Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders are the answer to boring party food—juicy grilled steak, drenched in garlicky cowboy butter, stacked on toasted slider buns for a crowd-pleasing, flavor-packed bite.
Hi, I’m Sam, and I’m so glad you’re here! At dishfoody.com, I share flavorful, feel-good recipes made to make life in the kitchen easier and more joyful. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick weeknight meal, a cozy comfort dish, or an impressive dessert—there’s something here for every appetite. These Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders were born from a game-day craving for something hearty but elevated. Inspired by the bold flavors of cowboy butter and the satisfaction of handheld sliders, this recipe has quickly become one of my favorites for entertaining and quick dinners alike.
Why This Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders Recipe Works
- Uses affordable, easy-to-find cuts of meat
- Marinate in 15 minutes for maximum tenderness
- Perfect for weeknights or weekend feasts
Choosing the Right Meat for Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders
Best Cuts for This Recipe
Skirt steak and flank steak are ideal for sliders—they’re flavorful, quick to grill, and slice beautifully. If you’re looking for something a bit more tender, try sirloin or flat iron steak.
Buying Tips
Look for cuts with bright red color and visible marbling. Choose evenly sized pieces to ensure uniform cooking.
Substitutions
You can use thin-sliced chicken breast or portobello mushrooms as an alternative protein source.
Ingredients & Prep for Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders
Meat Prep Essentials
- 1.5 lbs flank or skirt steak
- Trim any visible fat
- Pat dry and score lightly to help absorb marinade
Marinades/Rubs
Quick Cowboy Marinade (beams-style):
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
Marinate for 15–30 minutes
Pantry Staples
- 12 slider buns
- 1 tbsp butter or ghee
- Fresh parsley, chives
- Garlic, lemon, Dijon mustard
- Optional: shredded lettuce or caramelized onions for serving

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders
Pre-Cooking Prep for Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders
Bring steak to room temperature, preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high, and mix cowboy butter ingredients:
- ½ cup softened butter
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper
- Salt to taste
Cooking Method for Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders
Grill steak for 4–5 minutes per side for medium-rare. Brush with cowboy butter during the last minute of grilling. Toast slider buns with a touch of butter.
Doneness Check for Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders
Use a thermometer:
- 130–135°F for medium-rare
- 140°F for medium
Rest before slicing into thin strips.
Resting Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders
Let steak rest for 5–7 minutes. This keeps the juices intact and ensures a tender bite.
Pro Tips for Perfect Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders
Avoiding Tough/Dry Steak
Don’t overcook the meat and always slice against the grain.
Tool Recommendations
Use a grill or cast-iron skillet for best sear
Sharp slicing knife for clean cuts
Meat thermometer for perfect doneness
Storage & Reheating
Store sliced steak separately from buns
Reheat meat in a skillet with leftover cowboy butter
Best enjoyed fresh, but can be refrigerated for up to 3 days
Flavor Variations for Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders
Variation | Description | Notes |
---|---|---|
Spicy Jalapeño | Add sliced jalapeños and pepper jack cheese | Adds a bold kick |
Keto-Friendly | Use lettuce wraps instead of slider buns | Low-carb and satisfying |
BBQ Glaze | Mix a little BBQ sauce into cowboy butter | Adds sweetness and smokiness |
Garlic Mushroom | Add sautéed mushrooms and Swiss cheese | Earthy and rich |
Herb Garden | Infuse cowboy butter with rosemary and thyme | Fresh and aromatic twist |
Serving Suggestions for Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders
Serve with sweet potato fries, coleslaw, or grilled corn on the cob.
Pair with:
- Sparkling lemonade
- Iced tea with lemon
- Sparkling water with herbs
FAQs for Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders
Can I use frozen steak?
Yes, just be sure to thaw it fully and pat it dry before marinating.
How do I fix overcooked steak?
Slice thinly and reheat gently in leftover cowboy butter to regain moisture.
Is this recipe safe for pregnant women?
Yes, just cook the steak to at least 145°F and avoid unpasteurized cheese if serving with toppings.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for the ultimate party snack or a weeknight treat that brings steakhouse flavor to your fingertips, Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders are your perfect match. Fire up your grill and try this tonight!
Join 5k home cooks who’ve loved this recipe!
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Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders – 1 Bold & Easy Party Favorite
Cowboy Butter Steak Sliders are juicy, bold, and bursting with garlicky cowboy butter flavor. These quick, handheld steak sliders are perfect for game day, family dinners, or casual entertaining.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs flank or skirt steak,
- 2 tbsp olive oil,
- 1 tbsp lemon juice,
- 1 tsp garlic powder,
- 1 tsp smoked paprika,
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes,
- Salt and pepper to taste,
- 12 slider buns,
- 1/2 cup butter, softened,
- 2 garlic cloves, minced,
- 1 tbsp lemon juice,
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard,
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley,
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Marinate steak with olive oil, lemon juice, and spices for 15–30 minutes.
- Grill steak for 4–5 minutes per side. Brush with cowboy butter in the final minute.
- Let steak rest 5 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.
- Toast slider buns and assemble with steak and optional toppings.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sliders
- Calories: 360 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 360 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg