Italian Meatball Sliders

Name: Italian Meatball Sliders
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 12 sliders
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1/2 pound ground pork; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup chopped parsley; 1 egg; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 12 slider buns; 1 cup marinara sauce; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Highlighted under: Around World Recipes

I absolutely love making Italian Meatball Sliders for gatherings and cozy family dinners. There's something incredibly satisfying about serving these mini sandwiches packed with homemade meatballs, marinara, and gooey melted cheese. Each bite is a burst of flavors, combining the savory taste of beef with aromatic herbs. Whether you're hosting a party or just want a delicious meal, these sliders are sure to impress. Plus, they’re super easy to assemble, making them the perfect crowd-pleaser you can whip up in no time!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-15T10:51:30.593Z

When I first decided to make Italian Meatball Sliders, I wanted to create a recipe that captured the essence of a traditional meatball sub but in a bite-sized form. It took a bit of experimenting to get the meatballs juicy yet firm enough to hold up in a slider. I found that using a mixture of ground beef and pork provided the perfect texture, along with a splash of Worcestershire sauce for depth of flavor.

One memorable dinner was when I paired these sliders with a simple arugula salad which balanced the richness of the meatballs beautifully. I also discovered that toasting the slider buns before adding the fillings helps prevent sogginess and enhances the overall eating experience. Trust me, it's worth the extra step!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Juicy meatballs infused with Italian herbs and spices
Melted mozzarella oozing out of each slider
Perfect for game days or casual get-togethers

      

Mastering the Meatball

The key to achieving juicy meatballs lies in the combination of ground beef and ground pork. The beef brings a robust flavor, while the pork adds moisture and tenderness. If you prefer a leaner option, you can replace the pork with turkey, just be aware that the texture may change slightly, resulting in a slightly firmer meatball. Always ensure not to overmix the ingredients, as this can lead to tough meatballs; mix until just combined for the best results.

Adding grated Parmesan cheese not only enhances the flavor but also contributes to the meatball's binding, preventing them from falling apart during cooking. Make sure you use freshly grated cheese for the best results—it melts better and offers a richer flavor compared to pre-grated options. If you’re in a pinch, pecorino Romano can be a great substitute, providing a sharper taste.

Perfecting the Assembly

When it comes to assembling your sliders, don’t skimp on the marinara sauce. A generous layer on the bottom of the sliders not only infuses moisture but helps keep the buns from getting too soggy. I always recommend warming the sauce slightly before spreading; this makes it easier to work with and ensures a warm, cohesive flavor.

To achieve that perfect molten cheese texture, opt for high-quality shredded mozzarella cheese that melts beautifully. If you're feeling adventurous, try mixing in some provolone or a bit of sharp cheddar for a flavor twist. Just remember to keep an eye on the sliders during the final baking stage, as cheese can go from perfectly gooey to overcooked in just a couple of minutes.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to get started:

For the Meatballs

1 pound ground beef
1/2 pound ground pork
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped parsley
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For Assembly

12 slider buns
1 cup marinara sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Now that you have your ingredients, it's time to move on to the preparation!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create scrumptious sliders:

Prepare the Meatballs

In a bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined. Form into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.

Cook the Meatballs

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the meatballs on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes or until cooked through.

Toast the Buns

While the meatballs are baking, slice the slider buns in half and place them on another baking sheet. Toast in the oven for the last 5–7 minutes of the meatball cooking time.

Assemble the Sliders

Spread marinara sauce on the bottom halves of the toasted buns. Top each with a meatball and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. Put the tops on the buns and bake for an additional 5 minutes, until the cheese is melted.

Serve and Enjoy

Remove from the oven, transfer to a platter, and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious Italian Meatball Sliders!

Now that your sliders are ready, gather your friends and family to share this tasty treat!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, serve with a side of extra marinara for dipping! You can also add sautéed bell peppers for an added crunch.

Make-Ahead Tips

These meatballs can be prepared in advance, making them a fantastic option for meal prep. Form the meatballs and place them on a baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze them on the sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag once solid. Just remember to increase the cooking time by about 5-10 minutes if baking from frozen.

Marinara sauce can also be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for longer storage. Reheating on the stove over medium heat will yield the best texture, but you can also use the microwave if you're short on time.

Serving Suggestions

Italian Meatball Sliders are not just for casual dinners; they shine at parties, game days, and potlucks. Consider serving them with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the sliders. A sprinkle of fresh basil or extra Parmesan on top right before serving can add a beautiful touch.

For those looking to cater to different dietary preferences, try swapping the beef and pork for a plant-based meat alternative, which can yield similar textural qualities. You can also create a bar of toppings such as sautéed peppers or pickled jalapeños for guests to customize their sliders.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking.

→ Can I freeze the sliders?

Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled sliders before baking. When ready to eat, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

→ What type of cheese can I use?

While mozzarella is traditional, you can also use provolone or any melting cheese of your choice.

→ Can I use store-bought meatballs?

Yes, you can use store-bought meatballs if you're short on time, but making them from scratch adds more flavor!