Delicious Meatball Sliders with Marinara: Perfect for Game Days and Cozy Nights

There’s something undeniably comforting about a good meatball slider, especially when it’s smothered in rich marinara sauce.

These little bites of heaven are perfect for game day gatherings, casual dinners, or even a cozy night in.

I love how they combine the heartiness of meatballs with the ease of sliders, making them a hit with both kids and adults alike.

Ingredient List

Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make delicious meatball sliders with marinara.

I always find it helpful to have everything prepped before I start cooking, so let’s get organized!

For the Meatballs

• 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 onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Marinara Sauce

• 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)

• 12 slider buns
• 6 slices mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven
   I start by preheating my oven to 400°F. This ensures it’s hot enough to cook the meatballs evenly.
2. Prepare the Meatball Mixture
   In a large bowl, I combine 1 pound of ground beef, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup of chopped parsley, 1 clove of minced garlic, 1 large egg, and a pinch of salt and pepper. I mix everything gently with my hands until well combined.
3. Shape the Meatballs
   Next, I scoop out about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture and roll it into a ball. I repeat this process until I shape all the mixture into approximately 12 to 15 meatballs.
4. Bake the Meatballs
   I place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they are spaced evenly. Then, I bake them in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until they are browned and cooked through.
5. Heat the Marinara Sauce
   While the meatballs are baking, I pour 2 cups of marinara sauce into a medium saucepan. I heat it over medium heat until it simmers, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking.
6. Combine Meatballs and Sauce
   When the meatballs are ready, I take them out of the oven and transfer them directly into the marinara sauce. I let them simmer in the sauce for about 5 minutes, absorbing that delicious flavor.
7. Prepare the Sliders
   I slice 6 slider buns in half and lay them out on a serving platter. I scoop 1 or 2 meatballs with some marinara sauce onto each bottom half.
8. Add Cheese
   To elevate the sliders, I sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the meatballs. If I want a melty finish, I place the loaded sliders back in the oven for 5 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly.

Recipe Notes & Variations

When making my Meatball Sliders with Marinara, I love to keep a few notes in mind to optimize the flavor and convenience.

Here are some of my favorite tips and variations:

Meatball Mix

• Meat Options: While I usually use ground beef for a classic taste, I sometimes mix it up with ground turkey or chicken. This adds a lighter option without sacrificing flavor.
• Seasonings: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices. Adding Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes can give the meatballs an extra kick.

Marinara Sauce

• Homemade vs Store-Bought: If I have the time, I enjoy making my marinara sauce from scratch using crushed tomatoes garlic and fresh basil. However, a quality store-bought sauce works perfectly for convenience.
• Add-Ins: I sometimes like to incorporate sautéed onions or even mushrooms into the sauce for added flavor and texture.

Slider Assembly

• Bun Varieties: While I often use regular slider buns, I’ve found that using garlic bread or focaccia adds a delicious twist. Brioche buns can also bring a hint of sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the meatballs.
• Cheese Choices: Shredded mozzarella is my go-to for that classic melty effect but trying provolone or even a sprinkle of Parmesan can be delightful.

Cooking Technique

• Slow Cooker Option: For those days when I want to set it and forget it, I can prepare the meatballs and sauce in a slow cooker. I combine everything and let it simmer on low for several hours for tender meatballs bursting with flavor.
• Freezing Tips: I often make a double batch of meatballs to freeze. After cooking, I let them cool, then store them in an airtight container. They last around three months and are perfect for a quick meal.

• Toppings: I like serving my sliders with fresh basil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra burst of flavor.
• Sides: These sliders are delicious alongside a fresh salad or crispy baked fries for a complete meal.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to enjoying my meatball sliders with marinara, I love to elevate the experience with a few tasty serving suggestions. Here are some ideas to make your sliders even more delightful.

Accompaniments

I like to serve my meatball sliders with a fresh side salad. A simple mix of arugula, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a light balsamic vinaigrette adds a refreshing crunch that balances the richness of the sliders. Additionally, crispy baked fries or sweet potato fries are fantastic options for extra comfort.

Dipping Sauces

For a flavorful twist, I often set out a small bowl of extra marinara sauce for dipping. The rich and tangy sauce enhances every bite. You can also add a zesty garlic aioli or creamy ranch dressing for a different flavor profile.

Garnishes

I recommend garnishing the sliders with fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes. The basil adds a burst of freshness while the red pepper flakes provide a spicy kick that your guests will love.

Cheese Variations

If I want to indulge a bit more, I’ll melt provolone or fontina cheese on top of the sliders for a gooey finish. Not only does it enhance the flavor, but it also creates a delightful bite when I take a slider.

Presentation

Serving is key, so I like to arrange the sliders on a large platter and add some colorful garnishes around them. It makes for a visually appealing centerpiece that invites everyone to dig in.

Drink Pairings

I enjoy pairing my meatball sliders with a chilled glass of Italian red wine, like Chianti or Sangiovese, for a more sophisticated touch. For a non-alcoholic option, a homemade lemonade or iced tea complements the flavors beautifully.

Nutrition Information

For those who are mindful of their dietary choices while enjoying my meatball sliders with marinara, here’s the nutrition breakdown.

Each slider offers a satisfying combination of flavors and nutrients. Below is a table detailing the nutritional values per slider based on my recipe.

Nutrient	Amount per Slider
Calories	250
Total Fat	10 g
Saturated Fat	4 g
Cholesterol	50 mg
Sodium	500 mg
Total Carbohydrates	30 g
Dietary Fiber	2 g
Sugars	2 g
Protein	15 g

These sliders are a balanced meal providing protein from the meatballs and carbohydrates from the slider buns.

They also bring a bit of fiber along with essential vitamins and minerals, especially if you add fresh herbs or vegetables as toppings.

To make them even healthier, I can choose leaner meats like turkey or chicken and opt for whole grain slider buns. Feel free to load the sliders with extra veggies for added nutrients and fiber.

If I’m looking to cut down on calories or sodium, I can serve them with a side of fresh salad instead of fries.

By personalizing the ingredients and sides, I can enjoy my meatball sliders while keeping in mind my nutritional goals.

Conclusion

I can’t tell you how much I love these meatball sliders with marinara. They’re not just a meal; they’re an experience that brings everyone together.

Whether you’re hosting a game day party or enjoying a cozy night in, these sliders are sure to impress.

With so many ways to customize them, you can keep things fresh and exciting every time you make them.

Don’t forget to pair them with your favorite sides and drinks for a complete feast. I hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy every delicious bite!

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