Easy Football Game Day Recipe

Mini Meatball Sliders are the ultimate game day treat, combining the comfort of homemade meatballs with the convenience of sliders.

These bite-sized delights are perfect for snacking while cheering on your team, offering a burst of flavors from the rich marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese, all nestled in a soft slider bun.

They’re easy to prepare ahead of time, making them an ideal choice for any football gathering.

Football Game Day Easy Recipe

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings 12

Ingredients

  

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For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb 450g ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1 clove garlic minced
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Sliders:

• 12 slider buns or Hawaiian rolls
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 12 slices or as needed mozzarella cheese
• Optional: Fresh basil leaves or parsley for garnish

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C)
• In a large bowl, combine 1/2 cup breadcrumbs and 1/4 cup milk, let it sit for about 5 minutes to soak
• Add 1 lb ground beef, 1 egg, 1 clove minced garlic, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper to the breadcrumb mixture
• Gently mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat
• Form into 12 meatballs, each about the size of a golf ball
• Place meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper
• Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160°F or 71°C)
• While meatballs are cooking, split the 12 slider buns and lightly toast them if desired
• Once meatballs are done, reduce oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) if necessary
• Spoon a bit of 1 cup marinara sauce onto the bottom half of each bun, place a meatball on top, add another spoonful of sauce, then cover with a slice of mozzarella from 12 slices or as needed
• Place the sliders back on the baking sheet or in a baking dish, close with the top half of the buns
• Bake for about 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly

Notes

You can make the meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze them. If frozen, allow extra baking time.
For a bit of spice, mix in some red pepper flakes into the meatball mixture.
If you prefer, you can use store-bought marinara to save time.

These Mini Meatball Sliders are not just a treat for game day but can make any gathering special with their savory taste and convenient size. Enjoy!

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