Print

Cozy Mini Football Meatball Sliders: Easy Game Day Recipe

mini football meatball sliders - featured image
Print Recipe

These mini football meatball sliders are perfectly portioned for two, featuring juicy meatballs shaped like tiny footballs, melty provolone, and soft brioche buns. A quick and easy game day recipe that brings cozy comfort without the party-sized portions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1/4 cup (25g) breadcrumbs (plain or Italian)
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1/4 cup (25g) finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons grated onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 slider buns (brioche recommended)
  • 4 slices provolone cheese
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) marinara sauce
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let sit for 2 minutes. Add ground beef, Parmesan, egg, grated onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper. Gently mix with your hands until just combined (about 20 seconds).
  3. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions. Roll each into a ball, then shape into an oval, tapering the ends to form a mini football. Place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart.
  4. Heat a small skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Sear the meatballs for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Use tongs to turn gently.
  5. Transfer seared meatballs back to the baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  6. While meatballs bake, warm marinara sauce in a small saucepan over low heat or microwave for 30-45 seconds.
  7. Slice slider buns in half if not pre-split. Mix melted butter with garlic powder. Brush cut sides of buns with the mixture. Place on a separate baking sheet or oven rack for the last 2-3 minutes of baking time, watching closely.
  8. Assemble sliders: Place each meatball on a bottom bun half. Spoon warm marinara sauce over each. Top with a slice of provolone cheese and the top bun. Optionally, return to oven for 1-2 minutes for extra melty cheese.
  9. Serve immediately with extra marinara sauce for dipping.

Notes

Don’t skip the searing step for best flavor. Use a light touch when mixing meatballs to keep them tender. Let shaped meatballs rest in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before searing to help them hold shape. Watch buns closely when toasting as they burn quickly. Make extra marinara sauce for dipping.

Nutrition

Keywords: mini football meatball sliders, game day recipe, meatball sliders for two, easy slider recipe, comfort food

Find it online: https://daintydine.com/cozy-mini-football-meatball-sliders-easy-game-day-recipe/