These Game Day Meatball Sliders are the perfect crowd-pleaser! Soft buns are filled with juicy meatballs, marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese—what’s not to love?
Picture this: everyone cheering on their team, and you serving up these tasty sliders. They disappear fast, so maybe keep a secret stash for yourself! 😄
I love making these for game day because they’re easy to prepare and always a hit. Pair them with some chips and enjoy the fun with friends and family!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef is ideal for juicy meatballs. If you prefer a leaner option, try ground turkey or chicken. You can even use a plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian twist!
Breadcrumbs: Traditional breadcrumbs help bind the meatballs, but you can substitute with crushed crackers, panko for extra crunch, or even oats for a healthier choice.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds flavor and richness. If you’re out, any hard cheese like Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast (for a vegan option) can work instead.
Marinara Sauce: While store-bought is convenient, homemade marinara is delightful! If you want a spicy kick, add some red pepper flakes or use arrabbiata sauce.
Slider Buns: Soft dinner rolls are perfect, but you can switch to whole wheat or even garlic butter rolls for extra flavor. Just make sure they’re not too dense.
How Do You Form Perfect Meatballs Without Overworking Them?
To create tender meatballs, you want to mix just enough to combine the ingredients while being gentle. Here’s how:
- Use a large bowl for ample space.
- Combine ingredients using your hands; this helps you feel the texture.
- Mix until everything is just incorporated. Avoid overmixing, as it can make meatballs tough.
- Shape them quickly into balls, about the size of a golf ball for even cooking.
- Optional: If browning them in a skillet, gently transfer them without pressing down.
This approach keeps your meatballs soft and flavorful, which is perfect for sliders! Happy cooking!
Game Day Meatball Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 slider buns (soft dinner rolls)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups marinara sauce, divided
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Olive oil (optional, for cooking)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes total. You’ll need around 10 minutes for prep and shaping the meatballs, plus 15-20 minutes for baking. It’s quick enough to whip up before the game starts!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your meatballs cook evenly and are nice and warm when you’re ready to serve.
2. Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, large egg, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Use your hands to gently mix everything until just combined—be careful not to overmix, as that can make your meatballs tough!
3. Shape the Meatballs:
Portion the mixture into about 12 evenly sized meatballs, roughly the size of golf balls. This helps them cook evenly!
4. Brown the Meatballs (Optional):
If you like, you can brown the meatballs for added flavor. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Brown the meatballs for about 3-4 minutes, turning to get a crust on all sides. They don’t need to be fully cooked—just give them a nice color!
5. Bake the Meatballs:
Transfer the browned (or raw) meatballs to a baking dish. Pour 1 1/2 cups of marinara sauce over them to coat. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and the sauce is hot.
6. Prepare the Slider Buns:
While the meatballs are baking, slice the slider buns in half horizontally. These will be the bases for your delicious sliders!
7. Assemble the Sliders:
Once the meatballs are ready, it’s time to assemble! Spoon a little marinara sauce on the bottom half of each slider bun. Place one meatball on each bun, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
8. Toast the Sliders:
Return the assembled sliders on a baking sheet to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the buns are slightly toasted. Yum!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove your sliders from the oven. Place the top halves of the buns on each slider. If you like, garnish them with extra chopped parsley. Serve warm with the remaining marinara sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your tasty Game Day Meatball Sliders!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative that will still yield delicious sliders. Just be mindful that ground turkey can cook faster, so keep an eye on your meatballs to avoid drying them out.
How Can I Make These Sliders Gluten-Free?
You can easily make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and slider buns. Ensure that your marinara sauce is also gluten-free, and you’ll have a tasty option for those with dietary restrictions!
Can I Prepare the Meatballs in Advance?
Yes, you can make the meatballs a day ahead! Just form them and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. You can also freeze them; thaw overnight in the fridge before baking to ensure they cook evenly.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Sliders?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven for a bit to keep the buns nice and soft. You can also microwave them, but they may get a little chewy!
