These baked BBQ beef and onion sliders are packed with savory, saucy ground beef and caramelized onions, all nestled in soft, golden dinner rolls. They’re perfect for parties, game day, or an easy weeknight meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfectly portioned: Great for parties or family dinners.
Rich and savory: Loaded with flavorful beef, onions, and BBQ sauce.
Easy to prepare: Simple ingredients, quick prep, and minimal cleanup.
Make-ahead friendly: Assemble and refrigerate before baking when ready.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef
Onion, finely diced
Garlic, minced
Salt and black pepper
Your favorite BBQ sauce
Slider rolls or Hawaiian sweet rolls
Butter, melted
Optional: Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, shredded cheese

directions

Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease a baking dish.
Cook the beef: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the onions until soft. Add the garlic and cook briefly, then add ground beef. Cook until browned.
Add sauce: Stir in BBQ sauce, salt, pepper, and optional Worcestershire or paprika. Simmer for a few minutes until thickened slightly.
Assemble the sliders: Slice the rolls in half horizontally (keeping the bottoms and tops intact). Place the bottoms in the baking dish.
Fill: Spread the beef mixture evenly over the bottom buns. Add cheese if using. Top with the bun tops.
Brush with butter: Mix melted butter with a pinch of garlic powder or parsley. Brush over the tops of the rolls.
Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes until golden.
Serve: Let cool slightly, slice between rolls, and serve warm.

Servings and timing

Servings: 12 sliders
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

storage/reheating

Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat covered in the oven at 175°C (350°F) or microwave individual sliders until warm.

FAQs

Can I use shredded beef instead of ground beef?

Yes, shredded beef or even pulled pork works well in this recipe.

What type of BBQ sauce should I use?

Use your favorite—whether sweet, smoky, spicy, or tangy. Customize to taste.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the beef with lentils, plant-based crumbles, or mushrooms.

What’s the best roll for sliders?

Soft slider rolls or Hawaiian rolls work best for texture and flavor.

Can I freeze these sliders?

Yes, freeze after baking. Reheat wrapped in foil in the oven for best results.

Can I add cheese?

Absolutely—cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack melt well into the filling.

Are these spicy?

Not inherently. Add chili flakes or spicy BBQ sauce if you prefer heat.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.

How do I keep the bottoms from getting soggy?

Let the meat mixture cool slightly and use just enough sauce to coat, not soak.

What sides go well with this dish?

Serve with coleslaw, potato salad, or chips for a complete meal.

Conclusion

These Baked BBQ Beef and Onion Sliders are a savory, saucy crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any gathering. With tender beef, caramelized onions, and sweet rolls baked to golden perfection, they’re the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to make and hard to resist.