Prepare the Cowboy Butter:In a mixing bowl, combine ½ cup unsalted butter with 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Mix until fully combined and smooth. Set aside or refrigerate until ready to use.
Caramelize the Onions:In a large skillet over medium heat, add the thinly sliced onion. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onions are soft and golden brown, about 15-20 minutes. If they start to stick, you can add a splash of water or a bit of oil to help with the cooking process. Once done, remove from heat and set aside.
Cook the Beef:Using the same skillet, increase the heat to medium-high. Add 1 pound of ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. If using turkey or chicken, ensure it’s fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.
Assemble the Sliders:Slice your slider buns in half. Spread a generous layer of cowboy butter on both cut sides. On the bottom half, add a portion of the cooked beef followed by the caramelized onions. Top with the other half of the bun.
Final Cook:Return the assembled sliders to the skillet (add a little more butter if needed) and toast them on both sides until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side, creating a delightful crunch while warming the filling.