Cedar Rapids Adventure Park Beef Sliders

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Mini beef sliders packed with smoky spices and topped with melted cheddar, perfect for group outings or game day. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 20 minutes pairs 80% lean ground beef, smoked paprika, garlic powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 8, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 8 American cuisine 280 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 lb ground beef, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Step 2: Form 8 small patties, each about 3 inches in diameter and 1/2 inch thick.
  3. Step 3: Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook patties for 3-4 minutes per side until a nice crust forms and the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
  4. Step 4: During the last minute of cooking, top each patty with 1/2 slice cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt.
  5. Step 5: Meanwhile, brush 8 slider buns with 2 tbsp melted butter and toast them cut-side down on the grill or skillet for 1-2 minutes until golden.
  6. Step 6: Assemble sliders by spreading ketchup and mustard to taste on buns, placing the cheesy beef patties, and topping with 1 dill pickle slice each. Serve immediately.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cedar Rapids Adventure Park Beef Sliders take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Cedar Rapids Adventure Park Beef Sliders?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep 80% lean ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cedar Rapids Adventure Park Beef Sliders?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cedar Rapids Adventure Park Beef Sliders for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Cedar Rapids Adventure Park Beef Sliders?

American bbq & smoked like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

Related recipes