Grilled Smashburger Sliders with Caramelized Onions and Cheddar

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

Mini smashburger sliders grilled to perfection with melted cheddar and sweet caramelized onions, perfect for casual gatherings. This american-inspired sandwiches & wraps 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
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.

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 Grilled Smashburger Sliders with Caramelized Onions and Cheddar take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Grilled Smashburger Sliders with Caramelized Onions and Cheddar?

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 ground beef (80/20) from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Smashburger Sliders with Caramelized Onions and Cheddar?

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 Grilled Smashburger Sliders with Caramelized Onions and Cheddar for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Grilled Smashburger Sliders with Caramelized Onions and Cheddar?

American sandwiches & wraps 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