Ultimate Slow Cooker Meatball Sliders: Cheesy, Saucy, & Crowd-Pleasing!

Get ready for a recipe that will become your new go-to! This **Meatball Sliders Recipe** delivers incredibly cheesy, saucy, and satisfying mini sandwiches that are perfect for any occasion. Imagine tender, homemade meatballs slow-cooked to perfection in a rich marinara sauce, then nestled into soft slider buns, generously topped with melted cheese, and quickly broiled for that irresistible golden finish. Prepare for these to disappear fast!

Author’s Note

These Meatball Sliders Disappear Fast! A Versatile Family Favorite!

My entire family has an absolute obsession with meatballs, which is why whenever I prepare a large batch in the slow cooker, I always make sure to account for plenty of leftovers. While the first round of these delightful sliders is always the unanimous favorite, the beauty of this recipe truly lies in its incredible versatility. Any extra meatballs and sauce can be transformed into a variety of delicious meals throughout the week.

I often find myself tossing them over a hearty pasta dish for a quick and comforting dinner, or tucking them into warm, crusty subs for a satisfying lunch. They also make an unexpected, yet incredibly flavorful, topping for pizza, adding a gourmet touch to your homemade pies. For lighter options, they can elevate a simple salad or become the star of a bubbling casserole. This meatball sliders recipe might require a little more effort upfront, especially with forming the meatballs, but believe me, the investment pays off handsomely all week long. The convenience of having flavorful, ready-to-go meatballs for multiple meals is truly a game-changer for busy households.

Furthermore, if you’re hosting a gathering, these slow cooker meatball sliders are an absolute guaranteed hit. They’re effortlessly fun, easy to eat, and pack a punch of savory flavor that appeals to everyone from kids to adults. Don’t be surprised if you end up with no leftovers at all – they truly are that popular!

Key Ingredients for Perfect Meatball Sliders

Crafting exceptional meatball sliders starts with high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need, along with some helpful tips and potential swaps to suit your taste and pantry.

How to Master This Meatball Sliders Recipe

Creating these irresistible slow cooker meatball sliders is simpler than you might think. Follow these steps for tender, flavorful meatballs and perfectly gooey, cheesy sliders every time.

1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, Italian sausage, milk, eggs, Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and grated onion. Season generously with salt and pepper. Gently mix the ingredients by hand until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough meatballs.
2. Form and Briefly Broil Meatballs: Line a large sheet pan with aluminum foil and spray it lightly with cooking spray. Using a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop, form the mixture into uniformly sized, small meatballs (about 1 tablespoon each). Arrange them on the prepared baking sheet. Broil the meatballs for approximately 3 minutes per side, for a total of 6 minutes. This crucial step helps to brown the exterior, seal in the moisture, and give them a head start before slow cooking.
3. Slow Cook to Perfection: Lightly spray the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray. Add about half of your broiled meatballs to the pot. Cover them with a layer of marinara sauce, minced garlic, a bay leaf, Italian seasoning, and onion powder. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Add the remaining meatballs on top and gently stir to ensure all meatballs are coated in the luscious sauce. Cook on a low setting for 4–6 hours, or until the meatballs are thoroughly cooked through and incredibly tender (reaching an internal temperature of 160°F). The low setting allows flavors to meld beautifully.
4. Assemble the Sliders: Once your meatballs are perfectly cooked, it’s time to assemble! Preheat your broiler. Carefully slice your slider buns horizontally, keeping them connected if possible (like Hawaiian rolls often are). Arrange the bottom halves of the buns on a baking sheet. Spoon a generous amount of meatballs and sauce onto each bun, then top with a layer of mozzarella cheese. For an extra touch, brush a little melted butter on the top halves of the buns.
5. Broil for Golden Finish: Place the assembled slider bottoms, with their cheesy toppings, under the broiler. Add the buttered top buns to the baking sheet as well. Broil for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, watching carefully, until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the buns are lightly golden and toasted. Remove from the oven, place the top buns back on, and serve immediately while they’re warm and wonderfully toasty!

Expert Tips for the Best Meatball Sliders

Achieve perfection with your slow cooker meatball sliders by following these expert tips and tricks. These small details can make a big difference in flavor and texture.

• Don’t Overmix the Meat: This is arguably the most important rule for tender meatballs. Overmixing compresses the meat proteins, resulting in tough, dense meatballs. Mix just until the ingredients are evenly combined, then stop.
• Ensure Even Sizes for Consistent Cooking: For perfectly cooked meatballs, uniformity is key. Use a cookie scoop, a small ice cream scoop, or a measuring spoon (like a tablespoon) to ensure all your meatballs are roughly the same size. This guarantees they cook evenly in the slow cooker and are perfect for slider buns.
• Use a Microplane for Superior Flavor: For both Parmesan and garlic, using a microplane grater can elevate your meatballs. Finely grated Parmesan incorporates better into the mixture, and microplaned garlic distributes its pungent flavor more evenly without large chunks.
• The Power of Broiling at the End: Don’t skip the final broil! This quick step is what transforms good sliders into great ones. It melts the cheese into a gooey, irresistible layer and perfectly toasts the buns, adding a delightful crispness and warmth.
• Invest in a Quality Marinara Sauce: The marinara sauce is the backbone of this recipe. A flavorful, well-balanced sauce will significantly impact the overall taste. While homemade is always fantastic, a premium store-bought brand like Rao’s is an excellent choice. Avoid thin, watery sauces that won’t cling well to the meatballs.
• Batch Prep for Future Meals: This recipe makes a generous amount of meatballs, making it ideal for meal prepping. Cooked meatballs and sauce can be stored in the refrigerator or frozen for quick future meals like pasta, subs, or even pizza toppings.
• Consider Your Bun Choice: While Hawaiian rolls are classic, experiment with other soft rolls like brioche, potato rolls, or even small pretzel buns for a unique twist. The right bun complements the rich meatballs perfectly.
• Avoid Overcrowding the Slow Cooker: While it’s a generous recipe, make sure your slow cooker isn’t packed too tightly. This allows the heat and sauce to circulate evenly, ensuring all meatballs cook thoroughly and absorb the delicious marinara.

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5 from 7 votes

Slow Cooker Meatball Sliders Recipe

By
Chelsea Lords

Meatball sliders recipe featuring slow-cooked marinara and tender meatballs nestled in cheesy, broiled slider buns. Perfect for a hearty family meal or a crowd-pleasing appetizer!

Prep Time:
20 minutes

Cook Time:
5 hours

Total Time:
5 hours 20 minutes

Servings:
20 meatballs sliders

Video

Equipment

• Large sheet pan (15″ x 21″)
• Aluminum foil
• Slow Cooker (Crock-Pot)

Ingredients

Meatballs

• 1 pound ground beef chuck 80/20
• 1 pound Italian sausage mild or hot—up to you!
• 1/4 cup milk I use whole
• 2 large eggs
• 3/4 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
• 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1/2 cup grated yellow onion or red onion

Sauce & Sliders

• 42 ounces marinara sauce I highly recommend Rao’s!
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper (to taste, about 1 tsp each for meatballs, 1/4-1/2 tsp each for sauce)
• Fresh parsley optional, for garnish
• Slider buns like Hawaiian rolls, plus butter for topping
• Mozzarella cheese shredded, about 2 cups

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, gently combine ground beef, Italian sausage (casings removed), milk, eggs, Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, 2 teaspoons minced garlic, grated onion, and about 1 teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Mix just until combined, being careful not to overmix.
2. Preheat your oven’s broiler to 550°F (or its highest setting) and position an oven rack about 4 inches from the top heating element. Line a large sheet pan with aluminum foil and spray generously with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3. Form the meat mixture into small meatballs, roughly 1 tablespoon in size each. You should yield about 64–66 meatballs. Arrange them in a single layer on the prepared sheet pan.
4. Broil the meatballs in the oven for 3 minutes on each side (6 minutes total). This quick broil helps brown the exterior, seal in juices, and ensure even cooking in the slow cooker.
5. Spray the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray.
6. Add half of the broiled meatballs to the slow cooker. Pour half of the marinara sauce over them. Then add 1 teaspoon minced garlic, the bay leaf, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, and about 1/4–1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Top with the remaining meatballs, then cover with the rest of the marinara sauce.
7. Very gently stir the contents of the slow cooker until all the meatballs are coated in the sauce. If desired, stir in 2–3 tablespoons of freshly chopped parsley.
8. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4–6 hours, or until the meatballs are fully cooked through and incredibly tender (registering 160°F with a meat thermometer). Cooking on a high setting is not recommended as it can make the meatballs less tender.
9. When ready to serve, slice your slider buns in half horizontally. Arrange the bottom halves on a clean sheet pan. Spoon a generous portion of meatballs and sauce onto each bun. Sprinkle a generous amount of mozzarella cheese over the meatballs. Spread about a teaspoon of softened butter on the tops of the buns.
10. Place the sheet pan with the loaded slider bottoms and the buttered top buns under the preheated broiler (still 4 inches from the top element). Broil for approximately 30 seconds to 1 minute, watching constantly, until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly, and the bun tops are golden brown. Remove from the oven, place the top buns onto their respective bottoms, and serve immediately while the sliders are hot and toasty!

Variations & Serving Suggestions

This meatball slider recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Here are a few ideas to customize it or pair it with delicious sides:

Customizing Your Meatballs and Sauce:

• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or the marinara sauce for extra heat.
• Herb Garden Freshness: Incorporate fresh basil, oregano, or thyme into your meatball mixture or sprinkle over the sauce before cooking for a vibrant herbaceous flavor.
• Cheese Choices: While mozzarella is classic, experiment with provolone, a sharp cheddar, smoked gouda, or even a mix of Italian cheeses for different flavor profiles.
• Vegetable Boost: Finely diced bell peppers or carrots can be added to the meatball mixture for extra nutrients and texture. For the sauce, sautéed mushrooms or zucchini can be simmered in with the meatballs.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute regular breadcrumbs with a gluten-free breadcrumb alternative to make this recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
• Meat Alternatives: While the beef and sausage blend is fantastic, you can try ground turkey or chicken for a leaner meatball, though you might need to add a bit more fat (like olive oil) or moisture to prevent dryness.

Perfect Pairings and Sides:

• Crisp Green Salad: A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich sliders.
• Garlic Parmesan Fries: Homemade or frozen fries tossed with garlic powder and Parmesan cheese make a perfect comfort food pairing.
• Pasta Salad: A cold, zesty pasta salad can be a great addition, especially for picnics or larger gatherings.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or bell peppers offer a healthy and flavorful side.
• Soup: A light minestrone or tomato soup can turn these sliders into a heartier meal, especially on a chilly day.
• Coleslaw: A creamy or vinegar-based coleslaw adds crunch and tanginess.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Got questions about making these slow cooker meatball sliders? Here are some common queries and their answers to help you out.

• Can I make the meatballs ahead of time? Absolutely! You can form and broil the meatballs, then let them cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before adding them to the slow cooker with the sauce. This is excellent for meal prep!
• Can I freeze the meatballs? Yes, you can freeze both cooked and uncooked meatballs.
  • Cooked: After slow cooking, let the meatballs and sauce cool. Store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
  • Uncooked: Form and broil the meatballs, then flash-freeze them on a baking sheet until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months. You can add them directly to the slow cooker (they might need an extra hour of cooking) or thaw before cooking.
• What kind of buns work best for sliders? Soft, slightly sweet buns like Hawaiian rolls are ideal. Brioche slider buns or small potato rolls also work wonderfully. The key is a bun that’s sturdy enough to hold the meatballs and sauce but soft enough to be easy to eat.
• How do I store leftover sliders? For best results, it’s recommended to store the meatballs and sauce separately from the buns and cheese. Keep the meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. When ready to eat, assemble fresh sliders and broil.
• Can I use pre-made frozen meatballs? While homemade meatballs offer superior flavor and texture, you can certainly use pre-cooked frozen meatballs in a pinch. Simply add them to the slow cooker with the marinara sauce and cook on low until heated through and tender, usually 2-3 hours.
• Why broil the meatballs before slow cooking? Broiling creates a nicely browned crust, which adds depth of flavor and helps the meatballs hold their shape better during the long slow cook. It also seals in moisture, ensuring juicy results.

Recipe Notes

Storage: To store leftovers, transfer the meatballs and sauce to an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the meatballs and sauce (without the buns and cheese) in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Nutrition: The nutrition information provided is an approximation calculated for the meatballs and sauce only. It does not include the buns, cheese, or any optional garnishes, as their nutritional values can vary significantly based on brand and type.

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

Serving: 1 serving |
Calories: 167kcal |
Carbohydrates: 8.2g |
Protein: 10.9g |
Fat: 9.8g |
Cholesterol: 51.7mg |
Sodium: 501.8mg |
Fiber: 1.3g |
Sugar: 3.5g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation. Values may vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.

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