Mini Spaghetti and Meatball Sliders

Spaghetti and Meatball Sliders are an indulgent and delightful twist on the classic Italian dish that brings comfort and joy to any dining table. These mouthwatering mini sandwiches combine rich flavors and textures into one tasty bite, making them a perfect addition for family dinners, parties, or even game day gatherings. Their ease of preparation and ability to be devoured in just a few bites add to their charm, ensuring this recipe will quickly become a family favorite. In this Step-by-Step guide, you’ll discover how to make these delicious sliders that promise to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients

To create the delicious Spaghetti and Meatball Sliders, you will need a list of fresh ingredients that will enhance each flavor and texture. Begin with 1/2 pound of lean ground beef (80/20) that provides a satisfying juiciness, blended with 2 tablespoons of Italian bread crumbs for a perfect crispy texture. Add in 2 tablespoons of grated parmesan cheese for a nutty depth, along with a large egg to bind everything together.

For seasoning, utilize 1/2 envelope of beefy onion soup mix, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, creating an aromatic blend that elevates the meatballs.

You’ll need 8 ounces of cooked al dente spaghetti noodles to layer within the sliders, coated in a rich 1 cup of jarred marinara sauce and 1/4 cup of additional grated parmesan cheese for creaminess. To bring it all together, use a pack of 12 Hawaiian rolls that add a sweet and fluffy element, paired with 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese for a gooey delight. For a finishing touch, mix 1/2 cup of melted salted butter with 1/2 teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder to brush over the rolls, ensuring every bite has that irresistible buttery flavor.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat your Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a 9×13 baking dish by giving it a quick spray of cooking spray. Line a separate sheet tray with parchment paper to help with the baking of meatballs.

2. Mix the Meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, Italian bread crumbs, 2 tablespoons of grated parmesan cheese, egg, onion soup mix, garlic powder, oregano, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly but be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.

3. Form the Meatballs: Take small portions of the meat mixture and roll them into approximately 12 meatballs. Ensure you place them on the parchment-lined sheet tray, leaving space between each to allow for even cooking.

4. Bake the Meatballs: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the meatballs for 10-15 minutes. You want to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

5. Cook the Spaghetti: While the meatballs are baking, prepare your spaghetti according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the noodles and mix them with 1 cup of marinara sauce and 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese for that cheesy goodness.

6. Layer the Rolls: Slice the Hawaiian rolls lengthwise, creating a top and bottom half. Place the bottom halves of the rolls in your prepared baking dish.

7. Add the Filling: Spread the spaghetti mixture evenly over the bottom halves of the rolls. Nestle a baked meatball onto the spaghetti layer, followed by a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese on top.

8. Close the Sliders: Gently place the top halves of the Hawaiian rolls over the cheesy meatball and spaghetti filling.

9. Butter Up the Rolls: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Brush this fragrant mixture generously over the tops of the rolls.

10. Bake: Cover the baking dish with nonstick foil to keep the moisture in and place it in the oven. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and allow the sliders to bake for an additional 4-5 minutes until they turn golden brown and irresistible.

11. Cool and Serve: After removing the sliders from the oven, let them cool for about 10 minutes. This allows the cheese to set slightly, making them easier to slice and serve warm.

Tips & Tricks

For the best results, consider using freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded to enhance the creaminess and meltability. When shaping the meatballs, a small ice cream scoop or your hands will help ensure consistent size and perfect cooking. If you like a little kick, add some red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for extra flavor. You can also experiment by adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley to the meat mixture for a fresh touch.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Spaghetti and Meatball Sliders are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, serving them warm with a side of extra marinara for dipping. They make for a delightful appetizer or main dish at gatherings, particularly family game nights or casual parties. Pair these sliders with a refreshing salad or crispy garlic bread to round out the meal beautifully.

Nutritional Information

These sliders are comforting but still balanced. A serving (1 slider) typically contains about 350-400 calories, 15 grams of protein, and 20 grams of fat. It’s always a good idea to enjoy these sliders in moderation, balancing your diet with fresh vegetables or fruits on the side.

Storing Tips & Variations

If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. For a delightful variation, consider turning these sliders into a vegetarian option by swapping the meatballs for lentil or vegetable-based patties, ensuring they remain hearty and satisfying.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to whip up Spaghetti and Meatball Sliders, it’s time to gather your loved ones and indulge in this deliciously comforting dish. With its fusion of classic pasta flavors served in a fun slider form, you’ll want to share this recipe far and wide. Enjoy making and sharing this meal—and don’t forget to let us know how your sliders turned out!

FAQs

1. Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and either freeze them uncooked or refrigerate them for up to two days before baking.

2. Can I use gluten-free rolls?
   Absolutely! Substitute regular Hawaiian rolls with gluten-free versions to make these sliders suitable for gluten-free diets.

3. What if I don’t have jarred marinara sauce?
   You can easily make your own marinara sauce using canned tomatoes, garlic, onion, and Italian herbs for a fresh alternative.

4. Can these sliders be served cold?
   While they are best served warm, you can enjoy them at room temperature as well.

5. What are some good sides to pair with these sliders?
   Fresh salads, veggies, fruit platters, and baked potatoes all make fantastic sides to complement these sliders perfectly.

Spaghetti and Meatball Sliders

Indulgent mini sandwiches combining classic spaghetti and meatballs into a delightful slider form, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 12 sliders

Calories 375 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Meatballs

• 0.5 pounds lean ground beef (80/20) Provides juiciness
• 2 tablespoons Italian bread crumbs For a crispy texture
• 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese Adds nutty flavor
• 1 large egg Binds the meat mixture
• 0.5 envelope beefy onion soup mix For seasoning
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

For the Assembly

• 8 ounces cooked al dente spaghetti noodles
• 1 cup jarred marinara sauce For coating the spaghetti
• 0.25 cup grated parmesan cheese For creaminess
• 12 pieces Hawaiian rolls Adds sweetness
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese For a gooey filling

For the Butter Mixture

• 0.5 cup melted salted butter For brushing on the rolls
• 0.5 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon onion powder

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a 9x13 baking dish by spraying it with cooking spray. Line a separate sheet tray with parchment paper.

Making the Meatballs

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, Italian bread crumbs, 2 tablespoons of grated parmesan cheese, egg, onion soup mix, garlic powder, oregano, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly.
• Roll the mixture into approximately 12 meatballs and place them on the parchment-lined sheet tray.
• Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Cooking the Spaghetti

• While the meatballs are baking, prepare your spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and mix with 1 cup of marinara sauce and 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese.

Assembling the Sliders

• Slice the Hawaiian rolls lengthwise creating top and bottom halves. Place the bottom halves in the prepared baking dish.
• Spread the spaghetti mixture over the bottom halves of the rolls, then add a baked meatball and top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
• Close the sliders with the top halves of the Hawaiian rolls.

Finishing Touches

• In a small bowl, mix melted butter with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Brush over the tops of the rolls.
• Cover the baking dish with nonstick foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 4-5 minutes until golden brown.
• Allow the sliders to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Consider using freshly grated cheese for enhanced creaminess. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce. Experiment with fresh herbs in the meat mixture for a fresh touch.

Keyword Italian Meal, Meatball Sliders, Spaghetti Sliders