Print

Quick Mini Football Meatball Sliders for Two

mini football meatball sliders for two - featured image

These quick and easy mini meatball sliders are perfect for a weeknight dinner or game day. Pan-seared to perfection with a delicious sauce, they deliver maximum flavor in under 25 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225 g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1/4 cup (30 g) breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style, preferably panko)
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons (10 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 small slider buns (brioche or Hawaiian rolls recommended)
  • 4 thin slices provolone or mozzarella cheese
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 3 tablespoons (45 ml) ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon (12 g) brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) apple cider vinegar

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix with your hands until just combined; do not overwork.
  2. Divide the mixture into 12 equal portions and roll into small balls, about the size of a golf ball.
  3. Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place meatballs in a single layer (cook in batches if needed) and sear undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until deep golden brown. Flip and cook another 2-3 minutes. Reduce heat to medium and cook, turning occasionally, for 2-3 more minutes until cooked through (internal temperature 160°F/71°C). Transfer to a plate and tent with foil.
  4. In a small saucepan, combine ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar. Whisk and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. Remove from heat.
  5. Preheat oven broiler to high. Split slider buns and place cut-side up on a baking sheet. Mix melted butter with garlic powder and brush over cut sides. Broil for 1-2 minutes until lightly toasted; watch closely.
  6. Place a slice of cheese on the bottom half of each bun. Top with three mini meatballs. Drizzle with sauce and cover with top bun. Secure with toothpicks if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, use 80/20 ground beef for juiciness. Do not overwork the meat mixture. Get the pan hot before adding meatballs to ensure a good sear. Let meatballs rest 2-3 minutes before serving. Toast buns under the broiler for even results. Make sauce while meatballs cook to save time.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatball sliders, mini meatballs, game day food, quick dinner, comfort food, beef sliders