Description
A collection of easy, make-ahead recipes perfect for building a balanced and crowd-pleasing cookout spread, covering appetizers, mains, sides, and desserts.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup frozen corn, thawed
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 package (1.25 ounces) taco seasoning mix
- 1/2 cup water
- 12 slider buns
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
- 1 head green cabbage, shredded
- 1 large carrot, shredded
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon celery seed
- 1 box brownie mix
- Ingredients listed on brownie mix box (eggs, oil, water)
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare the Black Bean Salsa: In a medium bowl, combine black beans, corn, red onion, and cilantro. Whisk together olive oil, lime juice, cumin, salt, and pepper. Pour dressing over the bean mixture and toss gently. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Make the Taco Sliders: Brown the ground meat in a skillet over medium heat. Drain any excess fat. Stir in taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Set aside.
- Mix the Coleslaw Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, relish, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and celery seed until smooth.
- Assemble the Coleslaw: In a large bowl, combine shredded cabbage and carrot. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss to coat completely. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours for best flavor.
- Bake the Brownies: Prepare the brownie mix according to package directions, substituting any required water with a small amount of strong brewed coffee for deeper flavor if desired. Stir in chocolate chips. Pour batter into a greased 9×13 inch pan. Bake according to package directions until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with moist crumbs attached. Let cool completely before slicing.
- Assemble the Sliders: Lightly toast the slider buns. Place a spoonful of the taco meat mixture onto the bottom half of each bun. Top with shredded cheese and a spoonful of the chilled black bean salsa. Place the top bun on.
- Arrange the Spread: Place the cooled brownies, sliders, coleslaw, and salsa on your serving table for guests to enjoy.
Notes
- For easy transport, keep the coleslaw dressing separate until just before serving if the weather is very hot.
- Make the black bean salsa and coleslaw a day ahead; the flavors improve overnight.
- Grill burgers or sausages separately and serve them alongside these make-ahead sides for a full cookout experience.
- Prep Time: 35 min
- Cook Time: 30 min
- Category: Main and Sides
- Method: Mixing and Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider and 1/2 cup side
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 45mg