Meatball Sub Sliders with Marinara

Name: Meatball Sub Sliders with Marinara
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12 sliders
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1/2 cup bread crumbs; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 egg; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought); 1 tsp dried basil; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); 12 slider buns; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Highlighted under: Golden Crust & Sweet Cravings

I absolutely love making Meatball Sub Sliders with Marinara for gatherings! There’s just something about the combination of savory meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and melty cheese that makes my heart skip a beat. When I bite into these sliders, I’m transported back to childhood dinners where everyone gathered around the table. These sliders are not only easy to make but also customizable, allowing you to add your favorite toppings. Whether it’s a comforting weeknight dinner or game-day snacks, these sliders are always a hit!

Created by

Sandra

Last updated on 2026-01-06T20:22:30.461Z

When I first started making Meatball Sub Sliders with Marinara, I was surprised by how simple yet delicious they could be. The key is using fresh ingredients, especially a homemade marinara sauce that enriches the flavor of the meatballs. I recommend letting the meatballs simmer in the sauce for at least 20 minutes; it makes all the difference in taste!

I've experimented with different types of bread and cheese, but I've found that using soft slider buns and gooey mozzarella cheese gives the best results. It enhances the overall texture and keeps everything together perfectly while baking!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Savory meatballs packed with flavor
Rich, homemade marinara sauce that will have you craving more
Perfectly melted cheese that ties it all together
Easy to make and great for sharing at parties

      

Mastering the Meatball Texture

Achieving the perfect meatball texture is crucial for your sliders. To keep the meatballs tender and juicy, make sure not to overmix the ingredients; just blend until they're combined. If your mixture feels too wet, a small addition of breadcrumbs can help. Conversely, if it's too dry, a splash of milk or an extra egg can provide moisture. Remember, undercooking them slightly during baking will allow them to finish cooking when added to the oven with the slider buns, keeping them moist.

When shaping the meatballs, a consistent size is vital for even cooking. Aim for about a 1-inch diameter, and consider using a small cookie scoop for uniformity. Place the meatballs evenly spaced on the baking sheet to ensure that they brown nicely and develop a slight crisp on the outside. This contrast between the flavorful crust and the tender inside contributes to the overall deliciousness of your Meatball Sub Sliders.

Creating a Flavorful Marinara

While store-bought marinara is convenient, making your own can elevate the flavor of these sliders significantly. If you opt for homemade, allow your sauce to simmer longer—up to 20 minutes—to deepen the flavors and achieve a richer profile. Fresh ingredients like diced tomatoes can add texture, while incorporating a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar during cooking introduces layers of flavor that complement the meatballs beautifully.

For those looking to customize, consider adding finely chopped vegetables such as bell peppers or onions to the sauce. Sauté them in olive oil before adding your marinara for added richness and flavor complexity. And don’t forget to taste and adjust your seasoning—sometimes a pinch of sugar can balance acidity or a bit more salt can enhance the overall flavor. This attention to detail in your marinara will make every bite of the slider satisfyingly robust.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create these delicious sliders:

For the Meatballs

1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup bread crumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Marinara Sauce

2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

For Assembly

12 slider buns
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Make sure you have all these ingredients ready for a smooth cooking experience!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Meatball Sub Sliders with Marinara:

Prepare the Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are combined.

Form and Cook the Meatballs

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes, or until cooked through.

Make the Marinara Sauce

While the meatballs bake, heat the marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the dried basil and red pepper flakes, and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.

Assemble the Sliders

Once the meatballs are ready, place a meatball in each slider bun. Spoon marinara sauce over the meatballs and top with mozzarella cheese.

Bake the Sliders

Return the sliders to the oven for 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove and garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve the sliders warm and enjoy the gooey, cheesy goodness with family and friends!

Don't forget to have napkins handy; things might get a bit messy but that's all part of the fun!

Pro Tips

For an extra burst of flavor, try adding Italian seasoning to the marinara sauce or even some sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers as toppings.

Ideas for Customization

Don't hesitate to customize your Meatball Sub Sliders! You can switch up the cheese by using provolone or a pepper jack for a spicy kick. To add crunch and freshness, top your sliders with sliced jalapeños or pickled vegetables. Additionally, experimenting with different meats—like ground turkey or chicken—can offer a lighter option without sacrificing flavor. Just ensure to adjust cooking times if your meat choice requires it.

You can also transform the slider experience by using different types of bread. Try garlic bread or even ciabatta rolls for a more rustic feel. If you're aiming for a low-carb option, consider using bell pepper halves or zucchini boats as a substitute for the buns, providing a different texture while keeping the flavors intact.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Preparing these sliders ahead of time can save you stress during gatherings. You can make the meatballs up to a day in advance and refrigerate them, ready to bake just before serving. The marinara can also be made ahead and stored in the fridge; just reheat it gently before assembling your sliders to maintain that rich flavor.

If you have leftovers, these sliders can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days in the refrigerator. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out. Alternatively, you can reheat in a microwave, though this may result in a softer texture. Enjoying these meatball sliders fresh is ideal, but when stored properly, they remain delicious!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these sliders ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the meatballs and sauce ahead of time. Simply assemble the sliders before serving.

→ What type of bread works best?

Soft slider buns are recommended for their ability to hold the ingredients without falling apart.

→ Can I freeze leftover sliders?

Absolutely! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container.

→ What can I serve with these sliders?

They pair wonderfully with a simple salad or some crispy fries on the side.