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Lil Texas BBQ Sliders Recipe

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4 from 6 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 12 sliders

Description

These Lil Texas BBQ Sliders are a flavorful twist on classic sliders, featuring juicy grilled beef patties seasoned with a spicy homemade Texas-style rub, topped with Monterey Jack cheese, tangy dill pickles, and smoky barbecue sauce, all nestled in buttery toasted slider buns. Perfect for game day or casual gatherings, these sliders bring bold Texas BBQ flavors to a party-friendly size.

Ingredients

For the Lil Texas Spice Rub

  • 1 tablespoon ancho chile powder
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 2 teaspoons New Mexico chile powder
  • 2 teaspoons chipotle chile powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground chile de arbol or cayenne pepper

For the Sliders

  • 2 pounds 85% lean ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon Lil Texas spice rub (from above)
  • 6 slices Monterey Jack cheese, quartered to make 24 pieces
  • 12 dill pickle chips
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce
  • 12 slider buns
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Make Spice Rub: In a small bowl, combine all the spices listed for the Lil Texas spice rub: ancho chile powder, paprika, New Mexico chile powder, chipotle chile powder, dried oregano, ground coriander, ground cumin, kosher salt, fresh ground black pepper, and ground chile de arbol or cayenne pepper. Stir until thoroughly mixed.
  2. Preheat Grill: Heat your grill to high heat, aiming for about 450°F to get the perfect sear on the patties.
  3. Form Patties: Divide the ground beef into 12 equal portions, about 2 ½ to 3 ounces each. Shape each portion into a ½ inch thick patty, pressing a shallow indentation in the center of each to ensure even cooking.
  4. Season Burgers: Lightly sprinkle approximately ¼ teaspoon of the prepared Lil Texas spice rub evenly over each patty, pressing it gently into the meat. Let the patties rest for 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  5. Grill Burgers: Place the patties on the preheated grill. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they develop a light char. Flip the patties and cook another 2 to 3 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F for safe consumption.
  6. Add Sauce and Cheese: Brush the tops of the burgers with some of the barbecue sauce during the last minute of grilling. Remove the patties from the grill and place them on a tray with the sauce side down. Then brush the top side with more barbecue sauce and top each with two small pieces of the quartered Monterey Jack cheese.
  7. Toast Buns: Brush the cut sides of the slider buns with melted unsalted butter. Place them cut side down on the grill and toast for about 1 minute until they turn golden and slightly crisp.
  8. Assemble Sliders: Spread a little barbecue sauce on the bottom halves of the buns. Add a cheesy burger patty, top each with a dill pickle chip, and finish by capping with the toasted top buns.
  9. Serve: Serve the Lil Texas BBQ Sliders immediately while warm for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Letting the patties rest after seasoning helps the spices penetrate and enhances flavor.
  • Using 85% lean ground beef balances juiciness and structure in the sliders.
  • Adjust the amount of barbecue sauce to taste—feel free to add more or less depending on preference.
  • Ensure the grill is properly preheated to get a good sear and prevent sticking.
  • Internal temperature of 160°F is recommended for ground beef to ensure safety.
  • Use butter generously on buns for a richer taste and better toasting results.
  • Quartering the cheese slices gives a perfect small topping for sliders without overpowering each bite.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Texan, American

Find it online: https://sarabaking.com/lil-texas-bbq-sliders-recipe/