1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture

Begin by preparing the meatball mixture. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef (and pork, if using), breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, pepper, and milk. Mix everything together using your hands or a spoon until the ingredients are well incorporated.

Be careful not to overmix the meat mixture, as this can result in dense meatballs. The key to tender meatballs is to mix the ingredients just until they come together.

2. Shape the Meatballs

Once the mixture is prepared, it’s time to shape the meatballs. Using your hands, scoop out about 1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons of the meat mixture for each meatball. Roll the mixture into smooth balls, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. This should make about 12 meatballs, depending on how large you make them.

If you prefer evenly sized meatballs, you can use a small cookie scoop to help with portioning.

3. Cook the Meatballs

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs to the pan, being careful not to overcrowd them. You may need to cook the meatballs in batches, depending on the size of your skillet.

Cook the meatballs for 6-7 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown on the outside and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C). Once the meatballs are fully cooked, remove them from the skillet and set them aside on a plate. You can cover them with foil to keep them warm while you assemble the sliders.

4. Warm the Marinara Sauce

While the meatballs are cooking, heat the marinara sauce in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir occasionally to ensure the sauce is heated through and doesn’t burn. Once the sauce is warm, set it aside.

If you like your sliders extra saucy, feel free to add a bit more marinara sauce to the pan.

5. Prepare the Sliders

While the meatballs are resting and the sauce is warming, it’s time to prepare the slider buns. Slice the buns in half horizontally, keeping the tops and bottoms intact.

If you like, you can toast the buns lightly in the same skillet that you cooked the meatballs in. This adds extra flavor and helps the buns stay sturdy when you load them up with meatballs and sauce. To do this, simply place the sliced buns cut-side down in the skillet for 1-2 minutes, or until they are lightly golden and crispy.

6. Assemble the Sliders

To assemble the sliders, place the bottom halves of the buns on a serving platter or baking sheet. Top each bun with a meatball, then spoon a little marinara sauce over the meatball.

Add a slice of mozzarella cheese on top of each meatball, and place the top halves of the buns on top of the cheese. The heat from the meatballs and sauce will help melt the cheese.

7. Bake (Optional)

If you want to melt the cheese and make the sliders extra cheesy, you can place the assembled sliders in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. This will allow the cheese to melt and the buns to toast slightly, giving the sliders a warm, crispy finish.

8. Garnish and Serve

Once the sliders are assembled and the cheese has melted (if baking), garnish the sliders with fresh parsley or basil for a burst of color and added flavor. You can also sprinkle a little Parmesan cheese on top for an extra cheesy touch.

Serve the sliders hot with a side of extra marinara sauce for dipping. These mini meatball sliders are perfect for parties, appetizers, or a casual dinner with family and friends.