1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix the ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until combined.
3. Form the beef mixture into small, flat patties that match the size of your slider buns.
4. Arrange the patties on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until they are cooked through.
5. While the patties are baking, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and pickles in a small bowl to create the special sauce.
6. Once the patties are cooked, top each with half a slice of American cheese and return to the oven for 1-2 minutes until melted.
7. Assemble the sliders by spreading the special sauce on the bottom half of each bun, then layer with a beef patty, shredded lettuce, diced onions, and finally, the top bun.

These steps are straightforward, but don’t rush the sauce—it’s the secret element that brings everything together, much like the stories my dad used to tell while stirring his pots.