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- 1 lb ground beef - 1 lb Italian sausage, casing removed - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup marinara sauce For these sliders, I use two types of meat. The ground beef adds heartiness, while the Italian sausage gives it a nice spice. Next, I chop a small onion and mince two cloves of garlic. These will add great flavor to the dish. Then, I include a cup of marinara sauce to bind it all together and add richness. - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 12 slider buns Cheese makes this dish extra yummy. I use a cup of shredded mozzarella for its meltiness and a half-cup of grated Parmesan for depth. Slider buns are the vessel for all this deliciousness. They should be soft and fresh. - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat) Herbs and spices are key to flavor. I sprinkle in a teaspoon of dried oregano and Italian seasoning. If you like heat, add red pepper flakes. They give the sliders a nice kick. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Start by heating a large skillet on medium heat. 2. Add 1 lb of ground beef and 1 lb of Italian sausage to the skillet. 3. Cook the meat for about 8-10 minutes. Break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. 4. Once the meat is browned, add 1 small chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. 5. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft. 1. Now, add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes if you like heat. 2. Cook for 1 minute to let the spices bloom. 3. Pour in 1 cup of marinara sauce. Stir to mix everything well. 4. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes. This helps all the flavors come together. 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). 2. Slice the slider buns in half. Place the bottom halves in a baking dish. 3. Spoon the meat mixture over the bottom buns. Spread it evenly. 4. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese on top of the meat. 5. Place the top halves of the buns over the cheese and press down gently. 1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. 2. Bake for 15 minutes. 3. After 15 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes. 4. Look for golden tops and bubbly cheese. 5. Once done, let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. To make the best Italian Grinder Sliders, cook your meat well. Heat the skillet to medium and mix the ground beef and Italian sausage. Break up clumps as you cook for about 8-10 minutes. This ensures the meat is fully browned. Simmering is key for flavor. After adding marinara sauce, let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes. This step blends all the flavors together. Blooming your spices makes a huge difference. When you add oregano, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes, let them cook for a minute. This helps release their full flavor. For marinara sauce, try using a homemade version. Fresh herbs and a dash of crushed tomatoes can enhance the taste. You can also use store-bought, but look for good-quality options. Pair your sliders with classic sides. Crispy fries or a fresh salad work well. You can also serve them with roasted veggies for a healthy touch. For garnishing, fresh basil leaves add color and flavor. You can sprinkle some extra cheese on top for that extra touch. Enjoy your sliders with a side that complements their rich taste! Pro Tips Choose Quality Meat: Using high-quality ground beef and sausage will elevate the flavor of your sliders significantly. Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference. You can also add diced jalapeños for an extra kick. Make Ahead: Prepare the meat mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake the sliders just before serving for a quick meal. Experiment with Cheeses: While mozzarella and Parmesan are classic choices, try adding provolone or fontina for a unique flavor profile. {{image_2}} You can switch out the meats in Italian grinder sliders. Using ground turkey is a great idea. It makes the sliders lighter but still tasty. You can also use chicken or pork for a different flavor. For a vegetarian option, try using meat substitutes like lentils or mushrooms. Both add a savory bite without meat. Cheese can change the whole taste of your sliders. You can add provolone or gouda for a new twist. If you like heat, add jalapeños to the meat mix. They bring a spicy kick that many enjoy. You can also mix in some roasted red peppers for added flavor and color. You have many choices for buns. Gluten-free buns work well if needed. Whole grain buns add a nutty flavor and more texture. For a fun twist, use pita bread or wraps. They can hold all the delicious fillings while being easy to eat. Each choice can change your slider experience. You can keep your Italian grinder sliders in the fridge for up to 3 days. To store them well, place the sliders in an airtight container. If you use plastic wrap, make sure it covers them tightly. This helps keep the flavors fresh and prevents the buns from getting soggy. To freeze prepared sliders, wrap each slider in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped sliders in a freezer bag. This way, they stay safe from freezer burn. You can freeze them for up to 2 months. When you're ready to eat, take the sliders out of the freezer. Let them thaw in the fridge overnight. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes. This warms them through and keeps the buns soft. Enjoy your tasty sliders again! Italian Grinder Sliders are tasty mini sandwiches filled with seasoned meat. They combine ground beef and Italian sausage for a rich flavor. The sliders also have onion, garlic, and marinara sauce for extra taste. Each slider is topped with melty mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Fresh basil adds a nice touch. These sliders are perfect for parties or casual meals. Yes, you can prepare these sliders ahead of time. Cook the meat mixture and let it cool. Store it in the fridge for up to two days. When ready, assemble the sliders with buns and cheese. Bake them just before serving for the best taste. This makes meal prep easy and saves time. There are many great sides to pair with Italian Grinder Sliders. Consider serving them with: - Crispy potato wedges - Fresh garden salad - Garlic bread - Coleslaw For drinks, try soda, iced tea, or a light beer. These options balance the rich flavors of the sliders. Enjoy your meal! In this post, we explored how to make delicious Italian Grinder Sliders. We covered key ingredients like beef, sausage, and cheeses. I also shared step-by-step instructions. Don't forget those important tips to enhance flavor and texture. You can even customize your sliders with different meats or bread. These tasty bites are easy to make and perfect for any gathering. Enjoy crafting them your way, and make mealtime special!

Italian Grinder Sliders

Delicious sliders filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, Italian sausage, and cheese, perfect for gatherings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 12
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 lb Italian sausage, casing removed
  • 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 heat)
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 12 slider buns slider buns
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 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 until browned, breaking up any clumps with a wooden spoon, about 8-10 minutes.
  • Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the meat mixture, sautéing until the onion is softened, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Stir in the dried oregano, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for an additional minute to allow the spices to bloom.
  • Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Slice the slider buns in half and arrange the bottom halves in a baking dish. Spoon the meat mixture generously over the bottom buns, spreading it evenly.
  • Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese on top of the meat mixture.
  • Place the top halves of the buns over the cheese layer and press down gently.
  • Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
  • Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Notes

Feel free to adjust the heat level by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
Keyword beef, cheese, Italian, sausage, sliders