There’s something magical about meatball sliders. Picture this: tender, juicy meatballs nestled between soft, pillowy buns, drizzled with marinara and topped with melted cheese. The aroma wafts through the kitchen, teasing your senses and making your stomach growl louder than an angry bear. You know it’s going to be a flavor explosion with every bite.
These meatball sliders are not just food; they’re an experience. I remember the first time I made them for game night with friends. The laughter, the cheers, and yes, even some competitive eating led to a night full of memories. Whether it’s for a casual weeknight dinner or a gathering of friends, these sliders promise satisfaction and smiles all around.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These meatball sliders are quick to prepare, making them perfect for busy weeknights
- With their savory flavors and gooey cheese, they look as good as they taste
- Plus, they are versatile enough to customize with your favorite toppings or sauces for an extra zing
- Perfect for parties or cozy family dinners!
My friends couldn’t stop raving about how delicious these meatball sliders were at our last get-together!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Ground Beef: Choose a blend of lean and fatty cuts for juicy meatballs that won’t dry out while cooking.
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Breadcrumbs: Use plain or Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs to help bind the meatballs together while adding texture.
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Eggs: One large egg acts as a binder to hold everything together. Make sure it’s fresh for the best results.
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Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a rich umami flavor that elevates the taste of your meatballs significantly.
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Garlic Powder: A must-have for flavor; it adds depth without overpowering the dish.
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Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade sauce to slather on top of your sliders.
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Slider Buns: Opt for soft slider buns that can handle all the goodness without falling apart.
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Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella melts beautifully over the hot meatballs, adding creaminess to each slider.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Mixing It Up: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Use your hands (or a sturdy spoon) to mix until everything is well incorporated but don’t overwork it!
Forming Meatballs: Scoop out about 1-2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll them into balls using your palms. Aim for uniform sizes so they cook evenly—about 1 inch in diameter should do!
Browning the Meatballs: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil until it shimmers. Place the meatballs into the skillet in batches until browned all over—this should take about 4-5 minutes per batch.
Add Marinara Sauce: Once browned, pour marinara sauce over the meatballs in the skillet. Cover and let simmer for about 10-15 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This step ensures they soak up those delicious flavors!
Assemble Your Sliders: Slice open each slider bun and place one meatball inside. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese before broiling in the oven at 400°F (200°C) until bubbly—about 3-5 minutes.
Serve and Enjoy!: Serve warm with extra marinara on the side for dipping! Your guests will be delighted as they sink their teeth into these cheesy wonders.
You’ve got yourself some scrumptious meatball sliders! Enjoy every bite while reminiscing about that time you almost single-handedly polished off a whole tray during game night!
You Must Know
- Meatball sliders are a crowd-pleaser at any gathering
- With savory meatballs and gooey cheese, they’re perfect for game day or casual dinners
- Just a few simple ingredients create a flavor explosion that will leave everyone asking for seconds
Perfecting the Cooking Process
For the best meatball sliders, bake the meatballs while toasting the slider buns. This ensures everything is warm and ready to assemble at the same time.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap ground beef for turkey or chicken, or add herbs like basil or oregano for extra flavor. Customize sauces too; marinara, BBQ, or even ranch!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover meatball sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through for best results.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Make sure to sear your meatballs before baking them; it adds depth of flavor
- Use fresh herbs instead of dried for a brighter taste
- Don’t overcrowd your baking sheet; give them space to brown nicely!
I still remember the first time I made these meatball sliders for my family’s game night. Everyone raved about them, especially my picky cousin who usually only eats pizza!
FAQ
What type of bread works best for meatball sliders?
Mini brioche or soft dinner rolls hold up well and complement the flavors perfectly.
Can I make meatball sliders ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare meatballs and sauce in advance, then assemble right before serving.
What should I serve with my meatball sliders?
Serve with crispy fries or a fresh salad for a balanced meal everyone will love.
Meatball Sliders
Meatball sliders are the ultimate comfort food, perfect for game day or casual family dinners. These bite-sized delights feature juicy meatballs nestled in soft slider buns, generously topped with marinara sauce and gooey melted cheese. With each bite, you’ll experience a burst of savory flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Quick to prepare and easy to customize, these sliders guarantee satisfaction and smiles all around.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8 sliders 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet/Broiling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-seasoned)
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 8 slider buns
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until just combined.
- Roll mixture into uniform meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter).
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat; brown meatballs for 4-5 minutes per batch.
- Pour marinara sauce over browned meatballs and simmer for 10-15 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Place one meatball in each slider bun, top with mozzarella cheese, and broil at 400°F for 3-5 minutes until bubbly.
- Serve warm with extra marinara on the side.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
