Get ready to be the star of your next gathering with these mouthwatering Cheesy Meatball Sliders that will have everyone begging for your recipe! Imagine perfectly seasoned, juicy meatballs nestled in soft slider buns, smothered in rich marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese - these little bites of heaven are about to transform your weekend potluck from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether you're hosting friends, family, or just craving a delicious comfort food experience, these sliders are guaranteed to be the talk of the party!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 sliders
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 slider buns
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your sliders cook evenly and are perfectly melted by the time they are ready to serve.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spatula to mix the ingredients until well combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Once the mixture is well combined, form it into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. You should be able to make around 12 meatballs from this mixture.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the meatballs in the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides. You may need to do this in batches if your skillet is not large enough.
- While the meatballs are cooking, prepare the slider buns. Slice the slider buns in half horizontally and place the bottom halves in a baking dish.
- Once the meatballs are browned, remove them from the skillet and place them on top of the bottom halves of the slider buns in the baking dish.
- Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the meatballs, ensuring each meatball is well-coated.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the marinara-covered meatballs, making sure to cover them evenly.
- Place the top halves of the slider buns on top of the cheese-covered meatballs.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the sliders from drying out during baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Once done, remove from the oven and let the sliders cool for a few minutes. This will make them easier to handle and eat.
- Carefully slice the sliders into individual portions and serve warm. Enjoy your cheesy meatball sliders at your weekend potluck!
Tips
- Don't overwork the meat mixture - gentle mixing keeps meatballs tender
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure meatballs reach 160°F for food safety
- For extra flavor, toast the slider buns lightly before assembling
- Choose a high-quality marinara sauce for maximum taste impact
- Let sliders rest for 2-3 minutes after baking to help them hold together
- For a crispy top, broil for 1-2 minutes after baking if you want extra golden cheese
- Prep ingredients ahead of time to make assembly quick and easy
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 55mg
