Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for the best flavor)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (+ extra for basting)
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp butter (for grilling)
• 8 slider buns
• Sliced pickles (optional)
• Coleslaw (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them inside the center of the grill.
2. Stack firewood over the napkins and light the paper.
3. Allow the grill to heat up for about 20 minutes until the center grill grate reaches 1,000°F.

Step 2: Prepare the meatloaf mixture

1. In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, BBQ sauce, egg, chopped onion, garlic, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and Worcestershire sauce.
2. Mix gently until well combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
3. Form the mixture into 8 small patties, about 3 inches in diameter.

Step 3: Sear the patties

1. Add a tablespoon of butter onto the flat top griddle.
2. Place the patties directly on the 1,000°F center grill grate and sear for about 1 minute per side.
3. Once both sides are beautifully caramelized, move the patties to the flat cooktop to finish cooking.

Step 4: Grill to perfection

1. Let the patties continue cooking on the griddle cooktop, flipping occasionally.
2. Baste each patty with BBQ sauce while they cook.
3. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 135°F, then remove from the grill (the temperature will rise to 150°F as they rest).

Step 5: Toast the buns and assemble

1. Place slider buns face down on the flat cooktop and toast until golden brown.
2. Place a grilled meatloaf patty on the bottom bun.
3. Add extra BBQ sauce, pickles, and coleslaw if desired.
4. Top with the bun and serve hot.

Tips

• Always remove the meat from the grill when it's 15°F below the target temperature to avoid overcooking.
• Use butter instead of oil to enhance the flavor and give the patties a richer taste.
• Rotate the sliders around the Arteflame cooktop to utilize different heat zones for perfect doneness.
• Sear the patties quickly at high heat to trap in the juices.
• Don't press down on the patties while cooking; this will cause the juices to escape.

Variations

• Spicy Kansas BBQ Sliders: Add 1 tsp of cayenne pepper and use a spicy BBQ sauce.
• Cheesy BBQ Sliders: Mix 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese into the meat mixture.
• Maple Bourbon BBQ Sliders: Replace the BBQ sauce with a maple bourbon glaze for a sweet and smoky flavor.
• Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf Sliders: Wrap each patty in a thin slice of bacon before grilling.
• Garlic Butter BBQ Sliders: Brush garlic butter on the buns before toasting for an extra flavor boost.

Conclusion

Kansas BBQ Meatloaf Sliders cooked on the Arteflame grill are a game-changer. With the perfect sear and smoky wood-fired flavor, these mini sandwiches are juicy, flavorful, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you enjoy them with classic pickles or a slathering of extra BBQ sauce, these sliders will become a backyard favorite. Enjoy grilling with Arteflame—the ultimate way to achieve steakhouse quality results at home!

Best Pairings

• Sweet potato fries grilled on the flat cooktop
• Grilled corn on the cob with garlic butter
• Classic coleslaw for a tangy crunch
• Cold Kansas-style wheat beer
• Grilled pineapple slices for a sweet finish