Italian Meatball Sliders
These cheesy Italian meatball sliders are sauteed then simmered in marinara sauce and topped with mozzarella cheese to make great appetizers for parties or a fun dinner recipe!
Servings 8 sliders
Calories 400kcal
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef, or a mix of ground beef and ground pork
- 1/2 cup fresh breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan
- 2 cloves garlic, grated
- 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 4 cups marinara sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Buns and Topping
- 8 slider buns
- olive oil, to brush the buns
- kosher salt, for the buns
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into 8 slices
- 2 tbsp fresh sliced basil leaves
Instructions
Make the Mix
- Mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, ricotta, parmesan, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper until thoroughly combined.
- Divide the meat mixture into 8 parts and form each into a meatball. Set the meatballs aside in the refrigerator to rest for 15 minutes.
Toast the Buns
- Turn on the broiler and set the oven rack to the middle.
- Lay out the slider buns on a baking sheet. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
- Toast the buns under the broiler until they are golden brown. Set aside.
Brown and Braise
- Set the oven to 400F.
- Pour the marinara into an oven safe skillet and bring it to a simmer.
- Heat the tablespoon of olive oil in a large nonstick skillet. Add the meatballs and brown on all sides.
- Transfer them to the marinara and braise in the oven for 10 minutes.
- Turn the meatballs over and continue braising until they are cooked through and reach 165F in the middle, about another 10 minutes.
- Switch the oven back to broil and top each meatball with a slice of mozzarella. Broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the mozzarella is melted and soft.
Finish the Sliders
- Place each meatball on a slider bun, add some basil and marinara and then put the top bun on.
- Serve the sliders with the remaining marinara on the side.
Notes
- Toasting: Don't skip this or the buns will turn to mush rather quickly.
- Ricotta: Use a fresh one if you can find it - one with just milk, vinegar, and salt.
Nutrition
Calories: 400kcal