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Easy Cowboy Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls

Easy Cowboy Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls

A quick and satisfying slider recipe using leftover taco filling layered into sweet Hawaiian rolls, baked until warm and melty.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course, Snack
Cuisine American, Tex-Mex
Servings 12 sliders
Calories 280 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Baking dish (9×13 works well)
  • 1 Sharp knife (for slicing rolls)
  • 1 Cutting board
  • 1 Spoon or spatula
  • 1 Aluminum foil

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pack Hawaiian rolls 12-count
  • 2-3 cups leftover taco filling ground beef or turkey
  • 1 to 1½ cups shredded cheese cheddar, Colby Jack, or Mexican blend
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • ¼–½ cup barbecue sauce (adjust to taste)
  • 4–6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (or whatever you have left)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat and Prep

    Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.

  • Warm and Sauce the Filling

    Heat the leftover taco filling in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in the barbecue sauce, starting with ¼ cup. Let it simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened. Mix in the crumbled bacon. Taste and adjust—this is where a splash of Worcestershire or extra seasoning works magic. Remove from heat.

  • Slice the Rolls

    Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping them connected. Place the bottom half on the prepared baking sheet.

  • Layer the Cheese and Filling

    Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the rolls. Spoon the saucy beef-bean-bacon mixture evenly on top. Finish with the remaining cheese.

  • Top and Butter

    Place the top half of the rolls back on. Brush generously with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder or everything bagel seasoning if using.

  • Bake

    Cover loosely with foil and bake for 10 minutes. Uncover and bake another 5–10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the tops are lightly golden.

  • Rest and Serve

    Let the sliders cool slightly before pulling them apart. They’re sturdy enough for lunchboxes and just as good warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need:
Baking dish (9×13 works well) https://amzn.to/3NVuYuY
Sharp knife (for slicing rolls) https://amzn.to/3Mdxhcf
Cutting board https://amzn.to/4kp66YK
Spoon or https://amzn.to/4tkgbdi
Spatula https://amzn.to/3ZjPqYM
Aluminum foil https://amzn.to/3Zk62Q7
Ingredients for Easy Cowboy Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls
1 pack Hawaiian rolls (12-count) https://amzn.to/4qkhRRp
2–3 cups leftover taco filling (ground beef or turkey) https://amzn.to/4ktsArp
1 to 1½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Colby Jack, or Mexican blend) https://amzn.to/4bCY4ZL
2 tablespoons melted butter https://amzn.to/4ccka5B
Barbecue Sauce https://amzn.to/3Zjz2Yq
Optional toppings: diced onions, jalapeños, pickles https://amzn.to/3MdRYVs
Keyword Easy Cowboy Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls, leftover taco meat recipe, taco sliders