Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders Recipe
Introduction
Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders combine juicy, seared steak with a rich and flavorful butter sauce that adds a spicy kick. These mini sandwiches are perfect for game day, parties, or a fun dinner that feels indulgent but is easy to make.

Ingredients
- 1½ – 2 lbs steak (ribeye, sirloin, or flank work great)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Slider buns or mini brioche rolls
- Optional toppings: cheese slices, sautéed onions, arugula, pickles
- For the Cowboy Butter:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with garlic, parsley, Dijon mustard, red pepper flakes, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Step 2: Pat the steak dry with paper towels and season both sides evenly with salt and pepper.
- Step 3: Heat olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steak for 3 to 4 minutes on each side for medium-rare doneness. Adjust timing based on your preferred level of doneness. Once cooked, remove the steak from the pan and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes to retain its juices.
- Step 4: While the steak is resting, toast the slider buns cut side down in the same skillet until golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Step 5: Slice the rested steak thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness. Layer the sliced steak on the bottom half of each toasted bun.
- Step 6: Spoon a generous amount of the cowboy butter over the steak. Add any optional toppings such as cheese, sautéed onions, arugula, or pickles.
- Step 7: Top with the other half of the bun and serve immediately with extra cowboy butter on the side for dipping.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, marinate the steak briefly with some of the cowboy butter before cooking.
- Use a cast iron skillet to get the best sear on your steak.
- Swap out beef for grilled chicken or pork for a different twist on the sliders.
- Add melted cheese slices on the steak before assembling for a creamy texture.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes in the butter.
Storage
Store leftover sliced steak and cowboy butter separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the steak gently in a skillet or microwave before assembling sliders. The buns are best toasted fresh to maintain their texture.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of steak for these sliders?
Yes, ribeye, sirloin, and flank steak are ideal because they balance tenderness and flavor well, but you can also use strip steak or skirt steak if you prefer. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
How spicy is the cowboy butter?
The red pepper flakes add a mild to moderate heat, which complements the richness of the butter. You can adjust the amount to suit your taste or omit it if you prefer no spice.
PrintCowboy Butter Steak Sliders Recipe
These Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders are a flavorful and juicy mini sandwich perfect for game day or casual gatherings. Tenderly seared steak slices are topped with a rich, garlicky, and slightly spicy cowboy butter, served on toasted slider buns with optional toppings like cheese, sautéed onions, arugula, and pickles for added texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 8 sliders 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Sliders
- 1½ – 2 lbs steak (ribeye, sirloin, or flank work great)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Slider buns or mini brioche rolls
- Optional toppings: cheese slices, sautéed onions, arugula, pickles
For the Cowboy Butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Make the Cowboy Butter: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, Dijon mustard, red pepper flakes, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to blend all flavors and set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Prep the Steak: Pat the steak dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Sear the Steak: Heat olive oil in a hot skillet over medium-high heat. Place the steak in the skillet and sear for 3 to 4 minutes per side for medium-rare doneness. Adjust time if you prefer a different doneness. Once cooked, transfer the steak to a cutting board and let rest for 5 to 10 minutes to redistribute the juices. Then slice thinly against the grain to maximize tenderness.
- Toast the Buns: While the steak is resting, place the slider buns cut side down in the same skillet until they become golden brown and slightly crispy, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Assemble the Sliders: Layer the sliced steak onto the bottom halves of the toasted buns. Generously spoon the prepared cowboy butter over the steak slices. Add any optional toppings such as cheese slices, sautéed onions, arugula, or pickles to taste, then cover with the top buns.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the sliders hot, offering extra cowboy butter on the side for dipping to enhance the rich, buttery flavor.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to check steak doneness if desired: 130-135°F for medium-rare.
- Letting the steak rest before slicing ensures juicier sliders.
- The cowboy butter can be prepared ahead and refrigerated; rewarm gently before serving.
- Choose your preferred steak cut based on budget and flavor preferences.
- Optional toppings add flavor and texture but are not required.
Keywords: cowboy butter, steak sliders, mini sandwiches, game day recipe, easy steak recipe, buttery garlic sauce, slider buns, seared steak

