Who can resist the charm of a perfectly crafted meatball slider? These Ultimate Meatball Parmesan Sliders deliver everything you crave in a bite-sized package. Juicy meatballs nestled in soft rolls, topped with marinara and melted cheese, make for a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
Whether it’s game day or a simple family dinner, these sliders are sure to disappear fast. Let’s get started on this delicious recipe that promises comfort in every bite!
Steps
- In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, ground pork, 3/4 cup of grated parmesan, heavy cream, an egg, grated onion, pressed garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until fully combined.
- Shape the mixture into 24 meatballs and arrange them closely in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Pour marinara sauce over the meatballs, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella and the remaining parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake the dish uncovered at 350°F for 35-45 minutes, ensuring the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
- Once baked, let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving hot. Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese, divided
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons grated onion
- 6 cloves pressed garlic
- 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Optional garnish: 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Nutritional Values
Calories: 3496kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 232g | Fat: 264g | Saturated Fat: 120g | Cholesterol: 1048mg | Sodium: 6680mg | Potassium: 4504mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 4760IU | Vitamin C: 44.8mg | Calcium: 2056mg | Iron: 20mg
FAQ
- Can I use different types of meat for the meatballs?
- Yes, you can experiment with various combinations of ground meats such as beef, pork, chicken, turkey, or veal. Keep in mind that the leaner the meat, the less tender the meatballs might be.
- Why don’t these meatballs include breadcrumbs?
- This recipe is designed to be simple and suitable for multiple dietary needs, such as gluten-free diets, hence it omits breadcrumbs. Instead, it uses parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and egg as binders, which also add to the flavor and tenderness of the meatballs.
- How should I store leftover Baked Meatballs Parmesan?
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the refrigerator or up to a month in the freezer.
- Can I prepare the Baked Meatballs Parmesan in advance?
- Yes, you can prepare them ahead of time and either freeze the uncooked meatballs or the fully assembled dish. Just thaw in the refrigerator before baking as directed in the recipe.
- What are some suitable side dishes to serve with Baked Meatballs Parmesan?
- This dish pairs well with classic sides like pasta, garlic mashed potatoes, or garlic bread. For a low-carb option, consider zoodles or roasted cauliflower.
Tips
- Ensure Tender Meatballs: For the most tender meatballs, use freshly ground meat instead of prepackaged tubes, and mix the ingredients by hand to avoid overworking the meat.
- Fat Content Matters: Choose a meat with higher fat content as it contributes to the tenderness of the meatballs. Leaner meats can make the meatballs less tender.
- Meal Prep and Freezing: Prepare the meatballs ahead of time and freeze them either before or after baking. This makes for a convenient meal option on busy nights.
- Versatile Serving Suggestions: Serve these baked meatballs with pasta, garlic bread, or a side salad for a complete meal, or enjoy them on their own for a low-carb option.
Equipment
- Casserole Dish (9×13 inches) – Essential for baking the meatballs and sauce.
- Garlic Press – Useful for efficiently pressing garlic cloves.
- Mixing Bowl – Needed for combining the meatball ingredients.
- Meat Thermometer – To ensure the meatballs reach the correct internal temperature of 160?F.
- Cheese Grater – For grating parmesan cheese if not using pre-grated cheese.
