These mouth-watering meatball sliders are perfect for parties or a cozy family dinner. They combine juicy meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and melty mozzarella cheese, all nestled in soft slider buns. The Italian seasoning adds a delightful touch, making these sliders irresistible.
If you don't typically have Italian sausage, fresh parsley, or Italian breadcrumbs in your pantry, make sure to pick them up at the supermarket. These ingredients play a crucial role in enhancing the flavor and texture of the meatballs.
Ingredients for Meatball Slider Bake Recipe
Ground beef: Provides the base for the meatballs, offering a hearty flavor and texture.
Italian sausage: Adds a dimension of spiced flavor that complements the beef.
Garlic: Offers a pungent, aromatic quality that enhances the savory taste.
Fresh parsley: Delivers a burst of freshness and color to the meatballs.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty flavor that enriches the meatballs.
Salt: Essential for flavor enhancement.
Pepper: Adds a hint of spiciness to balance the flavors.
Italian breadcrumbs: Helps to bind the meatballs while adding flavor and texture.
Eggs: Acts as a binder to hold the meatball mixture together.
Milk: Adds moisture to the meatball mixture, ensuring tenderness.
Olive oil: Used for browning the meatballs, adding a rich flavor.
Slider buns: The base and top for the sliders, holding everything together.
Marinara sauce: Provides a rich, tangy layer of tomato flavor.
Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to cover the meatballs in creamy goodness.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that enhances the overall Italian flavor profile.
One reader, Debra Lovejoy says:
This meatball slider bake recipe is fantastic! The flavors blend perfectly, and the sliders are incredibly juicy and cheesy. It's a hit at family gatherings and super easy to make. Highly recommend!
Techniques Required for Making a Meatball Slider Bake
How to mix ingredients: Combine ground beef, Italian sausage, garlic, parsley, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, breadcrumbs, eggs, and milk in a large bowl until thoroughly mixed. How to roll meatballs: Shape the mixture into 5-ounce meatballs. How to brown meatballs: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and cook the meatballs, browning them on both sides for a total of 15 minutes. How to slice rolls: Cut the slider buns in half lengthwise. How to assemble sliders: Place the bottom half of the buns in a baking dish, add marinara sauce, meatballs, more sauce, and mozzarella cheese, then top with the remaining bun halves. How to brush buns: Lightly brush the tops of the buns with olive oil. How to combine seasoning: Mix Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning in a small bowl and sprinkle over the buns.
How To Make Meatball Slider Bake
Tender and juicy meatballs are seasoned with Italian seasoning and smothered with a tasty marinara sauce for a well-rounded slider bake.
Serves:
Ingredients
- ¾lbground beef
- ¾lbitalian sausage
- 3tspgarlic,minced
- ⅓cupfresh parsley
- ⅓cupparmesan cheese,grated, plus 3 tbsp for topping
- 1tspsalt
- ½tsppepper
- 1¼cupsitalian breadcrumbs
- 2eggs
- ¾cupmilk
- 1tbspolive oil,plus 2 tbsp for brushing
- 12slider buns
- 2cupsmarinara sauce
- 2cupsmozzarella cheese,shredded
- 1tbspItalian Seasoning,for topping
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
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In a large bowl add the ground beef, Italian sausage, garlic, parsley, parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, bread crumbs, eggs, and milk and mix until thoroughly combined.
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Roll the mixture into 5 ounce meatballs.
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Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to a pan over medium heat and brown the meatballs on both sides for 15 minutes total.
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Slice the rolls in ½ lengthwise.
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Place the bottom half on a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Spoon a little marinara sauce on each bun. Top a meatball on each roll, add another spoonful of sauce and top with mozzarella cheese.
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Place the remaining half of the rolls on top and lightly brush them with the remaining oil.
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Combine the parmesan cheese and the Italian seasoning in a small bowl and sprinkle it over the buns.
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Bake for 15 minutes.
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Serve and enjoy.
Nutrition
- Calories: 538.84kcal
- Fat: 31.46g
- Saturated Fat: 14.02g
- Trans Fat: 0.34g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 11.80g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.07g
- Carbohydrates: 35.20g
- Fiber: 2.36g
- Sugar: 7.09g
- Protein: 27.51g
- Cholesterol: 112.10mg
- Sodium: 1084.97mg
- Calcium: 442.90mg
- Potassium: 445.81mg
- Iron: 3.87mg
- Vitamin A: 135.49µg
- Vitamin C: 4.54mg
Helpful Technique for Making Meatball Slider Bake Recipe
To ensure your meatballs are evenly cooked and maintain their shape, use a small ice cream scoop or a measuring cup to portion out the mixture before rolling them into balls. This helps in achieving uniform size, which is crucial for even browning and cooking.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Meatball Slider Bake Recipe
Prepare ingredients ahead: Chop the garlic and parsley in advance. Measure out the breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and seasonings to streamline the process.
Use pre-made marinara: Opt for a quality store-bought marinara sauce to save time on preparation.
Preheat the oven early: Start preheating the oven while you mix the meatball mixture to ensure it's ready when you are.
Batch cook meatballs: Brown the meatballs in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which speeds up the cooking process.
Assemble efficiently: Lay out all components—slider buns, meatballs, sauce, and cheese—for quick assembly.
Substitute Ingredients For Meatball Slider Bake Recipe
ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and provides a similar texture and flavor profile.
italian sausage - Substitute with ground chicken sausage: Ground chicken sausage offers a lighter alternative while still providing robust flavor.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used if fresh garlic is unavailable, though it may have a slightly different intensity.
fresh parsley - Substitute with dried parsley: Dried parsley can be used in place of fresh, but use about one-third of the amount as dried herbs are more concentrated.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with pecorino romano: Pecorino Romano has a similar salty and nutty flavor, making it a good alternative.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a similar salty flavor along with a bit of umami.
pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat but with a slightly different flavor profile.
italian breadcrumbs - Substitute with panko breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs offer a lighter, crispier texture.
eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg) can be used as a vegan alternative.
milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free option that can provide a similar consistency.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar healthy fat profile and a neutral flavor.
slider buns - Substitute with whole wheat slider buns: Whole wheat buns offer more fiber and nutrients.
marinara sauce - Substitute with pesto sauce: Pesto sauce provides a different but equally flavorful alternative.
mozzarella cheese - Substitute with provolone cheese: Provolone cheese melts well and has a similar mild flavor.
italian seasoning - Substitute with herbes de provence: Herbes de Provence offers a different but complementary blend of herbs.
Presenting Your Meatball Slider Bake
Serve smaller portion sizes: Create mini meatball sliders by using smaller slider buns and meatballs. This allows for a more refined presentation and easier consumption.
Use decoration: Garnish each slider with a small sprig of fresh parsley or a delicate drizzle of balsamic reduction to add a touch of elegance and color contrast.
Layer flavors: Add a thin slice of fresh mozzarella on top of the meatballs before baking. This will melt beautifully and add a creamy texture to each bite.
Plate individually: Serve each slider on a small, stylish plate or a wooden board. This individual plating elevates the dish and makes it feel more special.
Highlight the sauce: Use a small spoon to artistically drizzle extra marinara sauce around the slider on the plate. This not only adds flavor but also enhances the visual appeal.
Add a side: Pair the sliders with a small side of arugula salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette. The freshness of the salad complements the richness of the meatballs.
Use high-quality ingredients: Ensure that all ingredients, especially the ground beef, Italian sausage, and mozzarella cheese, are of the highest quality to impress culinary professionals.
Create height: Stack the sliders slightly off-center to create a sense of height and dimension on the plate. This adds a dynamic visual element to the presentation.
Incorporate texture: Sprinkle a few toasted breadcrumbs or grated parmesan on top of the sliders before serving to add a crunchy texture contrast.
Finish with a flourish: Just before serving, lightly mist the sliders with a fine spray of olive oil to give them a beautiful sheen and enhance their aroma.
Essential Tools for Making a Meatball Slider Bake
Oven: Used for baking the meatball sliders to perfection at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Large bowl: Essential for mixing the ground beef, Italian sausage, garlic, parsley, parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, breadcrumbs, eggs, and milk.
Pan: Used for browning the meatballs on both sides over medium heat.
Measuring spoons: Necessary for accurately measuring ingredients like garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Measuring cups: Used to measure ingredients such as breadcrumbs, milk, and marinara sauce.
Knife: Needed for slicing the slider buns in half lengthwise.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for slicing the slider buns.
9x13-inch baking dish: The dish in which the slider buns and meatballs are assembled and baked.
Spoon: Used for spooning marinara sauce onto the buns and over the meatballs.
Brush: Useful for lightly brushing the tops of the slider buns with olive oil.
Small bowl: Needed for combining parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning before sprinkling over the buns.
Spatula: Helps in transferring and placing the meatballs onto the slider buns.
Mixing spoon: Used for mixing the meatball ingredients thoroughly in the large bowl.
Storing and Freezing Your Meatball Slider Bake
- Let the meatball sliders cool completely before storing or freezing
- To store in the refrigerator, place the cooled sliders in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil
- Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days
- To freeze, wrap the cooled sliders tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy identification
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months
- To reheat from the refrigerator, place the sliders in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes or until heated through
- To reheat from frozen, remove the plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place the sliders in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 20-25 minutes or until heated through
- For best results, reheat the sliders covered with foil to prevent them from drying out
- If you want to freeze individual sliders for quick and easy meals, wrap each slider separately in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag
- This way, you can easily remove and reheat the desired number of sliders without having to thaw the entire batch
How To Reheat Meatball Slider Bake Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover meatball slider bake in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. This method helps to retain the moisture and prevent the slider buns from drying out.
If you prefer a crispier texture for your slider buns, you can reheat the meatball slider bake uncovered in the oven. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until the buns are crispy and the meatballs are heated through.
For a quick and easy reheating option, you can use the microwave. Place the desired portion of the meatball slider bake on a microwave-safe plate and heat it on high power for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. Keep in mind that the slider buns may become slightly soggy in the microwave.
If you want to reheat the meatball slider bake without the buns, you can remove the meatballs and sauce from the buns and heat them separately in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, then serve the meatballs and sauce on fresh slider buns.
For a tasty twist, you can transform your leftover meatball slider bake into a new dish. Crumble the slider buns and combine them with the meatballs and sauce. Place the mixture in a baking dish, top it with shredded mozzarella cheese, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This creates a delicious meatball casserole that your family will love.
Interesting Fact About Meatball Slider Bakes
A fun fact about this meatball slider bake recipe is that it combines the flavors of traditional Italian meatballs with the convenience of sliders, making it a perfect dish for parties or casual gatherings. The use of both ground beef and Italian sausage adds a depth of flavor, while the marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese provide a classic Italian touch.
Is Making Meatball Slider Bake Recipe Economical?
This meatball slider bake recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. With ingredients like ground beef, Italian sausage, garlic, and mozzarella cheese, it offers a hearty meal without breaking the bank. The use of breadcrumbs and parsley adds flavor economically. Overall Verdict: 8/10. Approximate cost in USD for a household of 4 people: $20-$25.
Is This Meatball Slider Bake Healthy or Unhealthy?
This meatball slider bake recipe, while undeniably delicious, leans more towards the unhealthy side due to several factors:
- High saturated fat content from the ground beef, Italian sausage, and mozzarella cheese
- Refined carbohydrates in the slider buns and breadcrumbs
- Considerable amount of sodium from the salt, parmesan cheese, and marinara sauce
- Lack of vegetables or fiber-rich ingredients
However, with a few tweaks, this recipe can be made healthier without compromising on taste:
- Opt for lean ground beef (90% or higher) and turkey or chicken sausage to reduce saturated fat
- Use whole wheat slider buns and breadcrumbs for added fiber and nutrients
- Reduce the amount of salt and choose low-sodium marinara sauce
- Incorporate vegetables like grated zucchini or carrots into the meatball mixture for added fiber and vitamins
- Serve the sliders with a side salad or roasted vegetables to balance out the meal
By making these adjustments, you can enjoy a healthier version of this comforting dish while still satisfying your cravings for a delicious meatball slider bake. Remember, moderation is key, and even with healthier substitutions, it's essential to be mindful of portion sizes when indulging in this tasty treat.
Editor's Opinion on This Meatball Slider Bake Recipe
This meatball slider bake recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. The combination of ground beef and Italian sausage creates a rich, savory base, while the fresh parsley and garlic add aromatic depth. The use of marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese ensures a classic Italian touch. Baking the sliders together allows the flavors to meld beautifully, and the final sprinkle of Parmesan and Italian seasoning adds a perfect finishing touch. This dish is both comforting and crowd-pleasing, making it an excellent choice for gatherings or a hearty family meal.
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Why trust this Meatball Slider Bake Recipe:
This meatball slider bake recipe combines the rich flavors of ground beef and Italian sausage with aromatic garlic and parsley. The addition of parmesan cheese and Italian breadcrumbs ensures a deliciously moist and flavorful meatball. Topped with marinara sauce and gooey mozzarella cheese, these sliders are baked to perfection. The final touch of Italian seasoning and a brush of olive oil on the buns adds an irresistible crunch. Trust this recipe for a crowd-pleasing, mouthwatering dish that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.
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