Description
Juicy meatballs tucked into soft slider buns with melted mozzarella, tangy marinara, and fresh basil. These mini meatball sliders are the perfect handheld comfort food for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 6 slices mozzarella cheese or 1 cup shredded
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- Handful fresh basil leaves
- 12 slider buns
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Shape the mixture into small meatballs (about 1 inch wide) and arrange on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the meatballs for 15 minutes or until fully cooked. While baking, warm marinara sauce in a small saucepan.
- Slice slider buns. In each bun, place a spoonful of marinara, one meatball, a slice of mozzarella, and fresh basil.
- Place assembled sliders back on the baking sheet. Bake for 5–7 minutes until cheese is melted and buns are toasted.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired and garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
- Don’t overmix the meat to keep it tender.
- Fresh basil adds brightness, so use it just before serving.
- Toast buns for better texture and to prevent sogginess.
- Make ahead by prepping meatballs and sauce in advance.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: mini meatball sliders, party sliders, meatball sandwich bites, game day snacks, easy sliders