Pan-Fried Detroit-Style Slider Patties with Mustard-Onion Relish

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

Small, juicy ground beef sliders pan-fried to a golden crust, topped with a tangy mustard and sweet onion relish, inspired by Detroit’s iconic slider tradition. This american-inspired sandwiches & wraps ready in about 30 minutes pairs ground beef, medium (about 150g) yellow onion, yellow mustard for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Finely dice 1 medium yellow onion (about 150g) and combine with 3 tablespoons yellow mustard in a small bowl; set aside to allow flavors to meld for 10 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Divide 1 lb ground beef into 12 equal portions (about 1.3 oz each), shape each into a thin, round patty approximately 2.5 inches in diameter, seasoning each side with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper total distributed evenly.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Add patties in batches without crowding, cooking each side for 2-3 minutes until a crust forms and internal temperature reaches 160°F. Remove and keep warm.
  5. Step 5: Assemble sliders by placing each patty on a small bun or bread, topping with 1 dill pickle slice and a generous spoonful of the mustard-onion relish prepared earlier.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Fried Detroit-Style Slider Patties with Mustard-Onion Relish 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 Pan-Fried Detroit-Style Slider Patties with Mustard-Onion Relish?

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 from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Fried Detroit-Style Slider Patties with Mustard-Onion Relish?

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 Pan-Fried Detroit-Style Slider Patties with Mustard-Onion Relish 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 Pan-Fried Detroit-Style Slider Patties with Mustard-Onion Relish?

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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