Labor Day is more than a long weekend; it’s a time to come together, unwind, and savor the results of your hard work. Across Kansas, grills will be sizzling with the unmistakable aroma of beef, and your hard work as a producer is at the heart of every bite.
The Kansas Beef Council (KBC), through your Beef Checkoff investment, is making sure beef stays front-and-center this grilling season whether on plates, in grocery carts or in consumer conversations.
From the Grilling Hub: Tips for a Perfect Cookout
The Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. Grilling Hub is packed with resources that help consumers master the grill while appreciating the dedication that goes into raising high-quality beef.
Here are a few grilling reminders worth sharing with friends, neighbors, or customers:
- Start with the right cut – Ribeye, strip, sirloin, and flank are all grill favorites.
- Season simply – A little salt and pepper goes a long way in letting beef’s flavor shine.
- Mind your temperature – Use a meat thermometer for that perfect medium-rare (145°F).
- Let it rest – Give steaks 5 minutes before slicing to keep juices where they belong.
The Hub also features videos, butcher tips, and recipe inspiration—from Peruvian steak kabobs to picanha with chimichurri.
Local Flavor, Big Impact
KBC brings those national resources home with locally-inspired recipes and tips designed for Kansas kitchens and cookouts. Whether it’s tailgating at the stadium or backyard barbecues, KBC is highlighting the versatility of beef and giving consumers new ways to enjoy it.
Check out the KBC Grilling Recipes to Win the Tailgate collection and the All About Marinades guide, perfect for making even the most budget-friendly cuts shine on the grill.
Labor Day Recipe Spotlight
From the Kansas Beef Council’s recipe collection, Cheesehead Sliders are a true crowd-pleaser, easy and made for the grill.
Why It’s Perfect:
- Quick & simple prep — Great when you want a hassle-free option that’s still indulgent and tasty.
- Portable & fun — Mini burgers are easy to eat on the go, no plates needed!
- Flavorful twist — Infused with beer and topped with creamy cheddar spread, an elevated slider experience.
Recipe Snapshot:
- Ingredients: Ground beef, beer, breadcrumbs, garlic, seasoning, slider buns, and cheddar-flavored cheese spread.
- Grill Time: Grill mini patties 7–10 minutes to reach 160 °F (turning halfway through). Finish with cheese spread melted on top before serving.
Your Beef Checkoff Dollars at Work
Efforts like the Grilling Hub and local recipe campaigns are funded through the Beef Checkoff. By investing in research, consumer education and promotion, KBC is keeping beef top-of-mind during one of the biggest grilling holidays of the year.
We’d love to see how you’re celebrating beef this Labor Day! Share your grilling photos and tag #KSBeef so we can showcase the pride and dedication of Kansas beef producers.
Cheesehead Sliders
Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground Beef (93% lean or leaner)
- 1/2 cup beer
- 1/4 cup soft bread crumbs
- 2 teaspoons chopped garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 8 slider buns or small dinner rolls, split
- 1/4 cup Cheddar-flavored cheese spread
Instructions
- Combine Ground Beef, beer, bread crumbs, garlic, salt and pepper in large bowl, mixing lightly but thoroughly.
- Lightly shape into eight 1/2-inch thick mini-patties.
- Place patties on grid over medium, ash-covered coals.
- Grill, covered, 8 to 10 minutes (over medium heat on preheated gas grill, covered, 7 to 9 minutes) until instant-read thermometer inserted horizontally into center registers 160°F, turning occasionally.
- Place burger on bottom half of each slider bun. Evenly spread cheese over burgers. Close sandwiches.
Cook’s Tip: Cooking times are for fresh or thoroughly thawed ground beef. Ground beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F. Color is not a reliable indicator of ground beef doneness.
Cook’s Tip: You may substitute pub cheese, Cheddar cheese curds, beer cheese sauce, Cheddar cheese slices or pimento cheese spread for Cheddar-flavored cheese spread.
Test Kitchen Tips: Make sure your grill is clean (to prevent flare-ups) and the rack is well-oiled (to prevent sticking).
