Italian meatball sliders make a comforting meal that feels familiar and filling. Soft rolls hold tender meatballs coated in rich sauce, creating a balanced bite that is easy to enjoy. Everything comes together in a way that feels relaxed and welcoming.
The meatballs stay juicy while the sauce settles into each layer. As the sliders warm, the flavors blend smoothly and create a steady, savory aroma. The texture remains soft with just enough structure to hold together well.
These sliders work nicely for lunch or a casual gathering. They are simple to prepare and easy to serve warm. The overall result feels dependable and satisfying.
Meatball Sliders
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef or a mix of beef and pork for extra flavor
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sliders:
- 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce homemade or store-bought
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 12 slider buns
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Meatballs
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is evenly incorporated, but don’t overwork the meat.
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Form the Meatballs: Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs (about the size of a golf ball) and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 2: Bake the Meatballs
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Bake: Bake the meatballs for 15-18 minutes, until browned and cooked through.
Step 3: Simmer in Marinara Sauce
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Simmer in Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, heat the marinara sauce in a large saucepan over medium heat. Once the meatballs are done, add them to the saucepan and gently coat them in the sauce. Simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Step 4: Assemble the Sliders
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Prepare the Slider Buns: Place the bottom halves of the slider buns in a baking dish.
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Layer the Meatballs: Place a meatball (with a generous spoonful of sauce) on each bun.
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Top with Cheese: Sprinkle a bit of mozzarella cheese on top of each meatball.
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Broil for Melting: Place the dish under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
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Top with Basil: Remove from the oven and garnish each slider with a fresh basil leaf.
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Finish the Sliders: Place the top halves of the buns on each slider, and serve hot.
