roast beef sliders

roast beef sliders

You know those nights when you’re craving something ridiculously satisfying, but the thought of a satisfying meal makes you sick? What makes you want to order takeout? I’ve been there more times than I can count. What is your favorite roast beef slider recipe? They’re like little flavor bombs that hit all the right notes – savory, a little tangy, and crunchy. Is What are some of the best appetizers you’ve ever had in a diner? When I was a kid, but these are so much better because I made them myself! What are some of the best things to do on a busy weeknight? My husband and kids devour them every single time. Forget boring sandwiches. What are some good roast beef sliders?

roast beef sliders final dish beautifully presented and ready to serve

What are roast beef sliders?

What are the little things we call roast beef sliders? Think of them as the ultimate, grown-up version of a mini sandwich. We’re taking soft, slightly sweet slider buns and filling them with tender slices of roast beef that are tender and crispy. Have been slow-cooked or simply heated until they’re melt-in-your-mouth perfect. Where does the magic happen? What’s all bathed in this incredible, savory-sweet sauce that soaks into everything, making each bite unique. Is there an explosion of flavor? What is roast beef crammed between two buns? It’s a carefully constructed bite of pure happiness. They’re small enough to be appetizers, but substantial enough for a full meal. What do you love about a roast beef sandwich?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

I’ve made a LOT of different slider recipes over the years, and trust me, this one is a keeper. What I love most about these roast beef sliders is the unbelievable balance of flavors. You get the richness of the roast beef, that slight sweetness from the caramelized onions, and then a savory, almost umami-packed sauce that just ties it all together. It’s not overly complicated, but it tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen. And the simplicity! Seriously, on a night when the fridge looks bare and the energy levels are low, this is my secret weapon. You can even use pre-cooked roast beef from the deli to cut down on time even more, though a slow-cooked roast beef will always have that extra depth of flavor. It’s also incredibly budget-friendly, especially if you get a good cut of beef when it’s on sale. We’ve even made these for game days, birthday parties, and casual get-togethers, and they’re always the first thing to disappear. They’re a crowd-pleaser, plain and simple, and far more exciting than your average ham and cheese sliders.

How do I make Roast Beef Sliders?

Quick Overview

The beauty of these roast beef sliders lies in their simple assembly. How do you caramelize onions to bring out their natural sweetness? Simple, flavorful sauce. What is the best way to serve roast beef on slider buns? If you like, top with cheese, and then bake them until they’re warm, gooey and utterly irresistible. Is it a process that takes just one little bit of simmering and assembling? What is the payoff? What is so easy to make tastes so good?

Ingredients

For the main buns & beef:
– 1 package (12 count) slider buns (hawaiian sweet rolls are my favorite!)
– 1.5 to 2 pounds thinly sliced roast beef (deli-style or your own slow-cooked)
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or provolone (optional, but highly recommended) .
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Caramelized Onions:
– 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for extra caramelization)

What is the Savory Sauce?
– 1/2 cup beef broth
– 1/4 cup ketchup
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

roast beef sliders ingredients organized and measured on kitchen counter

How do I follow

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is a pretty standard baking temperature, so no need to worry about anything fancy. Is it necessary to grease a 9×13 baking dish? How does sauce keep things from sticking? If you’re using deli roast beef, just lay it out and have it ready to go. If you’re using homemade, make sure it’s thinly sliced and cooled to make it easier to handle.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with the Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder and onion powder. Set aside. What is black pepper powder? Give it a good stir. How do you brush a simple mixture over the tops of buns? Is this step that really elevates them from just okay to absolutely amazing?

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate small bowl or liquid measuring cup, whisk together the beef broth, ketchup, Dijon mustard, and salt. Serve immediately. What are some of the best Italian seasonings? What is our savory sauce? Make sure the Dijon is well incorporated. The ketchup adds a touch of sweetness and body, while the beef broth and soy sauce give it that extra bit of flavor. Deep, satisfying flavor. It smells amazing even at this stage!

Step 4: Combine

How do you slice slider buns horizontally? I like to leave them attached in the package, then slice through the whole thing with a long knife. What is a ser It’s much easier and keeps them neater. Arrange the bottom halves of the buns in your prepared baking dish. Now, generously layer the roast beef over the bottom buns. Don’t be shy – pack it in there! If you’re using cheese, sprinkle it evenly over the roast beef. Top with caramelized onions, and then place the top halves of the buns over everything.

Step 5: Prepare Filling

While you’re prepping the beef, it’s time to get those onions nice and sweet. In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium-low heat. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add the thinly sliced onions and the salt. Mix well. Cook them slowly, stirring occasionally, for about 20-30 minutes, or until they’re soft, golden brown. Brown, and wonderfully sweet. If they start to stick, you can add a tablespoon of water or beef broth. If you want them extra caramelized, you can stir in the brown sugar during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking.

Step 6: Layer & Swirl

What is the magic sauce? How do you spread the savory sauce evenly over the tops of sliders? Then, take that delicious melted butter mixture and brush it all over the top of your favorite muffin. What is the secret to a golden crust? Make sure you get it into all the nooks and crannies. It really makes a difference!

Step 7: Bake

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. If you have a preheated oven, pop it in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes. This allows the steam to work its magic, softening the buns and letting all those flavors meld. How do you put together After 15-20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted. The cheese will not be spongy. The tops of the buns are golden brown. The bottoms can be easily cleaned. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn.

Step 8: Cool & Glaze

Once they’re out of the oven, let them sit for about 5-10 minutes before slicing. This is important because it lets everything settle, and the juices redistribute. If you try to slice them too soon, everything will just fall apart. This resting period makes for much cleaner slices and a more cohesive slider.

Step 9: Slice & Serve

With a sharp serrated knife, carefully cut between each slider to separate them. Serve warm, and watch them disappear! What are some good side dishes to serve with a dill pickle spear? Never hurt anyone.

What should I serve it with?

What are some of the best roast beef sliders? What is a good weekend brunch recipe? What are some good light lunches to serve alongside a bowl of tomato soup? But in slider form! If you’re looking for something to serve at a party or game day, they’re guaranteed to be hit. I usually have a big platter of them with dipping sauces on the side, like creamy or tangy. Is it a good idea to add sriracha mayo to your favorite dish? For a more substantial meal, I’ll often serve them with some homemade coleslaw or some side of sweet potatoes. My kids love broccoli, but sometimes I’ll add steamed broccoli for a bit of flavor.

How do I make Roast Beef Sliders?

I’ve definitely learned a few things in my journey of making these over and over again! How do you caramelize onions? Slow and low is the way to go for that deep sweetness. If you find your onions are releasing a lot of liquid, just drain it off before adding them to the pot. When it comes to the roast beef, I find using deli-style beef that’s already thinly sliced is the best way to go about it. The easiest and gives a great texture. If you have leftover slow-cooked beef, that’s even better! Just make sure it’s thinly sliced. What are my favorite Hawaiian sweet rolls? What is a good slider bun? When you pour buttery sauce over the top, really try to get it to soak down between the sides. Where does magic happen in buns? Don’t be afraid to add extra cheese if you’re a cheese lover. What are some good alternatives to cheddar or provolone? I’ve also experimented with adding a thin layer of horseradish sauce directly onto the bottom bun. Is there a kick in the beef before it’s cooked? Is it better to let them rest for a few minutes before you slice them? What makes a world of difference in keeping them together?

Storing and Reheating Tips

These roast beef sliders are best enjoyed fresh, right out of the oven when they’re warm and gooey. However, they do store pretty well! If you have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), let them cool completely. You can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for a few hours, but for longer storage, the refrigerator is your best bet. They’ll keep in the fridge for about 2-3 days. When it comes to reheating, I have a few favorite methods. The easiest is usually in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook them, as the buns can get a bit tough. Just heat for 30-60 seconds, checking for warmth. My preferred method is to pop them back into a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes, covered with foil. This gently warms them through and helps keep the buns from getting too soggy. You can also reheat them in a toaster oven. For reheating, I usually wait to add any extra glaze or sauce until after they’ve been warmed, so they don’t get too mushy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, you absolutely can! The best way to make these gluten-free is to use your favorite gluten-free slider buns. The filling and sauce are naturally gluten-free, so it’s just a simple swap of the bread. Just be sure to check the labels on your Worcestershire sauce and beef broth to ensure they are certified gluten-free. The texture might be slightly different with gluten-free buns, but the flavor will still be amazing!
Do I need to peel the zucchini?
These roast beef sliders don’t actually use zucchini! Perhaps you’re thinking of a different recipe. My roast beef sliders are all about the delicious combination of roast beef, savory sauce, and soft buns. If you were looking for a zucchini recipe, I’m happy to share some of my favorites another time!
Can I make this as muffins instead?
While these are designed as sliders, you could adapt the concept to a muffin tin. You’d likely want to deconstruct the sliders, place a mini bun base in the muffin cup, top with beef, onions, and cheese, and then perhaps top with a bit of the sauce mixture before baking. You might need to adjust baking times. However, I haven’t personally tested this, so it would be an experiment! The slider format is really what makes them so easy and fun.
How can I adjust the sweetness level?
The primary sweetness comes from the caramelized onions and the Hawaiian sweet rolls. If you prefer them less sweet, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar used for the onions (or omit it entirely), and consider using a plainer, less sweet slider bun. You could also slightly reduce the ketchup in the sauce, but be mindful that it also contributes to the savory flavor and texture. A touch of extra Dijon mustard can help balance out sweetness.
What can I use instead of the glaze?
The “glaze” in this recipe is actually the savory sauce mixture we pour over the top, combined with the buttery brush on the buns. If you’re looking for an alternative topping, you could try a simple garlic butter brushed over the buns without the other seasonings, or even a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning before baking for a different flavor profile. Some people even like to add a drizzle of BBQ sauce. However, I really find the savory sauce to be essential to the overall taste!

Final Thoughts

roast beef sliders slice on plate showing perfect texture and swirl pattern

So there you have it – my foolproof guide to making the most incredible roast beef sliders. They’re more than just a recipe to me; they’re a memory-maker, a weeknight savior, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I really hope you give them a try. The way the savory beef, sweet onions, and rich sauce all meld together in those soft buns is just pure magic. They’re perfect for so many occasions, from casual dinners to entertaining guests. If you love these, you might also enjoy my recipe for sloppy joe sliders, which have a similar comforting vibe! Let me know in the comments below how yours turn out, or if you have any fun variations you tried. I always love hearing from you, and happy cooking!

roast beef sliders

Easy and delicious roast beef sliders perfect for any occasion. These are always a crowd-pleaser!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 12 pieces slider rolls split in half horizontally
  • 0.5 pound thinly sliced roast beef
  • 0.25 pound provolone cheese slices
  • 0.5 cup butter melted
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 0.25 teaspoon onion powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon poppy seeds optional

Instructions
 

Preparation Steps

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Arrange the bottom halves of the slider rolls in a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  • Layer the roast beef evenly over the bottom halves of the rolls.
  • Place a slice of provolone cheese on top of the roast beef for each slider.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  • Pour the butter mixture evenly over the top halves of the slider rolls.
  • Sprinkle poppy seeds over the buttered tops, if desired.
  • Place the top halves of the rolls onto the sliders.
  • Cover the baking dish tightly with foil.
  • Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sliders are heated through.
  • Serve immediately.

Notes

These sliders are best served warm. You can add other toppings like caramelized onions or horseradish sauce if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 200gCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 120gProtein: 120gFat: 120gSaturated Fat: 120gPolyunsaturated Fat: 120gMonounsaturated Fat: 120gTrans Fat: 120gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 120mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 120gSugar: 120gVitamin A: 120IUVitamin C: 120mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 120mg
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