Name: CJ Mahoney's Troys 20 Slider Burgers Recipe
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 20 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3.5 lb ground beef (80/20); 2 tsp Kosher salt; 1 tsp black pepper; 1 tbs Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp granulated onion or onion powder; 20 each slider buns (approx. 2.5–3 inch); 10 slices American cheese slices; 4 tbs unsalted butter, softened (for toasting); 2 cups dill pickle slices; 1 cup red onion, thinly sliced; 4 cups green leaf lettuce, shredded or whole leaves; 2 each tomato, thinly sliced; 1 cup mayonnaise; 2 tsp neutral oil (vegetable or canola) for griddle; 2 tsp optional: sesame seeds (for buns)

Method

Beef Slider Patties

Prepare and portion beef

Place 3.5 lb ground beef in a large bowl. Sprinkle in 2 tsp kosher salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 1 tbs Worcestershire, and 1 tsp onion powder. Mix gently with your hands or a spatula until just combined — avoid overworking to keep patties tender.

Form patties

Divide the seasoned beef into 20 equal portions (each about 2.8 oz / ~80 g). Roll each portion lightly into a ball and then flatten into a round patty roughly the diameter of the slider buns (2.5–3 in) and about 1/4 inch thick. Make a shallow thumb indentation in the center of each patty to reduce puffing during cooking. Keep patties chilled on a tray while you heat the griddle or skillet.

Cooking & Cheese

Heat griddle or skillet

Preheat a large flat griddle or two large heavy skillets over medium-high heat. Brush the cooking surface lightly with 2 tsp neutral oil. Heat until shimmering and just beginning to smoke lightly (about 3–5 minutes depending on equipment).

Cook patties

Work in batches so patties have room. Place patties on the hot griddle. Cook 2–3 minutes without moving to get a good sear. Flip and cook another 1.5–2 minutes for medium (internal temp ~160°F/71°C for ground beef) or longer for well-done. If using cheese, place half-slices of American cheese over each patty immediately after flipping or in the last 30–45 seconds of cooking so it melts.

Keep warm

Transfer cooked patties to a baking sheet and cover loosely with foil to keep warm while you finish remaining patties. You can also place the sheet in a 200°F (95°C) oven to hold them.

Buns & Assembly Prep

Toast buns

Split the 20 slider buns. Spread a thin layer of softened butter on cut sides (top and bottom). Lightly toast cut-side down on a separate skillet or on the griddle until golden brown, about 1–2 minutes. If desired, sprinkle tops with sesame seeds before toasting.

Prepare toppings

Arrange pickles, sliced red onion, shredded lettuce, tomato slices, and mayonnaise in bowls or on a platter for self-serve. If serving later, keep tomatoes and lettuce chilled to preserve freshness.

Final Assembly & Serving

To assemble each slider: place a toasted bottom bun, add one hot beef patty (with cheese if used), then offer toppings on the side so guests can customize—add pickles, onion, lettuce, tomato and a dollop of mayo to taste. Cap with toasted bun top.

Serve immediately with extra napkins. For buffet/service: keep patties covered and buns lightly toasted; provide small plates and tongs or spoons for toppings so guests assemble their own sliders.