These Game Day Meatball Sliders are pure fun! Juicy meatballs are tucked inside soft slider buns and smothered in your favorite sauce. Who can resist?
Perfect for sharing (or not!) during the big game, these little guys are a crowd-pleaser. I love serving them with a side of crispy fries—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: A classic choice, but feel free to mix in ground pork for added flavor. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can work too!
Breadcrumbs: These add texture to your meatballs. If you’re gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or even crushed rice crackers for a similar effect.
Parmesan Cheese: An essential for that rich flavor, but if you’re out, try Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano instead. They’ll give a different but delightful taste.
Slider Buns: Any small rolls will work. Whole wheat or gluten-free buns are great alternatives. For something unique, try ciabatta or mini brioche buns.
Mozzarella Cheese: While mozzarella is classic, experiment with provolone or even pepper jack for a little kick of flavor!
What’s the Best Way to Get Juicy Meatballs?
Forming meatballs is simple but has its tricks. Here’s how to keep them juicy: Use lean meats, but don’t shy away from some fat for moisture. Do not overmix; just gently combine the ingredients—this keeps them tender!
- Roll meatballs to about 1 1/2 inches in diameter for even cooking.
- Leave space between them on the baking tray for proper heat circulation.
- .Bake until browned and cooked through, usually about 20 minutes, checking for doneness.
Letting them simmer in marinara after baking helps them soak up delicious flavors and stay moist! You’ll end up with irresistible, juicy meatballs every time!
Game Day Meatball Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tbsp dried)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Assembly:
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 12 slider buns or small dinner rolls
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Butter (for brushing buns)
- Optional garnish: chopped fresh basil or parsley
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes to prepare and cook, plus a few extra minutes to assemble and serve. Enjoy a simple cooking process and have delicious sliders ready for game day in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). To make clean-up easier, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
2. Make the Meatball Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently using your hands or a spatula until just combined—don’t overmix, or your meatballs may be tough!
3. Shape the Meatballs:
Using your hands, shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 ½ inches in diameter. Arrange the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
4. Bake the Meatballs:
Put the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the meatballs for about 20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and browned on the outside. They should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).
5. Warm the Marinara Sauce:
While the meatballs are baking, warm the marinara sauce in a saucepan over low heat. Stir occasionally to keep it from sticking to the bottom.
6. Combine Meatballs and Sauce:
Once the meatballs are done, carefully transfer them to the warm marinara sauce and gently spoon the sauce over each meatball. Let them simmer together for about 5 minutes to soak up all the delicious flavors.
7. Prepare the Slider Buns:
Slice the slider buns in half horizontally. If you’d like a little crunch, lightly toast the cut sides in a skillet or the oven. Brush some melted butter on the toasted sides for extra flavor!
8. Assemble the Sliders:
Place one saucy meatball on the bottom half of each slider bun. Feel free to add a little extra marinara sauce on top of each meatball for a burst of flavor!
9. Add the Cheese:
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over each meatball. If you love melted cheese, you can place the assembled sliders under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes—just keep an eye on them to avoid burning!
10. Final Touch and Serve:
Top each slider with the bun tops. For a fresh touch, you can garnish your serving board with chopped basil or parsley. Serve immediately with any remaining marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
Enjoy these cheesy, saucy meatball sliders—they’re sure to be the star of your game day spread!
Can I Use Frozen Meatballs for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen meatballs! Just make sure to thaw them completely before adding them to the marinara sauce. You may need to simmer them a little longer in the sauce for the best flavor and texture.
Can I Make These Sliders Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and marinara sauce a day ahead and store them in the fridge. Just reheat the sauce, warm the meatballs, and assemble the sliders when you’re ready to serve.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover meatball sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave or oven until warmed through before serving again.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! Simply substitute the regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or use crushed gluten-free crackers. Be sure to check that your marinara sauce and slider buns are also gluten-free!