Mini meatball sandwiches smothered in marinara and cheese
Meatball Sub Sliders
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
25 min
Total Time
40 min
Servings
6
12 sliders
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Meatball Sub Sliders
Mini meatball sandwiches smothered in marinara and cheese
★4.5(19)
Juicy meatballs nestled in mini rolls, smothered in marinara sauce and melted mozzarella. Party-sized meatball subs everyone will love.
15m
Prep Time
25m
Cook Time
40m
Total Time
6
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
These meatball sliders bring all the flavors of a meatball sub in a fun, party-friendly format. Bake them all together in one pan for easy serving.
This is the kind of recipe that defines American home cooking at its best — straightforward, satisfying, and built on flavors that everyone loves.
Ingredients
- 12 frozen or homemade meatballs
- 12 slider buns or Hawaiian rolls
- 1.5 cups marinara sauce
- 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tsp garlic powder and Italian seasoning
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350°F. Heat meatballs in marinara sauce on the stove until warmed through.
- 2
Slice the slab of rolls in half horizontally. Place the bottom half in a 9x13 baking dish.
- 3
Place a saucy meatball on each roll bottom. Spoon extra marinara over the meatballs.
- 4
Top with shredded mozzarella and the top half of the rolls. Brush with melted butter mixed with garlic powder and Italian seasoning.
- 5
Bake 15-18 minutes until cheese is melted and tops are golden. Serve as pull-apart sliders.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with crusty artisan bread for dipping
Finish with a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil
Pair with a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette
Serve with classic coleslaw and cornbread on the side
Substitutions
Hawaiian rollsCiabatta rolls
More traditional sub bread flavor
MarinaraPesto or alfredo
Completely different but delicious variations
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Use Hawaiian rolls for a slightly sweet contrast to the savory filling.
Add pepperoni slices for a pizza-meatball mashup.
Sprinkle with Parmesan before baking for extra flavor.
Storage
Refrigerate assembled (unbaked) sliders overnight. Bake before serving.
Reheating
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes. Add a splash of broth or water to prevent drying. Stovetop reheating over medium-low heat is also effective.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (40mg) · 6 servings
Calories340
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein18g
Carbohydrates16g
Fat28g
Fiber680mg
Sugar2g
Sodium6g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make my own meatballs?
- Yes, any meatball recipe works. Bake or simmer them first.
- Can I use turkey meatballs?
- Absolutely—a lighter option that works great.
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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