Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving something delicious, easy, and satisfying? Then look no further! These juicy, flavorful meatball sliders nestled in soft Hawaiian rolls are the perfect answer. This recipe is a quick dinner idea, perfect for a weeknight meal or a fun gathering with friends and family. Get ready to experience homemade cooking at its finest!
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
For the Sliders:
- 1 package (8 count) Hawaiian rolls
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- Optional: shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
Making the Meatballs:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, gently combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, onion, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Avoid overmixing, as this can result in tough meatballs.
- Roll the mixture into 8 equal-sized meatballs.
- Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and browned.
Preparing the Sauce:
- While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, combine marinara sauce, balsamic vinegar, and brown sugar.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
Assembling the Sliders:
- Slice the Hawaiian rolls horizontally into two halves.
- Brush the cut sides of the rolls with melted butter.
- Place the bottom halves of the rolls on a baking sheet.
- Top each roll with a meatball and a generous spoonful of the sauce. If using, sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Place the top halves of the rolls on the meatballs.
- Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the rolls are lightly toasted and the cheese (if using) is melted and bubbly.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatballs.
- You can use different types of ground meat, such as turkey or a blend of beef and pork.
- If you don't have Hawaiian rolls, you can use slider buns or even regular hamburger buns.
- To make these sliders ahead of time, prepare the meatballs and sauce separately. Assemble the sliders just before baking.
- Experiment with different cheeses! Provolone or pepper jack would be delicious additions.
Nutritional Information (per slider, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 20-25g
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 25-30g
These meatball sliders are a delicious and easy recipe that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual get-together. The combination of juicy meatballs, tangy sauce, and sweet Hawaiian rolls is sure to be a hit with everyone. Enjoy!