Name: Southwest Cheeseburger Slider
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 12 Sliders
Ingredients: 1½ pounds ground beef; 2 tablespoons finely chopped white onion; 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped; 1 ½ teaspoons chili powder; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; ¼ teaspoon dried oregano; ¼ teaspoon dried basil; ¼ teaspoon salt; ⅛ teaspoon ground pepper; 6 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, cut in 12 slices; 4 ounces canned refried beans, heated; ⅔ cup guacamole—try Mary’s Favorite Guacamole!; ⅓ cup prepared salsa; ⅓ cup sour cream; ¼ cup sliced black olives; 1 cup chopped lettuce; 12 slider buns, split and lightly toasted

Appetizers

Southwest Cheeseburger Slider

Author: Mary DiSomma

When I was testing out this Southwest Cheeseburger Slider recipe, it was an instant hit. My dear friend Bud requested some extra spice—that’s how chorizo got involved. Either way you make them, these little burgers have just the right amount of flavor (a lot) and are such a fun twist on the classic cheeseburger. They’re perfect for parties, especially summer BBQs. I LOVE setting up a DIY burger bar where everyone can build their own—just set out some toppings and condiments and let the grill master do the rest!

Ingredient Tips

Like so many delicious things, the exact origin of the slider is hard to pin down. Most folks credit Walter Anderson, who created the “mini-burger” in Wichita, Kansas, back in 1916. Just a few years later, Anderson founded White Castle—the restaurant chain that made sliders famous. Thanks, Walt!

The original White Castle slider was a thin patty with diced onions—simple. And they sold for just 5 cents! Today, a White Castle slider will set you back just over a dollar, but they’re still just as craveable. Some devout fans observe National Slider Day on May 15 each year. Keep reading to learn how to make your own homemade slider burgers whenever the craving strikes.

Preparation + Preservation Tips

Looking to turn up the heat? Let me tell you—when I was making these sliders at the farm, our friend Bud was right there taste-testing with us. He took one bite and said, “This is good... but could use a little more kick.” That’s when we had a flash of genius and decided to mix in some Mexican chorizo.

Let me tell you—it was a game changer! That spicy, savory chorizo (mixed in with the beef base) took these sliders to a whole new level. Now, this isn’t part of the official recipe—but if you’re feeling bold, try adding a little crumbled chorizo to your burger mix. Just a little tip from my kitchen to yours!

The best thing about this southwest cheeseburger slider recipe is how customizable it is. You can feel free to get creative and try anything you want! Think pepper jack cheese, avocado slices, spicy aioli, or even crushed tortilla chips for a little crunch. Find me on Instagram and let me know if you come up with a revolutionary one!

When you don’t know what toppings each of your individual guests likes best, here’s one solution that never fails: Make it a bar. Put all your toppings out on the table, and let your guests load up their own little burger exactly the way they like it! You can use a slow cooker on low to keep the burgers warm and keep all your favorite sides nearby. Easy peasy!

Extra Tips

If you loved these southwest sliders, don’t miss my next recipe: A slow-cooked BBQ beef slider that’s tender, tangy, and perfect for lazy days. I’ve got a couple more goodies you might like too—check out the articles below!

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