Cheeseburger Sliders

Instructions

1. Preheat oven Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure the rack is in the center position and have a 9×13 inch baking dish ready.
2. Season and bake the beef layer Add **2 pounds ground beef**, **2 teaspoons salt**, **2 teaspoons black pepper**, and **2 teaspoons garlic powder** directly into a **9×13 inch baking dish**. Use clean hands or a spatula to mix thoroughly and press the meat into a flat, even layer. Bake at **350°F for 20 minutes**, then remove the dish from the oven and carefully drain off the excess fat.
3. Prepare the rolls and toppings While the beef bakes, finely dice **1/2 white onion**. Slice the **6 slices cheddar cheese** and **6 slices cooked bacon (if using)** into pieces that will cover the sliders evenly. Slice the **12-pack of dinner rolls or Hawaiian sweet rolls** in half horizontally so you have a connected bottom slab and a connected top slab.
4. Assemble the sliders Place the **bottom half of the 12-pack rolls** back into the same **9×13 inch baking dish**. Lay the baked beef layer on top of the rolls. Sprinkle the **diced onion** evenly over the beef, then layer on the **cheddar cheese slices** and the **6 slices cooked bacon pieces** (if using). Place the **top half of the rolls** over the filling to form one large slider slab.
5. Brush with butter and add sesame seeds Brush the tops of the rolls with **2 tablespoons melted butter**, then sprinkle evenly with **1 tablespoon sesame seeds**.
6. Bake until golden and melty Return the assembled sliders to the oven and bake at **350°F for 20 minutes**, or until the tops are lightly browned and the **cheddar cheese** is fully melted.
7. Slice and serve Remove the pan from the oven and let the cheeseburger sliders rest for about 5 minutes. Use a sharp knife to cut the slab into **12 sliders**, then serve warm.