Description
These Meatball Sliders are bite-sized Italian favorites perfect for parties or a delicious snack. Juicy ground beef meatballs seasoned with classic spices and parmesan cheese are baked until golden, then layered on soft slider buns with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. Quick to prepare and packed with flavor, these sliders combine tender meatballs, tangy sauce, and gooey cheese for an irresistible combination everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce and Assembly
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 12 slider buns
- 12 slices mozzarella cheese
- Butter (optional, for toasting buns)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the meatballs and later the sliders for perfectly cooked meat and melted cheese.
- Make the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined, then roll the mixture into 1-inch diameter meatballs and arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake the Meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the oven for 15-20 minutes until cooked through and golden brown on the outside. Remove from the oven and set aside.
- Prepare the Buns: While the meatballs bake, slice the slider buns in half. Optionally, toast the cut sides in a pan with a little butter for extra flavor and texture.
- Assemble the Sliders: Place one meatball on each bun bottom, spoon marinara sauce over the meatball, then top with a slice of mozzarella cheese. Cover with the top bun half.
- Bake the Sliders: Arrange the assembled sliders on a baking sheet and bake in the oven for 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and the buns are lightly toasted.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the sliders from the oven, let them cool slightly, then serve warm for gooey, flavorful bites perfect for any occasion.
Notes
- To add extra flavor, try mixing ground pork with the beef for the meatballs.
- For a spicier slider, add red pepper flakes to the meatball mix or marinara sauce.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and buns to adapt this recipe for gluten-free diets.
- Slider buns can be toasted on a griddle or skillet with butter for an even richer flavor.
- Leftover meatballs and sauce can be stored separately in the fridge for up to 3 days.
