Football Fiesta Sliders

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) ground beef 1 pound (450g) ground beef
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 8 slices of cheddar cheese 8 slices of cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup (120ml) salsa 1/2 cup (120ml) salsa
• 12 slider buns 12 slider buns
• Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato slices, pickles Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato slices, pickles

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 8g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 21g, 3g
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the grill or stovetop pan over medium heat.
2. 2.
   In a bowl, combine the ground beef, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well until the spices are evenly distributed.
3. 3.
   Divide the beef mixture into 12 equal portions and shape them into small patties.
4. 4.
   Grill or cook the patties on the stovetop pan for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.
5. 5.
   Place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty and allow it to melt slightly.
6. 6.
   Slice the slider buns in half and lightly toast them.
7. 7.
   Spread salsa on the bottom half of each bun.
8. 8.
   Place a beef patty with melted cheese on top of the salsa.
9. 9.
   Add optional toppings such as lettuce, tomato slices, and pickles.
10. 10.
    Cover with the top half of the bun and secure with a toothpick to resemble a football.
11. 11.
    Serve the Football Fiesta Sliders warm and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground beef — Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option. Make sure to handle raw meat with proper hygiene and cook it thoroughly to ensure food safety.
• Salsa — Opt for a chunky salsa with your preferred level of spiciness to add a vibrant flavor to the sliders.

Tips & Tricks

• Customize the sliders by adding your favorite toppings such as avocado, jalapenos, or crispy bacon.
• For a smoky flavor, grill the slider buns for a few seconds before assembling the sandwiches.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, mix some hot sauce into the ground beef mixture before shaping the patties.
• Serve the sliders with a side of crispy sweet potato fries for a complete game day feast.
• Make the patties in advance and refrigerate them until ready to cook for a quicker preparation on game day.

Serving advice

Arrange the Football Fiesta Sliders on a platter in the shape of a football field, using lettuce leaves to resemble grass. Serve with extra salsa on the side for dipping.

Presentation advice

To enhance the football theme, use toothpicks with small football-shaped flags to secure the sliders. Place the toothpicks strategically to resemble a football play diagram.