8 Inexpensive, But Awesome, Beef Appetizers for the Super Bowl

Touchdowns, field goals, first downs, and interceptions—sure, that’s great and all, but the real reason that we should all be celebrating on Super Bowl Sunday is BEEF. From nachos to wraps to meatballs, there’s plenty of ways that you can make your game day spread heavy on the beef. Why, you ask? Well, let’s face it, that’s is exactly what the people want, and who are we to deny them of that? Whether your team wins or loses this year, the Super Bowl is going to be a prime (pun intended) opportunity to make your wildest beef-centric dreams come true. Here are our favorite beef appetizers that are definitely going to put you in a great MOOd before the first quarter is underway.

There is no denying that we love a good shortcut, and that is the simple beauty of this platter of cheesy, beefy goodness. Coming together in a speedy 20 minutes, this hearty snack is the perfect last-minute appetizer that will have guests convinced that you’re the nacho master of all nacho masters.

WATCH: How to Make Easy Party Meatballs

Sounds a little bit out there, but it tastes amazing—trust me on this one. Skip the frozen food aisle or your favorite fast food restaurant, because this playful app is an easy (and delightfully beefy) dish that you can make right at home. Have an airfryer? Use it with this recipe for a lightened-up spin.

Buffalo chicken is so last year. Swap out shredded rotisserie chicken in your go-to game day buffalo dip for any leftover pulled beef you might have, or just buy any pre-packaged and pre-cooked version. Smother it in some buffalo sauce (life tip: this is always a great thing to do), top it with some cheese (life tip: also another great thing to do), and give it a good bake. Be sure to buy some sturdy tortilla chips—you’ll need ‘em.

Sliders are the gift from the appetizer gods that we all truly don’t deserve. How can something so tiny be so perfect? Don’t let their miniature size fool you—they’re packed with savory flavor and can handle toppings and a layer of melted cheese like it’s nobody’s business. In this provolone and broccoli rabe rendition, there’s a great balance of a mild cheese alongside a slightly bitter veggie.

Want to get your slow cooker in on the action? Send a boneless beef rump roast into your trusted appliance and let it go for 8 hours. The result? Tender-as-can-be pulled beef that’s basically screaming to be piled onto a platter of cheese-laden nachos. You’re welcome.

Look, there’s no getting around the fact that you cannot possibly have too many nachos on Super Bowl Sunday. The beauty of this platter of crunchy greatness is that you also cannot have too many toppings. Deck it out as much as you like, and make sure you get a good picture. This sheet tray spread was born for Instagram.

Yes, you read that correctly. A pizza-dilla, which is quite different from a quesadilla, is a toasty appetizer that incorporates a heavy hand of mozzarella and is served alongside a warm marinara. Genius, huh? The pan-seared sirloin scattered throughout this beauty doesn’t suck, either.

Okay, full disclosure here—these are part beef/part pork. However, we’re willing to let another animal protein in on the fun because these saucy sliders are too good to ignore. If you have extra meatballs, go ahead and serve them like cocktail meatballs for another party-friendly option.