Description

These savory mini meatball sliders feature tender beef and pork meatballs, tangy marinara, and gooey mozzarella, all tucked into soft slider buns. Quick to make and perfect for family dinners, parties, or picky eaters, they’re a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground beef (80/20)
1/2 lb ground pork
1/2 cup fresh breadcrumbs (or panko)
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup grated onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large egg
1 tsp dried Italian herbs (or 1 Tbsp fresh chopped basil and oregano)
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
12 slider buns (soft dinner rolls; gluten-free if needed)
1 cup marinara sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1 Tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, Parmesan, grated onion, garlic, egg, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out about 1-inch balls (about 24 meatballs). Roll gently between palms.
Arrange meatballs on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until browned and cooked through (internal temperature 160°F).
While meatballs bake, slice slider buns in half horizontally if needed. Arrange bottoms in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Spoon about 1 tablespoon marinara sauce onto each bun bottom. Place one baked meatball on each bun. Top with shredded mozzarella (about 1 tablespoon per slider). Add extra marinara if desired.
Place bun tops over meatballs. Brush with melted butter. Sprinkle with parsley or garlic powder if desired.
Bake assembled sliders in the oven for 8-10 minutes, until cheese is melted and buns are lightly golden.
Let sliders cool for 1-2 minutes before serving. Use a spatula to lift out.
Troubleshooting: If meatballs seem dry, add extra milk next time. For soggy sliders, bake uncovered for the last few minutes or toast buns before assembling. For crispier buns, broil for 1-2 minutes, watching closely.

Notes

For gluten-free, use GF buns and breadcrumbs. Make meatballs ahead for easy assembly. Add veggies like spinach or zucchini for extra nutrition. Cheese melts best when layered under and over meatballs. Watch buns closely to avoid burning. Leftovers reheat well and deepen in flavor overnight.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slider
Calories: 180
Sugar: 2
Sodium: 350
Fat: 7
Saturated Fat: 3
Carbohydrates: 15
Fiber: 1
Protein: 12

Keywords: mini meatball sliders, kid-friendly dinner, easy sliders, family recipe, party food, comfort food, meatball sliders, weeknight dinner