Start by melting butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions, salt, and sugar. Cook slowly, stirring often until onions turn golden brown and soft. This takes patience but builds flavor. The caramelization is what gives these sliders their signature French onion taste.
In the same skillet, add ground beef and break it apart as it cooks. Season with garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned completely and fully seasoned for a rich savory filling.
Slice the slider buns horizontally without separating them completely. Place the bottom half in a greased baking dish for easy assembly. This keeps everything structured and makes baking easier later.
Layer cooked beef evenly over the buns, followed by caramelized onions. Add slices of provolone cheese generously across the top. Spread a light layer of mayo or mustard on the top buns if using.
Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 5–10 minutes until cheese is melted. Let them rest slightly before slicing into individual sliders.