Go Back
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 large egg - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 2 cups marinara sauce - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese - 12 mini slider buns - Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional) These ingredients make the perfect base for your Pull-Apart Meatball Sliders. You can choose ground turkey for a lighter taste, or stick with beef for that classic flavor. The breadcrumbs help keep the meatballs moist. Grated Parmesan cheese adds a rich flavor to each bite. In the seasoning section, garlic and Italian seasoning give the meatballs their aroma. Marinara sauce adds a delicious touch, while mozzarella creates that gooey, cheesy goodness. Don’t forget the slider buns! They hold everything together and make these sliders easy to eat. If you want to add a pop of color and freshness, fresh basil leaves are a great choice for garnish. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions on how to bring these sliders to life! - Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even cooking. - Make the meatball mixture. In a large bowl, combine: - 1 pound ground beef or turkey - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 large egg - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Mix everything well. Use your hands or a spatula for a uniform blend. - Shape and brown the meatballs. Roll small portions of the mixture into round meatballs, about 1 inch wide. Aim for 20-24 meatballs. - Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the meatballs for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. They don’t need to be fully cooked right now. - Assemble the sliders in the baking dish. Spread the bottom halves of 12 mini slider buns in a greased 9x13-inch dish. Layer the browned meatballs over the buns, then pour 2 cups of marinara sauce on top. Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over everything. - Bake covered and then uncovered. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an extra 5-10 minutes. Watch for the cheese to bubble and turn golden. - Allow to cool before serving. Let the sliders sit for a few minutes before cutting. This makes them easier to slice and serve. This full recipe will wow your guests at any gathering! To make great meatballs, you can try different cooking methods. You can bake, fry, or even grill them. Each method gives a unique taste. Baking is easy and allows for even cooking. Frying gives a nice crust. Grilling adds a smoky flavor. To achieve perfect browning, heat your skillet until it's hot. Add a bit of oil and place the meatballs carefully. Don’t overcrowd the pan. This helps them brown evenly. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remember, they won’t be fully cooked yet. They will finish in the oven. Layering your sliders right is key to good flavor. Start by spreading the bottom halves of the mini slider buns in a greased dish. Place the meatballs on the buns, then pour marinara sauce over them. Use a good amount of sauce; it keeps the sliders moist. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top for a cheesy finish. Place the top halves of the buns gently over the meatballs. Press down lightly to hold everything together. This helps the flavors blend while they bake. For a fun gathering, think about what to serve with your sliders. Fresh veggies and dip pair well. You can also offer chips or a light salad. These sides complement the sliders nicely. To make your sliders look special, consider how you present them. Use a large platter to display the sliders. You can garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color. This small touch makes a big difference in how your dish looks at any party. {{image_4}} You can spice up your sliders by changing the seasonings. Try adding smoked paprika for a smoky taste. For a kick, mix in some red pepper flakes. You can also use fresh herbs like parsley or oregano. These small changes can make a big difference in flavor. For meatball fillings, consider adding cheese or roasted vegetables. A cube of mozzarella inside each meatball brings a melty surprise. You can also stuff them with sautéed mushrooms or spinach. These options add texture and taste, making your sliders even more enjoyable. If you want a healthier option, ground turkey is a great substitute for beef. It has less fat but still packs flavor. You can also try ground chicken or plant-based meats. These choices keep your sliders light without losing taste. For gluten-free sliders, use gluten-free buns. Many brands offer tasty alternatives. You can also make your own using almond flour or coconut flour. This way, everyone can enjoy the sliders, no matter their diet. To make vegetarian meatballs, use lentils or chickpeas as a base. Mash cooked lentils and mix them with breadcrumbs and seasonings. You can also use black beans for a different flavor. For cheese lovers, try vegan cheese options on top. Many brands offer great dairy-free cheeses that melt well. This way, your sliders stay cheesy and delicious, catering to all diets. With these variations, you can create a Pull-Apart Meatball Slider that suits any gathering. Want to try the original recipe? Check out the Full Recipe for details! To keep your sliders fresh, place them in an airtight container. Refrigerate them right after they cool. If you want to save some time, slice the sliders before storing. This way, it’s easy to grab just what you need. Use them within three days for the best taste. You can freeze your meatball sliders for later. Wrap each slider in foil or plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat them, thaw them overnight in the fridge. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes. This keeps them warm and soft. In the fridge, sliders last about three days. After that, they may lose their flavor and texture. Look for signs of spoilage like a sour smell or mold. If you see or smell anything off, it’s best to toss them. Trust your senses; they’re your best guide! To keep meatballs intact, you need a good binder. Use these tips: - Combine ground meat with breadcrumbs and egg. The egg helps hold it together. - Mix well, but don’t overwork the meat. This keeps them tender. - Chill the meatballs for 30 minutes before cooking. This helps them hold their shape. - Brown them in batches on medium heat. Don’t overcrowd the pan. This allows even cooking. Yes, you can prepare sliders ahead of time. This is great for events. Here’s how: - Make the meatball mixture and form the meatballs. - Cook and cool the meatballs. Then store them in the fridge. - Assemble the sliders without baking. Cover them tightly. - Bake them right before serving. This keeps them warm and fresh. If you want to switch up the sauce, try these options: - BBQ sauce adds a sweet and smoky flavor. - Pesto gives a fresh, herbal taste. - Alfredo sauce offers a creamy twist. - Consider homemade sauces for unique flavors. Each option adds a different flair to your sliders. We covered how to make delicious meatball sliders from start to finish. You learned key ingredients like ground beef, marinara sauce, and cheese. I shared tips for perfect cooking and flavor variations. Now, you can customize these sliders to suit your taste. Try different toppings or make a vegetarian option. With proper storage, these sliders can last days. Enjoy serving them at your next gathering!

Pull-Apart Meatball Sliders

Get ready to delight your taste buds with these irresistible pull-apart meatball sliders! This easy recipe combines savory meatballs, rich marinara, and gooey mozzarella nestled in soft slider buns. Perfect for parties or a cozy night in, these sliders are sure to impress your guests. Click through now to explore the full recipe and learn how to make this fun and delicious dish that everyone will love!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 pound ground beef (or substitute with ground turkey for a lighter option)

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian seasoned for extra flavor)

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 large egg

2 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

2 cups marinara sauce (your choice of store-bought or homemade)

12 mini slider buns

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional, but highly recommended)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking.

    Make the Meatball Mixture: In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the ground beef (or ground turkey), breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly with your hands or a spatula until the mixture is uniform.

      Shape the Meatballs: Take a small portion of the mixture and roll it into round meatballs, each about 1 inch in diameter. Aim for approximately 20-24 meatballs, ensuring consistent sizing for even cooking.

        Brown the Meatballs: Heat a generous drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the meatballs in batches to avoid overcrowding. Sear them for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they develop a nice golden-brown crust. Note: They don’t need to be fully cooked at this stage, as they will complete cooking in the oven.

          Assemble the Sliders: Spread the bottom halves of the mini slider buns evenly in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Layer the browned meatballs over the buns, then generously pour the marinara sauce over the top. Finally, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly across the surface.

            Complete the Sliders: Gently place the tops of the slider buns over the meatballs and cheese, pressing down slightly to create a cohesive structure.

              Bake to Perfection: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 15 minutes, then carefully remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 5-10 minutes. Watch for the cheese to become bubbly and slightly golden.

                Serve and Enjoy: Once baked, remove the sliders from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes before slicing. If desired, garnish with fresh basil leaves for a touch of elegance. Cut the sliders apart and serve them warm, perfect for gatherings!

                  Prep Time: 20 min | Total Time: 45 min | Servings: 6-8