Meatball Parmesan Sliders Recipe

Meatball Parmesan Sliders Recipe
makes 8 sliders
prep time: 10 minutes
cook time: 40 minutes
total time: 50 minutes

Simple Tomato Sauce

• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 1/2 teaspoons crushed red pepper
• 1 teaspoon toasted fennel seeds, crushed
• 1/2 yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, finely shredded
• 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Meatballs

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/3 cup panko or breadcrumbs
• 1/3 cup finely grated parmesan
• 1/2 onion, finely diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large egg
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• 2 tablespoons freshly finely chopped parsley

Sliders

• 8 slider buns
• 8 slices mozzarella cheese or 3/4 cups shredded mozzarella
• flat leaf parsley, if desired

Make the sauce: heat up the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the crushed red pepper, fennel seeds, onion, garlic and carrot. Cook, stirring, until slightly softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and salt. Keep on a low simmer while you make your meatballs.

Make the meatballs: gently mix together all of the meatball ingredients together in a bowl. Shape into large meatballs or meatball patties and simmer in the sauce, partially covered, over medium heat, flipping occasionally. Simmer gently until cooked through, about 20-25 minutes.

Make the sliders: preheat the oven to 400°F. Arrange the buns, cut side up, on a lined baking sheet. Top the bottom buns with a bit of sauce, a meatball, and cheese. Bake until cheese is bubbly and melted, about 3 minutes. Sandwich and enjoy hot!