onions? I love making these sliders for game day or just a fun family night. Add some chips on the side, and you’re all set for a tasty treat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Slider Buns: These are the foundation of your sliders. I love using soft, fluffy dinner rolls. If you want a little extra flavor, you could try using pretzel buns or whole wheat sliders.
Beef: Chuck roast gives you the most flavor, but flank steak works great too. If you’re in a hurry, deli roast beef is a good shortcut. Just adjust cooking times accordingly!
Onions: Sweet onions like Vidalia add fantastic flavor when caramelized. If you prefer a milder taste, use yellow onions. Red onions can also work, but might create a sharper flavor.
Cheese: Swiss is classic for French onion flavors, while Gruyere adds richness. If you don’t have either, provolone is a nice substitute that melts well!
Butter and Olive Oil: A mix of both helps caramelize onions beautifully, but if you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use avocado oil instead.
How Do You Caramelize Onions Perfectly?
Caramelizing onions takes time but is well worth it! The key is low and slow. Here are the steps to get them just right:
- Start with medium-low heat in a large skillet; this allows the sugars to break down slowly.
- Add your butter and olive oil, then toss in the sliced onions with a pinch of salt.
- Cook the onions for 30-40 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. If they start to stick, a splash of water can help.
- In the last few minutes, add minced garlic for extra flavor.
Remember, patience is key here. Those sweet, golden onions are what make these sliders so special!
French Onion Beef Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sliders:
- 24 slider buns (dinner rolls)
- 1 1/2 lbs beef chuck roast or flank steak, thinly sliced or shredded
- 3 large onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup beef broth or French onion soup
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 oz Swiss or Gruyere cheese, shredded or sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For Topping the Buns:
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika or regular paprika
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 40-50 minutes to prepare, including around 30-40 minutes to caramelize the onions. Baking the sliders takes an additional 20 minutes. So in just under an hour, you can have a delicious batch of sliders ready for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Caramelize the Onions:
In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions along with a pinch of salt. Let them cook slowly, stirring frequently for about 30-40 minutes, until they turn deeply golden brown and sweet. In the last few minutes, add the minced garlic and stir it in well to enhance the flavor.
2. Prepare the Beef:
If using a roast, cook it first and then slice it thinly. If you have pre-sliced flank steak, that’s perfect too! Heat a separate skillet over medium-high heat, add a little oil, and cook the beef just until it’s heated through (or cooked to your liking). Season the beef with salt, pepper, and thyme for extra flavor.
3. Combine Beef and Onions:
Add the caramelized onions to the beef in the skillet. Pour in the beef broth or French onion soup, along with the Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together and let it simmer for a few minutes to blend the flavors and thicken the mixture slightly.
4. Prepare the Slider Buns:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the slider buns in half horizontally, keeping the tops and bottoms together. Place the bottom halves in a baking dish, making sure they fit snugly.
5. Assemble the Sliders:
Spread the delicious beef and caramelized onion mixture evenly over the bottom halves of the buns. Then, generously top with shredded Swiss or Gruyere cheese.
6. Mix the Topping:
In a small bowl, combine melted butter, dried parsley flakes, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt. Brush this buttery mixture generously over the top halves of the slider buns to infuse more flavor.
7. Bake the Sliders:
Place the top buns back on the assembled sliders. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, and bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and the tops are beautifully golden brown.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Take the sliders out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve these warm and enjoy the amazing flavors of your French Onion Beef Sliders!
This recipe yields about 24 sliders, making it perfect for parties, game days, or family gatherings. Enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Onions for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen onions! Just thaw and drain them before cooking. While they may not caramelize as beautifully as fresh onions, they’ll still provide great flavor in your sliders.
What If I Don’t Have Beef Broth?
No worries! You can substitute it with water, or even use additional French onion soup. This will enhance the onion flavor and keep the sliders moist.
Can I Make These Sliders Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the beef with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based meat substitute, and use vegetable broth instead. You can also add some cooked lentils for added protein and texture.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or in the microwave until heated through.
