Easy Mexican Burger Sliders With Spicy Tex-Mex Cheese

If you’ve got a big gathering coming up and don’t want to spend all day in the kitchen, we’ve got you covered. These Mexican burger sliders will spice up your party and are super easy to make. 

You need only five ingredients to make a Tex-Mex-inspired feast, so you should try these delicious sliders now. 

Want more delicious slider recipes to try out?  If you loved this recipe, and you’d like some more sliders, you can start with some easy turkey cranberry sliders that are great for using up leftovers. Or for a classic option, go with the cheeseburger sliders in Hawaiian rolls.

Looking for more Mexican food to try for another themed night? Try a classic sheet pan fajitas recipe the whole family will enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings, this recipe is incredibly straightforward and doesn’t require a lot of time to prepare.
• Bold Flavors: Combining the zest of Tex-Mex spices with the savory richness of cheese, these sliders are guaranteed to be a hit with anyone who loves bold, delicious flavors.
• Minimal Ingredients: With just five ingredients needed, this recipe is both budget-friendly and convenient, making it accessible for everyone.
• Party-Friendly: These sliders are the ideal size for sharing, making them a great option for parties, picnics, or any get-together where you want to impress your guests with minimal effort.

What Are Tex Mex Sliders? 

Sliders take all the delicious taste of your favorite beef burger and pack it into an almost bite-sized package. 

This Mexican hamburger recipe has a fun Southwestern twist. By adding salsa to your patties and pepper jack on top, you get a kick of spicy flavor. 

Tex Mex sliders are easy to make and fun to eat. You’ll be showing them off at all your parties!

What’s In This Mexican Burger Recipe?

• Salsa: A crucial component that brings a burst of tangy, spicy flavor to the sliders, ensuring each bite has a hint of authentic Southwestern zest. Choose a mild or hot salsa based on your spice preference.
• Breadcrumbs: These help to bind the patties together while adding a slight crunch, ensuring they hold their shape perfectly when cooked.
• Ground Beef (Lean): Opt for lean ground beef (beef mince) to keep the sliders juicy and flavorful without being overly greasy. It’s the hearty base that carries all the Tex-Mex flavors.
• Pepper Jack Cheese: This cheese adds a rich, creamy texture with a spicy kick, melding wonderfully with the beef and salsa mixture.
• Dinner Rolls or Slider Buns: Soft and fluffy, these buns are perfect for flavorful patties, making each slider easy to handle and delicious to eat. You can use a brioche bun, burger buns, or slider buns.

The complete list of ingredients, quantities, and instructions can be found in the printable recipe card below.

Substitutions and Variations

• Ground Turkey or Chicken: If you prefer a lighter option, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. Both variations maintain the meaty texture while offering a slightly different flavor profile.
• Cheese Alternatives: If you’re not a fan of Pepper Jack cheese, you can use Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a Mexican blend of cheeses for a milder or more varied taste.
• Vegan Option: To make these sliders completely animal-free, replace the ground beef with veggie burgers and use vegan cheese.
• Gluten-Free: Choose gluten-free breadcrumbs and buns to accommodate gluten sensitivities or preferences, ensuring that everyone can enjoy these delicious sliders.
• Add Guacamole: Spread a layer of guacamole on each slider for a creamy, rich addition that brings extra flavor and texture.
• Spice It Up: If you love heat, consider adding diced jalapeños to the patties or topping each slider with a slice of pickled jalapeño for an extra kick.
• Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian-friendly slider, use black bean patties or a mixture of beans and vegetables in place of ground beef.

How To Make Beef Tex Mex Sliders (step-by-step directions)

1. In a large bowl, combine beef, salsa, and bread crumbs. Form into 12 small patties. (Photos 1, 2 & 3)
2. Fry in a skillet, bake, or grill under the grill until the insides are no longer pink and the juices run clear (about 7-8 minutes). (Photo 4)

1. Top each burger patty with a slice of cheese and cover with a lid (or return to oven/grill) for just long enough for the cheese to melt. (Photo 5)
2. Assemble sliders, adding extra salsa in place of traditional condiments. (Photo 6)

Recipe Tips

• Choose Quality Ingredients: Use fresh salsa and high-quality ground beef to ensure your sliders’ best flavor and texture.
• Consistent Patties: To ensure even cooking, make sure each patty is roughly the same size. Using a cookie scoop can help portion the meat mixture.
• Heat Control: Cook the patties over medium heat to avoid burning the outside before the inside is thoroughly cooked.
• Melt the Cheese Properly: To get the best melt on the Pepper Jack cheese, cover the skillet with a lid or use a tent of aluminum foil to trap some steam.
• Serve Immediately: These sliders taste best when they are served hot off the grill or pan, ensuring the cheese stays melty and the patties remain juicy.
• Extra Toppings: You can enhance your sliders with additional toppings like sliced avocado, lettuce, tomato, or a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor and texture.

Alternative Cooking Methods

Cooking Tex Mex sliders in the air fryer offers a convenient and healthier alternative to traditional frying methods. To prepare, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the formed patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the patties are no longer pink in the center and have reached an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). 

Once cooked, place a slice of Pepper Jack cheese on each patty and return them to the air fryer for an additional 1-2 minutes or until the cheese has melted. This method results in juicy patties with a slightly crispy exterior, without adding oil. 

Storing Tips 

To store leftover Tex Mex sliders, allow them to cool to room temperature before placing them in an airtight container. Store the container in the refrigerator, where the sliders can last up to 3 days while retaining their flavors and texture. Be sure to keep the patties and buns separate to prevent sogginess.

You can freeze Tex Mex sliders. To do so, assemble the patties without the buns and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze the patties until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To freeze the buns, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag.

For the best results, thaw frozen patties in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat the patties in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave the patties on medium power for about 1-2 minutes, but this method may result in a slightly different texture. Toast the buns lightly before assembling the sliders for a fresh taste. If you have frozen buns, allow them to thaw at room temperature before toasting.

Serving Suggestions

Tex-Mex sliders pair wonderfully with a variety of sides that complement their bold, spicy flavors. Consider serving them with corn on the cob, either grilled or boiled, brushed with a little butter, and sprinkled with cheese and chili powder for an extra kick. Mexican street corn salad (elote en vaso) is another great option, combining sweet corn with mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, and cotija cheese. 

Guacamole and fresh pico de gallo with tortilla chips also make excellent, easy accompaniments that are sure to be crowd-pleasers. For a heartier side, try Spanish rice or refried beans, both of which add a savory, satisfying element to the meal. Finally, a fresh green salad with a tangy lime vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, spicy sliders.

Recipe FAQs

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