Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs ground beef
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 2 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 cup dill pickle juice
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 8 oz Velveeta, cubed
  • 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 12 brioche slider buns
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • sliced pickles
  • shredded lettuce
  • sliced red onion

Instructions:

  1. Heat a skillet over medium high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onions.
  2. Use a potato masher to break the meat into very small crumbles. Cook until the meat is mahogany colored. Note: Don't just stir; mashing ensures the small texture we want.
  3. Place the beef in a colander and drain the excess grease. Note: Skipping this step leads to an oily sauce that separates.
  4. Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker.
  5. Stir in the ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, pickle juice, minced garlic, and smoked paprika.
  6. Cover the pot. Cook on Low for 6 hours or High for 3 hours. Note: Low is better for a more tender result.
  7. 30 minutes before you're ready to eat, stir in the cubed Velveeta and shredded cheddar.
  8. Replace the lid until the cheese is fully melted and integrated.
  9. Brush the brioche buns with melted butter. Toast them in the oven or on a griddle until golden brown.
  10. Scoop the cheesy beef mixture onto each toasted bun. Top with fresh lettuce, sliced pickles, and red onion.