Maid-Rite Sliders

Maid-Rite Inspired Sliders bring the magic of a Midwest classic to your home, with the same savory, comforting flavors of a loose meat sandwich served up in bite-sized slider form. This recipe is perfect for parties or any casual gathering, offering the savory goodness of seasoned ground beef, tangy pickles, and melted cheese, all nestled in soft buns. Here’s how you can recreate this iconic sandwich at home!

What You’ll Need for These Sliders

(Makes 12 sliders – plan on 2 per person)

For the Star of the Show:

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 for the best flavor!)
• 1 tablespoon minced onion (finely chopped)
• ½ cup water
• 1 beef bouillon cube (our secret ingredient!)
• 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

For Building These Beauties:

• 12 slider buns, soft and ready
• Dill pickle slices, plenty!
• 6 slices American or cheddar cheese (your choice!)

For the Heavenly Topping:

• ½ cup butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (adds the perfect kick)

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Let’s Make Some Magic

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Brown the Ground Beef:
   • Heat a skillet over medium-high and brown the ground beef, breaking it up into very small crumbles. Once browned and no longer pink, drain any excess fat.
3. Season the Beef:
   • Add the minced onion, water, beef bouillon cube, cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce to the beef. Let it simmer until the liquid evaporates, concentrating all those rich flavors.
4. Assemble the Sliders:
   • Place the bottom half of the slider buns in a baking dish. Layer on the seasoned beef mixture, followed by dill pickle slices and cheese slices. Top with the remaining bun halves.
5. Create the Topping:
   • In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard. Brush this flavorful mixture generously over the top of the buns for a sweet and savory finish.
6. Bake to Perfection:
   • Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the buns are golden and toasty.

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A Few Tips from My Kitchen to Yours:

• The finer you break up the meat while cooking, the more authentic the texture will be.
• Let the liquid simmer until it evaporates fully – this is key to concentrating the flavors and achieving that perfect Maid-Rite taste.
• Make-ahead: You can prepare the meat mixture a day ahead, then assemble and bake the sliders when you’re ready to serve.
• Customize: If you prefer, swap in different cheeses or add your favorite toppings to personalize these sliders.

These Maid-Rite Inspired Sliders will bring a little piece of the Midwest right to your table. Perfect for your next party or family gathering, they’re sure to be a hit! Let me know in the comments if you make them – I’d love to hear how they turned out!