Super Speedy Sliders

I know it’s still the middle of winter, the season of soups, stews, and braises, and generally I’m enjoying all of these wonderful winter foods most throughly. But. Last night I was seriously craving burgers. I know burgers are usually “summer food,” but sometimes regardless of season you just need a nice juicy burger. Surely I’m not the only person this happens to? 

So, first thing in the morning I pulled ground beef out of the freezer to defrost and went about my business.

However, yesterday quickly turned into one of those super busy days, and I didn’t get around to starting dinner till about half an hour before it was time to eat.

I still needed that burger in a bad way; so big giant juicy burgers morphed into four bite juicy little sliders, because they cook way way faster. Also in the name of speed and simplicity I went for my no frills go-to seasoning blend that works particularly well for burgers, though it’s fairly complementary to pretty much any meat. I also added a generous splash of Worcestershire sauce because nothing ups the juicy factor like Worcestershire. Though I must admit I totally can not pronounce the word Worcestershire. I know it’s not that hard of a word to say but it always comes out sounding like gibberish.

Oh well. 

Anyhow, enjoy these tasty burgers asap!

BTW these pair really nicely with roasted new potatoes (as you can see in the pictures). 

“No Frills” Burger Seasoning -Yields aprox. 1/2 cup seasoning.

• 2 tablespoons garlic powder
• 1  tablespoon onion powder 
• 2 tablespoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon black pepper 
• 1  teaspoon brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1. Mix all spices together, well,  in a small bowl. 

Note: Extra spice mixture can be stored in an airtight container.

Super Speedy Sliders -Yields 10 sliders.

• 2 lbs 80/20 ground beef
• 1/8 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 4-6 teaspoons “no frills” burger seasoning
• 10 slices of cheese (Try Havarti or a nice Sharp Cheddar.)
• 10 small buns
• Any burger garnish desired (I recommend mayo, mustard, tomato, and sweet relish!)

1. In a large bowl gently mix together the ground beef and Worcestershire sauce.

2. Divide the meat into 10 equal portions. Use your hands to form patties from each portion. Be sure to use your thumb to make an indent in the center of each patty. This will keep the patties from puffing up as they cook.

3. Liberally season both sides of the burgers using the “no frills” burger seasoning mix. 

4. Heat a grill pan or skillet to medium high heat. Place the burgers into the pan and cook until a dark crust is formed on the bottom side of the patty. 

5. Flip and cook until a dark crust forms on the opposite side of the patty. 

6. Add cheese to the tops of burgers. Add a small splash of water to the pan and cover until the cheese is melted. Transfer the burgers to their buns, and garnish as desired.