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To make Italian grinder sliders, you need some key ingredients. Each one plays a part in creating that rich flavor. - 1 pound ground beef and 1 pound Italian sausage - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for added heat) - 1 cup marinara sauce - 12 slider buns - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish These ingredients work together to build a tasty slider. The ground beef and sausage give it depth, while the onions and garlic add a nice base flavor. The spices bring warmth and a hint of heat if you choose to add red pepper flakes. Marinara sauce ties it all together, adding moisture and richness. Don't forget the cheeses! Mozzarella melts beautifully, while Parmesan adds a sharp note. Finally, fresh basil not only looks nice but brings a burst of freshness. Gather these ingredients, and you're ready to create a mouthwatering dish. Let's dive into the steps to make these sliders shine! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, I heat a large skillet over medium heat. I add 1 pound of ground beef and 1 pound of Italian sausage, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon. I cook this for about 8-10 minutes until it turns brown and is fully cooked. Next, I add 1 small finely chopped onion and 2 cloves of minced garlic. I sauté these for 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft. Then, I mix in 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. If you like heat, add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. I let this cook for another minute to bring out the flavors. Finally, I pour in 1 cup of marinara sauce and stir well. I let this simmer for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors nicely. Now, I preheat my oven to 375°F (190°C). I slice 12 slider buns in half and place the bottom halves in a baking dish. I spoon the meat mixture generously over these buns, spreading it evenly. Next, I sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top, followed by 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. I press the top halves of the buns gently over the cheese layer. I cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. After that, I carefully remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes. This step helps the tops of the buns become golden brown and the cheese bubble up. Once baked, I take them out and let them cool for a few minutes. I garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving to add a lovely touch. To make your sliders pop, adjust the seasoning. Try adding more red pepper flakes for heat. If you like it mild, skip them. I often use homemade marinara. It gives a fresh taste. Store-bought sauces save time but may lack depth. Serve these sliders on a big wooden board. Add a bowl of marinara for dipping. Pair them with crispy potato chips or a fresh salad. This combo brings balance and crunch. Chop your onions and garlic small for even cooking. Use a sharp knife to save time. When cooking meat, keep the heat medium. This helps it brown nicely without burning. Break up the meat as it cooks for the best texture. Pro Tips Mixing Meats: Combine different types of ground meats for a richer flavor profile. The blend of ground beef and Italian sausage adds depth to the sliders. Cheese Options: Experiment with different cheeses like provolone or fontina for a unique twist on the classic flavor. These can melt beautifully and add a different taste. Make Ahead: Prepare the meat mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge. This allows the flavors to develop further and makes the assembly quicker on the day of serving. Serving Suggestions: Pair the sliders with a fresh side salad or crispy potato wedges for a complete meal experience. It balances the richness of the sliders perfectly. {{image_4}} You can change the cheese for your Italian grinder sliders. Provolone adds a nice flavor. It melts well and gives a creamy bite. Cheddar is another good choice. It brings a sharp taste that contrasts with the meat. If you want a twist, try fontina. It's rich and smooth. Mix and match cheeses for your perfect blend. You can make these sliders vegetarian too! Use plant-based ground meat instead of beef and sausage. There are many options on the market now. You can even use chopped mushrooms or lentils for texture. They add a nice earthy flavor and are very filling. Don’t forget to add extra spices to boost the taste! You can make your marinara sauce just how you like it. If you like heat, add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. You can also toss in extra veggies. Chopped bell peppers or spinach can add color and nutrients. Simmer these veggies in the sauce to let the flavors blend. This gives your sliders a fresh and tasty twist! To keep your Italian grinder sliders fresh, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. Use parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. Store in the fridge for up to three days. This way, they stay tasty and safe to eat. You can freeze these sliders for later. First, assemble the sliders but do not bake them. Wrap each slider tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. They can stay good for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. To reheat, bake at 375°F for about 20 minutes until hot. In the fridge, your sliders last about three days. If you freeze them, they can last up to three months. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. Enjoy them fresh for the best taste! Bake your Italian grinder sliders for 25 minutes. First, cover them with foil for 15 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for 10 more minutes. This helps the tops get golden brown and the cheese melt nicely. Yes, you can prep these sliders ahead. Assemble them and keep them covered in the fridge. Bake them just before serving for the best taste. This makes it easy for parties or gatherings. Great sides include: - Crispy potato wedges - Fresh garden salad - Garlic bread - Coleslaw These sides balance the rich flavors of the sliders. To reheat, place sliders in the oven at 350°F (175°C). Heat for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps them warm and the cheese melty. You can also microwave them for a quicker option. They can be spicy! The red pepper flakes add heat if you choose to use them. If you want less spice, just skip them. The flavors still shine through without the spice. Use soft slider buns for the best texture. Here are some great options: - Hawaiian rolls - Potato buns - Mini ciabatta These choices add flavor and hold the filling well. This post shared how to make delicious Italian grinder sliders. You learned about the key ingredients, like ground beef, sausages, and cheeses. I gave you step-by-step instructions, plus tips to perfect the flavors. You can even explore variations, from vegetarian options to different cheeses. Lastly, I explained how to store your sliders for later. No matter your choice, these sliders promise satisfaction! Enjoy your cooking and the tasty results.

Italian Grinder Sliders

Delicious sliders filled with a savory meat mixture and topped with melted cheese, perfect for gatherings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 12
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for added heat)
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 12 slider buns slider buns
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • to taste fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the ground beef and Italian sausage. Cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon until browned and fully cooked, about 8-10 minutes.
  • Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onion is translucent and softened, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Incorporate the dried oregano, Italian seasoning, and optionally, red pepper flakes, into the meat mixture. Cook for an additional minute to release the flavors of the spices.
  • Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet, stirring to fully combine with the meat mixture. Allow this to simmer for about 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld together beautifully.
  • While the meat mixture is simmering, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Slice the slider buns in half and arrange the bottom halves in a spacious baking dish. Spoon the savory meat mixture generously over the bottom buns, spreading it evenly across them.
  • Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese followed by the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the meat mixture for a rich, cheesy layer.
  • Gently place the top halves of the buns over the cheese layer, pressing down lightly to ensure they stick together.
  • Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Afterward, carefully remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes, or until the tops of the buns are golden brown and the cheese is bubbling enticingly.
  • Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly for a few minutes. Before serving, garnish the sliders with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and flavor.

Notes

Serve these sliders on a rustic wooden board or platter to enhance their Italian charm. Add a small bowl of marinara on the side for dipping!
Keyword appetizer, cheese, Italian, meat, sliders