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Get ready to satisfy your cravings with these mouthwatering meatball sliders smothered in rich tomato sauce. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, planning a family dinner, or simply looking for a delicious comfort food option, this recipe will leave your taste buds dancing with delight. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through creating flavorful meatballs, simmering them in a homemade tomato sauce, and assembling them into irresistible sliders that are sure to be a hit. Get ready to elevate your slider game to new heights!
Meatball Sliders with Tomato Sauce are a delightful twist on classic Italian–American meatballs. The origins of this dish are deeply rooted in the Italian immigrant experience, where traditional recipes evolved to adapt to American tastes and ingredients.
- Meatballs, or “polpette,” have a long history in Italian cuisine, with variations found in regions throughout Italy. However, the meatball as we know it in the United States is often traced back to Italian immigrants who settled in New York City and other urban centers during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
- In the United States, meatballs evolved to include a mix of meats, breadcrumbs, cheese, and aromatic herbs and spices. They became a staple in Italian–American households, often served with tomato sauce and pasta.
- Meatball Sliders are a creative adaptation that takes the delicious flavors of traditional meatballs and presents them in a mini sandwich form, perfect for parties, gatherings, or a fun family meal.
Today, Meatball Sliders with Tomato Sauce are enjoyed for their nostalgic and comforting flavors, making them a beloved part of Italian–American cuisine.
Meatball Sliders with Tomato Sauce
Meatball sliders are a fantastic combination of tender meatballs, zesty tomato sauce, and soft slider buns. These little bites of heaven are perfect for serving as appetizers, party snacks, or even as a main course. The meatballs are made with a blend of ground meat, herbs, breadcrumbs, and spices, while the tomato sauce brings a burst of tangy and savory flavors. Assembled on slider buns and topped with cheese, these sliders are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl: Buy On Amazon
- Baking sheet: Buy On Amazon
- Skillet or frying pan: Buy On Amazon / Buy On Amazon
- Wooden spoon or spatula: Buy On Amazon / Buy On Amazon
- Knife: Buy On Amazon
- Cutting board: Buy On Amazon
- Measuring cups and spoons: Buy On Amazon

Ingredients
For the meatballs:
For the tomato sauce:
For assembling:
Step-by-Step Instructions
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, parsley, onion, garlic, egg, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
Mix the ingredients thoroughly using your hands until well combined.
Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1-1.5 inches in diameter.
Place the meatballs on a baking sheet and refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to firm up.
Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until softened and fragrant.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, sugar, salt, and black pepper.
Reduce the heat to low and simmer the tomato sauce for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Remove the meatballs from the refrigerator and transfer them to the skillet with the tomato sauce.
Gently stir the meatballs into the sauce, ensuring they are coated evenly.
Cover the skillet and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.
While the meatballs are cooking, slice the slider buns and place them on a baking sheet.
Place a slice of mozzarella cheese on the bottom half of each bun.
Toast the buns in the preheated oven for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the buns are slightly toasted.
Remove the meatballs from the heat and allow them to rest for 5 minutes.
Spoon a generous amount of meatballs and sauce onto each toasted slider bun.
Top with the other half of the bun and secure with a toothpick, if desired.
Serve the meatball sliders hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 456.89kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 30.33g47%
- Saturated Fat 10.34g52%
- Trans Fat 0.9g
- Cholesterol 115.57mg39%
- Sodium 868.98mg37%
- Potassium 793.94mg23%
- Total Carbohydrate 21.01g8%
- Dietary Fiber 3.5g15%
- Sugars 8.98g
- Protein 26.22g53%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. Please note that the nutritional values provided are approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used. It's always best to double-check with your specific ingredients and measurements for accurate nutritional information.
Note
Tips and Variations:
- You can use a combination of ground beef and ground pork, or substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Feel free to add additional spices and herbs to the meatball mixture, such as crushed red pepper flakes or dried thyme, to suit your taste preferences.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño to the tomato sauce.
- Experiment with different types of cheese, such as provolone or cheddar, for unique flavor variations.
- Garnish the sliders with fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley for an extra pop of freshness.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the meatball sliders as appetizers at parties or game day gatherings.
- Pair them with a side of crispy french fries or a refreshing salad for a complete meal.
- Pack them in lunchboxes or serve them as a quick and easy dinner for busy weeknights.
Allergen Information:
- Meatball Sliders typically contain common allergens such as eggs (used as a binding agent), breadcrumbs (often containing gluten), and dairy (in the form of cheese). Individuals with allergies or dietary restrictions should opt for allergen-free alternatives or recipes that cater to their needs.
Wine or Drink Pairing:
- Meatball Sliders pair wonderfully with a variety of beverages that complement their savory and hearty flavors. Consider serving them with a glass of Italian red wine, such as Chianti or Sangiovese.
- For a non-alcoholic option, enjoy Meatball Sliders with a classic Italian soda or a sparkling water with a twist of lemon for a refreshing contrast.
Storage and Leftovers:
- Leftover Meatball Sliders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- To reheat, place the sliders on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
- Alternatively, you can warm them in the microwave in short intervals, being careful not to overheat and make the bread too soggy.
- Leftover tomato sauce can be refrigerated separately and used as a dipping sauce for other dishes or as a base for pasta dishes or pizzas.