Chili's-Style Big Mouth Sliders

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare Onions: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add sliced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and caramelized, about 15-20 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.

2. 2

   Cook Bacon: In the same skillet (or a separate pan), cook bacon over medium heat until crispy. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Once cool enough to handle, crumble or cut into small pieces.

3. 3

   Prepare Patties: While bacon cooks, gently mix ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Form into 8-12 small, thin patties, roughly the size of your slider buns. Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty to prevent puffing.

4. 4

   Cook Patties: Increase heat in the skillet to medium-high. Add patties and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until desired doneness.

5. 5

   Melt Cheese: During the last minute of cooking, place a quartered cheese slice on top of each patty. Cover the skillet briefly to help the cheese melt.

6. 6

   Assemble Sliders: Lightly toast slider buns if desired. Spread a small amount of ranch dressing on the top bun. Place a cooked patty with melted cheese on the bottom bun. Top with a spoonful of sautéed onions and some crumbled bacon.

7. 7

   Serve: Close with the top bun and serve immediately with extra ranch dressing on the side for dipping. Add pickles, lettuce, or tomato if desired.