Forget the grill, Skillet Sliders seared to perfection on the stovetop are the way to go! When cooked right, they turn out with the most perfect crust and juicy center every single time.
Tiny Cheeseburgers, Big Flavor
Skillet sliders are one of my favorite ways to feed a crowd. They cook in a matter of minutes and you can cook several of them in the skillet at a time. And when it comes to sliders, it’s totally acceptable to eat more than one. Oh my yum!
Watch Me Make Skillet Sliders
Join me in the kitchen as I make these amazing Skillet Sliders!
Put the Grill on Pause
We used to cook all our burgers on the grill and then we tried searing them in the cast-iron skillet on the stove and it was a huge success (don’t worry – I’m still gonna grill my turkey burgers and steaks)! The skillet is quick and easy and gives the beef the most perfect crust. Just a few minutes on each side and you’ve got juicy cheesy little sliders ready to serve up.
I used 90/10 all-natural Nolan Ryan Beef, found exclusively at Kroger. Of course, my fellow Texans appreciate the quality of this locally raised and harvested beef.
The key to perfectly cooked cheeseburger sliders is getting the skillet or griddle really hot before placing the beef patties in it. You’ll preheat the skillet over medium heat for 5 minutes and then add a few tablespoons of oil and continue heating the pan for another 2 minutes before adding the beef patties. The beef immediately starts to sizzle and sear which creates the incredible crust that a juicy burger tastes best with.
How to Make Skillet Sliders
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, 2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon ground pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder and 1 teaspoon onion powder with your hands or a fork until well combined.
Form beef into 3 tablespoon-sized balls and flatten each one with the palm of your hand to the size of your slider buns. Season the outside of each patty generously with more salt and pepper.
Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium heat for 5 minutes. Add a few tablespoons of canola oil to coat the bottom of the skillet. Let skillet heat for another 2 minutes before adding the beef patties.
Sear the patties for 2-3 minutes before flipping to the other side. Add the cheese (we go for cheddar, but if Swiss cheese or American cheese are your thing, you do you!) right after you flip the patties with a spatula and then turn the heat to low and cover with a lid or pan while the sliders continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes (or until of desired doneness) and the cheese melts.
Remove patties from skillet and serve on slider buns or dinner rolls with desired accompaniments. Set out a selection of fresh toppings and soft slider buns so each person can build their own slider. Burger night, done right!
How to Check to See if Burgers Are Done
Use an internal thermometer to check the temperature of your sliders for doneness:
- A medium-rare slider (red in the middle) should register 125°F-135°F and take about 6 minutes of total skillet time.
- A medium slider (pink in the middle) should register 135°F-145°F and take about 7-8 minutes of total skillet time.
- A medium-well slider (a little pink in the middle) should register 145°F-155°F and take about 9 minutes of total skillet time.
- And a well-done slider (no pink) should register 155°F-165°F and take about 10 minutes.
These skillet sliders recently starred in a Burger Night, Done Right! menu I created for a casual Friday night at our house with family and friends. Find the full menu HERE. If you do make these Skillet Sliders, be sure to snap a picture and share it with me or tag me on Instagram @thebakermama so I can see. 
I love seeing how inspired and creative y’all get with the recipes I share.
Enjoy!
xoxo,
Skillet Sliders
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 6 mins
- Total Time: 16 mins
- Yield: 9 sliders 1x
- Category: Main
Description
Forget the grill, Skillet Sliders seared to perfection on the stovetop are the way to go! When cooked right, they turn out with the most perfect crust and juicy center every single time.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Nolan Ryan ground beef
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- salt & pepper, for coating patties
- canola oil for skillet
- 9 rounds of thick cheddar cheese, cut to fit over sliders
- 9 slider buns
- Lettuce
- Tomato
- Onion
- Pickles
- Ketchup
- Mayo
- Mustard
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, 2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon ground pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder and 1 teaspoon onion powder with your hands or a fork until well combined.
- Form beef into 3 tablespoon-sized balls and flatten each one with the palm of your hand to the size of your slider buns. Season the outside of each patty generously with more salt and pepper.
- Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium heat for 5 minutes. Add a few tablespoons of canola oil to coat the bottom of the skillet. Let skillet heat for another 2 minutes before adding the beef patties.
- Sear the patties for 2-3 minutes before flipping to the other side. Add the cheese right after you flip the patties and then turn the heat to low and cover with a lid or pan while the sliders continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes (or until of desired doneness) and the cheese melts.
- Use an internal thermometer to check the temperature of your sliders for doneness. A medium-rare slider (red in the middle) should register 125°F-135°F and take about 6 minutes of total skillet time. A medium slider (pink in the middle) should register 135°F-145°F and take about 7-8 minutes of total skillet time. A medium-well slider (a little pink in the middle) should register 145°F-155°F and take about 9 minutes of total skillet time. And a well-done slider (no pink) should register 155°F-165°F and take about 10 minutes.
- Remove patties from skillet and serve on slider buns with desired accompaniments.
Recipe by Maegan Brown/Photography by Madison Mentesana
Are we talking about the great Nolan Ryan the best pitcher ever I doing this recipe.
★★★★★