My Kids Wanted Cheeseburgers

Ingredients

• 1.5 lb Ground Beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for juiciness)
• 1 tsp Salt (Kosher salt preferred)
• 0.5 tsp Black Pepper (Freshly ground)
• 1 tsp Smoked Paprika (Adds extra smoky depth)
• 12 pieces Mini Slider Buns (Prefer brioche or potato rolls)
• 6 slices Cheddar Cheese (Sharp cheddar, cut in half to fit sliders)
• 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter (Softened, for toasting buns)
• 0.5 cup Light Lager Beer (Adds flavor and helps thin the sauce)
• 2 tbsp Dijon Mustard (Smooth, sharp)
• 1 tbsp Yellow Mustard (Mild, for balance)
• 1 tbsp Honey (Adds subtle sweetness)
• 1 tsp Apple Cider Vinegar (Brightens the sauce)
• 1 tsp Hot Sauce (Sriracha or your favorite hot sauce)

Instructions

1. Make the Beer Mustard Sauce

   In a saucepan combine the beer, Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, and hot sauce. Whisk until smooth, then bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: Medium heat

2. Season and Form the Patties

   Place the ground beef in a mixing bowl, add salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Gently mix with hands or a spatula—do not overwork. Divide into 12 equal portions (about 2 oz each) and shape into thin patties slightly larger than the buns.

   Time: PT8M

3. Preheat the Smoker

   Set the smoker to 225°F (107°C) using a blend of hickory and apple wood chips for balanced smoke flavor. Allow the smoker to come to temperature before adding the meat.

   Time: PT10M

   Temperature: 225°F

4. Smoke the Patties

   Place the patties on the smoker grate, spacing them evenly. Smoke for about 15‑18 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 130°F (54°C).

   Time: PT18M

   Temperature: 225°F

5. Add Cheese and Finish Cooking

   Increase smoker temperature to 350°F (177°C) or move patties to a hot zone. Place a half slice of cheddar on each patty and cook for another 2‑3 minutes until cheese melts and internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: 350°F

6. Toast the Buns

   While the cheese melts, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Split the slider buns and toast cut side down for 1‑2 minutes until golden.

   Time: PT3M

   Temperature: Medium heat

7. Assemble the Sliders

   Spread a generous spoonful of the beer mustard sauce on the bottom bun, place the smoked cheeseburger patty, add another drizzle of sauce on top, then cap with the top bun.

   Time: PT3M

8. Rest and Serve

   Let the assembled sliders rest for 2 minutes to allow flavors to meld, then serve to the family.

   Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

300

Protein

15g

Carbohydrates

20g

Fat

15g

Fiber

1g