A Case Of The Mondays Dinner
A Case Of The Mondays Dinner is a easy American recipe that serves 5. 450 calories per serving. Recipe by benjamins.kitchen on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 35 min | Total: 1 hr
Cost: $17.49 total, $3.50 per serving
Ingredients
- 5 pieces King's Hawaiian Rolls (soft sweet rolls, sliced lengthwise)
- 1 lb Ground Beef (80% lean, fresh)
- 1 cup Shredded Cheese (cheddar or mozzarella, grated)
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 0.5 tsp Cumin
- 1 tsp Salt (to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 tbsp Tomato Paste
- 0.25 cup Pico de Gallo (fresh or leftover)
- 1 lb Spring Mix Salad (for side salad)
- 2 medium Potatoes (for waffle fries, optional)
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil (for tossing fries)
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Set the oven to 350°F and allow it to preheat while you prepare the rolls and beef.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 350°F
Prepare Rolls
Using a sharp knife, slice each King’s Hawaiian roll lengthwise without cutting all the way through, creating a hinge.
Time: PT2M
Add Cheese to Rolls
Place the opened rolls on a sheet pan and sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the interior of each roll.
Time: PT2M
Bake Rolls
Bake the cheese‑topped rolls for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the tops are lightly golden.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 350°F
Brown Ground Beef
While the rolls bake, heat a skillet over medium‑high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook until browned, about 8 minutes.
Time: PT8M
Season the Beef
Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper over the beef. Continue cooking until the spices are fragrant, about 2 minutes.
Time: PT2M
Drain Excess Fat
Place a colander over a bowl, pour the cooked beef into it, and let the hot fat drip away. Return the drained beef to the skillet.
Time: PT2M
Add Tomato Paste and Pico
Stir in 1 tablespoon of tomato paste and ¼ cup of pico de gallo. Cook, stirring, for 3‑5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
Time: PT5M
Assemble the Sliders
Remove the baked rolls from the oven. On the bottom half of each roll, spoon a generous amount of the seasoned beef, then place the top half back on.
Time: PT5M
Serve with Sides
Plate the sliders with a side of spring‑mix salad and, if desired, baked waffle fries.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 450
- Protein
- 25g
- Carbohydrates
- 35g
- Fat
- 20g
- Fiber
- 2g
Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains gluten, Contains dairy
Allergens: Wheat, Dairy, Beef
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of King's Hawaiian Rolls: Dinner rolls, brioche buns
- Instead of Ground Beef: Ground turkey, ground pork
- Instead of Shredded Cheese: Monterey Jack, American cheese
- Instead of Garlic Powder: Fresh minced garlic
- Instead of Onion Powder: Finely minced onion
- Instead of Cumin: Ground coriander
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt, Kosher salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
- Instead of Tomato Paste: Tomato sauce (reduced)
- Instead of Pico de Gallo: Fresh salsa, diced tomatoes with cilantro
- Instead of Spring Mix Salad: Mixed greens, baby spinach
- Instead of Potatoes: Sweet potatoes
- Instead of Olive Oil: vegetable oil, canola oil
Equipment Needed
- Sheet Pan
- Knife
- Grater
- Skillet
- Spatula
- Colander
- Oven
- Measuring Spoons
- Oven Mitts
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Browning the ground beef without over‑stirring
- Draining excess fat from the cooked beef
- Baking the rolls until the cheese fully melts
- Seasoning the beef to taste before adding tomato paste
- Assembling the sliders while the rolls are still warm
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a blend of sharp cheddar and mozzarella for the best melt and flavor.
- For extra crispness, toast the rolled tops under the broiler for 1 minute after the cheese melts.
- Add a dash of hot sauce or chipotle powder to the beef for a subtle kick.
Troubleshooting
Beef turns out dry.
Do not overcook; remove from heat as soon as it is browned and add a splash of broth or water when mixing in tomato paste.
Cheese does not melt fully.
Increase oven temperature to 375°F for the last 2‑3 minutes or switch to broil briefly.
Rolls become soggy after adding beef.
Allow the baked rolls to cool for a minute before adding the beef, and keep the beef mixture slightly thickened.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store cooked beef and baked rolls separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Beef mixture can be frozen for up to 2 months; reheat before assembling. Do not freeze assembled sliders.
Room temperature: Do not leave assembled sliders at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Cook the seasoned ground beef a day ahead and store in the fridge; reheat gently before assembling.
- Slice the Hawaiian rolls and keep them wrapped; add cheese and bake just before serving.
- Prepare pico de gallo in advance for a burst of fresh flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Hawaiian rolls in American cuisine?
King’s Hawaiian rolls originated in Hawaii in the 1950s and became popular across the United States for their soft, sweet texture. They are now a staple in American brunches, parties, and family meals, often used for sliders and pull‑apart breads.
What are traditional regional variations of sliders in the United States?
In the Midwest, sliders often feature beef with cheese on a soft bun, while the West Coast favors gourmet toppings like avocado or spicy aioli. Southern sliders may include pork or chicken with pickles, and New England versions sometimes use lobster or seafood.
How are beef sliders traditionally served in family gatherings in American culture?
Beef sliders are commonly served as a casual finger food at backyard barbecues, game‑day parties, and holiday buffets. They are paired with simple sides such as coleslaw, potato chips, or a fresh green salad, making them easy to eat while socializing.
What occasions or celebrations are beef Hawaiian sliders associated with in the US?
These sliders are popular at birthday parties, Super Bowl gatherings, picnics, and casual weekend dinners. Their bite‑size nature makes them perfect for events where guests mingle and eat handheld foods.
What makes Hawaiian roll sliders special or unique in American comfort food?
The sweet, buttery flavor of King’s Hawaiian rolls adds a contrast to the savory, seasoned beef, creating a balanced bite that feels both indulgent and comforting. This sweet‑savory pairing is a hallmark of many American comfort dishes.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making beef Hawaiian sliders?
Common errors include over‑stirring the beef, which prevents a good crust; not draining excess fat, leading to soggy sliders; and under‑seasoning the meat. Also, baking the rolls at too low a temperature can result in cheese that doesn’t melt fully.
Why does this recipe bake the rolls at 350°F instead of a higher temperature?
Baking at 350°F gently melts the cheese while keeping the soft roll interior fluffy. A higher temperature could brown the roll too quickly, making it dry before the cheese fully melts.
How do I know when the ground beef is properly browned and safe to eat?
The beef should develop a deep brown color and release a rich, nutty aroma. After browning, check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it must reach at least 160°F (71°C) for safety.
What does the YouTube channel benjamins.kitchen specialize in?
The YouTube channel benjamins.kitchen focuses on budget‑friendly, family‑oriented meals that maximize flavor while minimizing grocery costs. The host often shares shopping tips, quick prep methods, and practical cooking hacks for busy parents.
How does the YouTube channel benjamins.kitchen's approach to budget‑friendly family meals differ from other cooking channels?
Benjamins.kitchen emphasizes real‑world grocery savings, using marked‑down items and leftovers to create complete meals. Unlike many channels that showcase specialty ingredients, this channel demonstrates how to build tasty dishes from everyday, affordable pantry staples.
Last updated: August 28, 2026
