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In the realm of culinary delights, few creations evoke the same sense of comfort and joy as a perfectly crafted slider. Among the myriad of slider variations, Cowboy Sliders stand out as a delightful fusion of flavors that appeals to both the casual diner and the gourmet enthusiast. Ideal for gatherings, game days, or family dinners, these bite-sized burgers boast an irresistible combination of juicy beef, crispy bacon, and tangy BBQ sauce, making them a must-try for anyone seeking a delicious meal.

Cowboy Sliders

Elevate your meal prep game with these protein-packed Cowboy Sliders, perfect for a satisfying lunch at work! With juicy beef, crispy bacon, and zesty BBQ sauce, these sliders are not only delicious but also easy to prepare in advance. Make your workweek flavorful and fulfilling with this scrumptious option from afterka! MealPrep ProteinPackedLunch CowboySliders EasyRecipes LunchIdeas HealthyEating FoodPrep
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Ingredients
  

1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)

1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1/2 cup cooked bacon, chopped

1/4 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)

1/4 cup diced red onion

1/4 cup sweet pickle relish

Salt and pepper to taste

12 small slider buns

1 tablespoon olive oil

Optional toppings: crispy fried onions, jalapeño slices, or coleslaw

Instructions
 

Prepping the Beef Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, BBQ sauce, diced red onion, salt, and pepper. Mix lightly with your hands until just combined; avoid overworking the meat.

    Forming the Patties: Divide the meat mixture into 12 equal portions and shape them into slider-sized patties (about 2-3 inches in diameter). Make a small indentation in the center of each patty to prevent them from puffing up while cooking.

      Cooking the Sliders: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the patties. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on one side until browned, then flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

        Toasting the Buns: While the sliders are cooking, quickly toast the slider buns in a toaster oven or under the broiler until golden brown—this adds a nice crunch.

          Assembling the Sliders: Place each cooked patty on the bottom half of a toasted slider bun. Top with additional BBQ sauce, a dollop of sweet pickle relish, and any optional toppings you desire. Cap with the top half of the bun.

            Serving: Arrange the assembled sliders on a serving platter. Enjoy these delicious Cowboy Sliders with your favorite sides, like fries, coleslaw, or chips.

              Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 12 sliders