Ingredients
Beef Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms (Optional; omit if not desired)
- 14.5 oz canned diced tomatoes (Drained)
- 1 tablespoon mustard (Adjust to taste or omit)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar or sweetener
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (Regular paprika works too)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons dried minced onions
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (Optional for spice)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced (or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder)
- 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
Assembly
- 12 Hawaiian Sweet Rolls (Or slider buns)
- 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- Sesame seeds for topping
- Cooking oil spray
Instructions
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and break it into small crumbles using a meat chopper or wooden spoon. Season the beef with brown sugar, smoked paprika, onion powder, dried minced onions, salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, and minced garlic. Stir well.
- Add Vegetables and Cheese: Mix in the sliced mushrooms, drained diced tomatoes, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese. Cook the mixture until the beef is fully browned with no pink remaining and the mushrooms have softened. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Drain Excess Fat: Carefully drain any excess grease from the beef mixture. Pat the meat dry using paper towels to prevent soggy slider buns.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the sliders.
- Prepare the Rolls: Remove the Hawaiian rolls from their packaging and slice the whole set horizontally to separate into top and bottom halves using a serrated bread knife.
- Assemble Sliders: Spray a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking oil spray. Arrange the bottom halves of the rolls in the dish. Spread the beef mixture evenly over the bottom buns. Then, sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese on top of the beef. Place the top halves of the rolls over the cheese layer.
- Add Topping: Mix melted butter with sesame seeds in a small bowl. Brush this mixture generously over the top of the rolls to achieve a rich, golden crust.
- Bake Sliders: Bake the sliders uncovered for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and the tops are lightly browned, carefully watching to avoid over-browning.
- Optional Air Fryer Method: Spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil spray. Place the fully assembled sliders in the basket and air fry at 370°F (188°C) for 3-7 minutes, monitoring closely so the buns don’t over-brown.
- Serve: Remove from oven or air fryer, let cool slightly, and serve warm for a delicious, cheesy slider experience.
Notes
- You can use sliced cheese instead of grated; if using sliced, place the cheese first on the bottom rolls before adding the beef mixture.
- Draining excess fat from the cooked beef is essential to prevent soggy slider buns.
- Mushrooms are optional and can be omitted for a simpler beef slider.
- Adjust mustard amount or omit it completely to suit your taste preferences.
- Watch sliders closely while baking or air frying to avoid over-browning the tops.
- For added spice, include the optional cayenne pepper.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
