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