Grilled Smashburger Sliders with Caramelized Onions and Cheddar

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-20 · Updated 2026-06-20

How this recipe was made — this recipe was drafted by AislePrompt's AI-assisted pipeline from technique templates and USDA-sourced nutrition data, and published by AislePrompt Editorial — see how AislePrompt recipes are drafted and published.

Mini smashburger sliders grilled to perfection with melted cheddar and sweet caramelized onions, perfect for casual gatherings. This American-inspired sandwich and wrap recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs ground beef (80/20), salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 370 calories and feeds 6, 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 6 American cuisine 370 cal/serving

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Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (80/20)
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 large, thinly sliced yellow onion
2 tbsp unsalted butter
6 slices, halved cheddar cheese slices
6 slider buns
1 tbsp vegetable oil
12 slices pickles
to taste ketchup
to taste mustard

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Instructions

Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp unsalted butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add 1 large thinly sliced yellow onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and caramelized. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 2: Preheat a grill or griddle over medium-high heat. Divide 1 lb ground beef into 6 equal portions and form into loose balls without packing.
Step 3: Lightly oil the grill with 1 tbsp vegetable oil. Place each beef ball on the grill and smash down firmly with a spatula to about 1/4-inch thickness. Season each patty with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
Step 4: Cook patties for 2-3 minutes until edges are crispy and bottom is browned. Flip patties and immediately place half a slice of cheddar cheese (about 6 halves) on each. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until cheese melts and internal temperature reaches 160°F.
Step 5: Toast 6 slider buns briefly on the grill. Assemble sliders by spreading ketchup and mustard on buns, topping with the cheeseburger patties, 2 slices of pickles per slider, and a generous spoonful of caramelized onions. Serve immediately.