Italian Meatball Buns are a fun and delicious twist on traditional meatball subs, combining juicy, flavorful meatballs with soft, golden buns. These buns are stuffed with seasoned Italian meatballs, smothered in marinara sauce, and topped with melted mozzarella cheese, all baked to perfection. They’re perfect for a casual dinner, game day snack, or a party appetizer, offering all the comforting flavors of classic Italian cuisine in a handheld form. With their savory filling and cheesy topping, Italian Meatball Buns are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Buns:
- 12 small dinner rolls or slider buns
- 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried parsley
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make the Meatballs:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, Italian sausage, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, beaten egg, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully combined.
- Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until fully cooked through.
- Prepare the Buns:
- While the meatballs are baking, slice the tops off the dinner rolls or slider buns and hollow out the centers slightly to make room for the meatballs.
- Assemble the Buns:
- Once the meatballs are cooked, place one meatball inside each hollowed bun. Spoon marinara sauce over each meatball and top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake the Buns:
- Arrange the filled buns on the baking sheet. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with garlic powder and dried parsley. Brush the tops of the buns with the garlic butter mixture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the buns are golden brown.
- Serve:
- Serve the Italian Meatball Buns hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh basil if desired.
Italian Meatball Buns are a savory, cheesy delight that brings together the best of Italian flavors in a convenient, handheld form. Perfect for any occasion, these meatball-stuffed buns are sure to satisfy your cravings and impress your guests.
