Ah, the comfort of a cheeseburger, the simplicity of a slider, and the hominess of a casserole—all these elements create a dish that just wraps you up like a patchwork quilt. Our Cheeseburger Sliders Casserole is a dish that's grounded in tradition while being perfect for today's family gatherings or a neighborly potluck. Born right out of innovation and resourcefulness, the way casseroles have always come to be, this recipe turns a grill-time favorite into a year-round, oven-baked delight. It's perfect for when you've got a passel of hungry mouths to feed and you want to make something hearty that brings everyone together around the table with a chorus of "Mmm-hmmms."

Now darlin', I like to serve these little bundles of joy with a side of bread-and-butter pickles and some kettle-cooked potato chips for that delightful crunch. If you're feelin' a bit more fancy, you might toss up a green salad with a vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the dish. And if the good Lord's been kind and your garden's brimming, a fresh tomato salad would be right nice too.

Servings: Serves 6-8

Ingredients:

- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 package (12 count) dinner rolls, preferably sweet Hawaiian rolls
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- Optional garnish: pickle slices, minced fresh onion

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

2. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the beef is no longer pink, then drain the excess grease.

3. Slice the dinner rolls in half horizontally (keeping them attached to one another if possible) and place the bottom half in the prepared baking dish.

4. Spread the cooked beef and onion mixture over the rolls, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar evenly on top. Replace the top half of the dinner rolls.

5. In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, ketchup, and yellow mustard, and then spread this mixture over the roll tops. Brush the melted butter over the mixture and sprinkle sesame seeds atop.

6. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.

7. Let it sit for a few minutes before slicing into individual sliders, garnish with pickles and minced onion if desired, and serve warm.

Variations & Tips:

Now, every good cook knows a recipe is just a starting place. You want to put a little "this or that" into your casserole? Go right ahead, honey! Some folks like to toss some crumbled bacon or a can of drained chopped green chilies into the beef. Others might swap out that cheddar for pepper jack if they're fans of a little kick. And for a lighter option, consider using ground turkey and low-fat cheese – the flavor will still be there waiting for you. Just remember, the secret to a good casserole is making it with love and serving it with a smile.

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