Ingredients

1/2 cup flatleaf parsley

1/2 cup fresh cilantro

1 shallot, roughly chopped

1 jalapeno, seeded and finely chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup white vinegar or fresh lime juice

1 Tbsp fresh oregano, chopped

2/3 cup olive oil

1/4 tsp black pepper

1/4 to 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

1 tsp sea salt, to taste

1 pound ground beef

3 Tbsp chimichurri sauce, plus more for serving

6 to 8 slices pepper jack cheese

1 to 2 large ripe avocados, sliced

Mixed greens

10 slider buns, toasted

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the chimichurri sauce by adding parsley, cilantro, shallot, jalapeno, garlic, vinegar or lime juice, oregano, black pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), and sea salt to a blender or food processor. Blend on low speed until ingredients are chopped.

Step 2: While blending on low, slowly pour in the olive oil until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. Transfer to a jar, seal, and refrigerate for up to one week.

Step 3: In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef with 3 tablespoons of chimichurri sauce. Season with sea salt and black pepper, then gently mix with your hands until well combined.

Step 4: Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Form the beef into 10 small patties and place them on the skillet.

Step 5: Cook the patties until juices begin to seep out and the bottoms are firm and crispy, about 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 6: Flip the patties and cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute. Add pepper jack cheese slices and continue cooking until the cheese melts and patties reach medium-rare or your preferred doneness.

Step 7: Toast the slider buns under the broiler, cut-side up, just until lightly browned. Optionally, spread butter on the buns before toasting.

Step 8: Assemble the sliders by layering mixed greens, chimichurri beef patties, and avocado slices on the buns. Drizzle extra chimichurri sauce on top before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra smoky flavor, grill the patties instead of cooking them in a skillet.

Swap pepper jack cheese for mozzarella or cheddar if preferred.

Add pickled red onions or sliced tomatoes for additional texture and flavor.

Use lime juice in the chimichurri for a brighter, citrusy note.

Make sliders vegetarian by substituting the beef patties with grilled portobello mushrooms or black bean patties and topping with chimichurri.

FAQs

Can I make the chimichurri sauce ahead of time?

Yes, chimichurri sauce tastes even better after the flavors meld. It can be made up to one week in advance and stored refrigerated in a sealed jar.

What’s the best way to cook the sliders to avoid dryness?

Cooking the sliders to medium-rare helps keep them juicy and tender. Avoid pressing down on the patties while cooking to retain moisture. Using ground beef with a bit of fat (around 80/20) also improves juiciness.