Start by placing your oven rack in the center and preheating the oven to 350°F. Line a 9" x 13" baking dish with parchment paper and set aside. This step ensures your sliders won’t stick and will come out easily.
Next, heat a medium-sized skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and onion. Use a spatula to break the beef apart as it cooks. Season with black pepper, salt, and garlic powder, stirring to combine. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink.
Once the beef is cooked, remove the skillet from heat and spoon away any excess fat and juices. This is crucial for keeping your sliders from being greasy.
In the same skillet, add ketchup, mayonnaise, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika to the beef. Stir until everything is evenly combined, ensuring that each bite will be flavorful.
Slice the dinner rolls in half horizontally while keeping them attached. Place the bottom layer in the prepared baking dish.
Now, take 4 slices of cheddar cheese and lay them over the bottom layer of rolls. You can cut the cheese if needed to fit perfectly.
Spread the seasoned ground beef mixture evenly over the cheese, using the spatula to create a squared-off edge around the perimeter.
Place the remaining 4 slices of cheddar over the top of the beef, again cutting to fit as necessary. This layer of cheese will melt beautifully over the beef.
Top each slider with 2 pickle slices, then place the top layer of rolls back on and gently press down. This helps to hold everything together nicely.
Brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter, then sprinkle with sesame seeds to add a nice golden finish.
Cover the pan tightly with foil and place it in the center of the oven. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the sliders are thoroughly warmed.
Finally, remove the foil and bake for an additional 1 to 3 minutes, until the cheese is melty and the tops are toasted to your liking. Once done, remove from the oven and allow sliders to rest for a few minutes before serving. This will make them easier to handle.
