Name: Lean Grilled Hamburger Sliders Recipe With Hot Sauce Slaw
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 oz plain yogurt; ½ chipotle pepper, seeded and minced; 1 tsp adobo sauce; ½ tsp fresh lime juice; ⅛ tsp salt; 1½ cups chopped green cabbage; 1½ cups chopped red cabbage; 3 Tbsp minced cilantro; 1 Tbsp fresh lime juice; ½ tsp Cholula green pepper sauce; Pinch of salt; 1 Tbsp + 1 tsp extra-virgin olive oil; 1½ lb extra-lean 93% ground beef; ¼ cup minced cilantro; 1 tsp Cholula green pepper sauce; ¾ tsp salt; 12 whole-wheat dinner rolls, lightly toasted

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Short Description

Mini grilled beef sliders topped with a tangy yogurt-chipotle sauce and crisp hot sauce cabbage slaw—perfectly balanced, juicy, and easy to make for casual gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Light yet flavorful: Lean beef keeps it healthy without sacrificing taste
Tangy slaw kick: Creamy yogurt-chipotle sauce and zesty slaw add bold freshness
Perfectly portioned: 2-ounce patties make serving easy and family-friendly
Quick grilling: Sliders cook in just 6 minutes total for fast weeknight meals

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

The Sauce

6 oz plain yogurt
½ chipotle pepper, seeded and minced
1 tsp adobo sauce (from the chipotle pepper can)
½ tsp fresh lime juice
⅛ tsp salt

The Slaw

1½ cups chopped green cabbage
1½ cups chopped red cabbage
3 Tbsp minced cilantro
1 Tbsp fresh lime juice
½ tsp Cholula green pepper sauce
Pinch of salt
1 Tbsp + 1 tsp extra-virgin olive oil

The Hamburgers

1½ lb extra-lean 93% ground beef
¼ cup minced cilantro
1 tsp Cholula green pepper sauce
¾ tsp salt
12 whole-wheat dinner rolls, lightly toasted

Directions

The Sauce

In a medium bowl, combine yogurt, minced chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, lime juice, and salt. Stir until smooth and well combined.

The Slaw

In a medium bowl, mix green cabbage, red cabbage, and cilantro.
In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, Cholula sauce, salt, and olive oil.
Pour dressing over cabbage mixture and toss to coat evenly.

The Hamburgers

Preheat grill to medium-high.
In a bowl, combine ground beef, cilantro, Cholula sauce, and salt. Mix thoroughly. Divide into 12 equal 2-ounce patties, about ¾–1 inch thick.
(Optional: Make ahead. Chill patties covered, then bring to room temperature before grilling.)
Grill patties, lid closed, for 3 minutes per side for medium-rare (leave a hint of pink for juiciness). Remove from grill.
Spread 2 teaspoons of the yogurt-chipotle sauce on each roll. Top with one patty and about ¼ cup slaw. Serve immediately.

Servings And Timing

Yields 12 sliders
Prep time: ~15 minutes (can prep sauce and slaw ahead)
Cook time: ~6 minutes for patties
Total time: ~20–25 minutes

Variations

Heat level: Swap chipotle for jalapeño or add extra adobo sauce for smokier spice
Cheesy twist: Add pepper jack or cheddar slice to each patty during the last minute of grilling
Bun alternatives: Swap whole-wheat rolls for mini brioche buns or lettuce wraps
Protein swap: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef
Veggie boost: Add tomato slices, sliced avocado, or pickled red onions

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store sauce, slaw, and cooked patties separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days
Reheating: Reheat patties in a skillet or microwave; re-toast buns briefly before assembling
Assemble just before serving to keep patties juicy and slaw crisp

FAQs

Can I cook patties indoors instead of on a grill?
Yes—use a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat, cooking 3 minutes per side.

Can I make these sliders ahead?
Yes—prepare sauce and slaw in advance. Form patties and refrigerate, then grill and assemble when ready.

Is it spicy?
Mild to moderate. Adjust chipotle and Cholula levels for more or less heat.

How do I prevent patties from drying out?
Use lean beef but don’t overcook—medium-rare keeps them juicy.

Can I use different buns?
Absolutely—mini brioche or whole-wheat slider buns work great, or use lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes—just double all ingredients for a larger serving.

Is this kid-friendly?
Yes—omit chipotle and Cholula for a milder flavor that kids will enjoy.

Can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free rolls and ensure sauces are certified gluten-free.

Can I prep slaw in advance?
Yes—it stays crisp in the fridge for 1–2 days. Dress just before serving for the best texture.

Is there a dairy-free sauce alternative?
Yes—use dairy-free yogurt or sour cream to make the sauce vegan-friendly.

Conclusion

These Lean Grilled Hamburger Sliders with Hot Sauce Slaw are a flavorful, wholesome update on the classic slider—a perfect blend of moist lean beef, creamy chipotle yogurt sauce, and crisp, zesty slaw. Easy to prep, quick to cook, and endlessly customizable, they’re ideal for summer cookouts, casual meals, or entertaining with a twist.