Mini Meatball Subs on Slider Buns Recipe

Mini Meatball Subs on Slider Buns Recipe

Mini meatball subs are a crowd-pleasing and fun dish, perfect for parties, game nights, or any casual gathering as appetizers or the main course. 

Mini Meatball Sub Appetizer Ingredients

Here's a detailed original recipe for delicious baked mini meatball subs:

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

  • 1 lb (about 450g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Marinara Sauce:

  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Subs:

  • Mini sub rolls or slider buns
  • Sliced provolone or mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)

How To Make Mini Meatball Subs on Slider Buns

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Meatballs:
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried oregano, dried basil, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
  • Gently mix all the ingredients together until well combined. Be careful not to overwork the meat mixture to keep the meatballs tender.
  • Shape the mixture into mini meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  1. Bake the Meatballs:
  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Bake the mini meatballs in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until they are cooked through and slightly browned on the outside.
  1. Prepare the Marinara Sauce:
  • In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add the minced garlic and sauté for a minute until fragrant.
  • Pour in the crushed tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
  • Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
  1. Assemble the Mini Meatball Subs:
  • Preheat your oven's broiler.
  • Take a large chef’s knife and slice the mini sub rolls or slider buns in half lengthwise.
  • Place a few mini meatballs on one half of each roll.
  • Spoon some marinara sauce over the meatballs and place a slice of provolone or mozzarella cheese on top.
  • Arrange the prepared subs on a baking sheet.
  1. Broil the Subs:
  • Place the baking sheet with the subs under the broiler until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly and slightly browned. This should take just a few minutes, so keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
  1. Garnish and Serve:
  • Remove the mini meatball subs from the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.
  • Serve the hot and gooey mini meatball subs immediately, either as a main course or as a fun appetizer for your guests to enjoy.
  1. Enjoy Your Mini Meatball Subs!

Note: You can make the meatballs and marinara sauce ahead of time and assemble the mini meatball subs just before serving. The subs can also be customized with additional toppings like sautéed onions, sliced bell peppers, or spicy pepper flakes for extra flavor. Enjoy these delicious mini meatball subs at your next gathering and watch them disappear in no time!