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 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

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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.

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.

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