Instant Pot Meatball Sliders are the perfect quick and easy appetizer for any occasion. Whether you’re gearing up for a game day, planning a fun family dinner, or just craving something delicious, these sliders have got you covered. Using frozen homestyle meatballs, this recipe is a breeze to prepare!
This recipe is all about making a tasty meal or appetizer without spending hours in the kitchen. The Instant Pot cooks frozen meatballs perfectly, making them soft and flavorful. When combined with marinara sauce and melty mozzarella cheese, these meatballs turn into a delicious filling for your sliders. We top them with a special mix of melted butter, parmesan, garlic powder, and parsley for extra yumminess. The best part? You can whip up these sliders in no time, thanks to the convenience of the Instant Pot.
What’s great about this recipe is how you can tweak it to suit your taste. While we use homestyle frozen meatballs here, you can easily swap them out for homemade ones. If you’re up for making your meatballs from scratch, check out this tasty Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Subs recipe, which includes a fantastic chicken meatball recipe. Or try something a little different, and make my Cranberry Meatballs then turn them into subs!
Why This Recipe Works
- Super Easy: With just a few simple steps, these sliders come together in a flash.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids love these sliders because they’re fun to eat and taste great.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual family meal or a big game day, these sliders fit right in.
Ingredients Needed
Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below
- Frozen Meatballs: We’re using homestyle frozen meatballs for convenience. You can use any type of frozen meatball you like. I linked above a from scratch beef meatball, and a chicken one if you want to check them out.
- Marinara Sauce: Pick your favorite brand, or you can even use homemade sauce. I typically use Rao’s marinara, it’s so good!
- Mozzarella Cheese: This cheese melts beautifully and adds a nice stretchy texture.
- Slider Rolls: Sweet Hawaiian rolls add a touch of sweetness, but you can use any small bun.
- Butter and Parmesan Topping: This mix adds a burst of flavor to the buns.
How To Make Meatball Subs in the Instant Pot
- Put the meatballs, sauce, and water in the Instant Pot.
- Cook on high pressure for four minutes, then quick release the steam.
- Stir in the cheese until it melts.
Oven Preparation
- Toast the buns if you’re making them ahead of time.
- Build your sliders and brush them with the garlic-parmesan mixture.
Recipe Tips
- Meatball Choices: While we use frozen meatballs for convenience, feel free to experiment with different types of meatballs. You can even mix and match flavors.
- Cheese Varieties: Mozzarella is our go-to for this recipe, but feel free to try different cheeses like cheddar or provolone for a different taste.
- Serving Ideas: These sliders are great for a casual meal but can also be dressed up for a party. Arrange them nicely on a platter, and they’re ready to impress.
- Get Creative with Toppings: While we love the garlic-parmesan topping, you can also experiment with other toppings like a sprinkle of sesame seeds or a brush of garlic butter.
- Keep Warm: You can keep the meatballs warm in the Instant Pot until you’re ready to eat. There is a “keep warm” setting that you can use.
Recipe FAQs
A side salad, some fries, or veggies make great sides.
These sliders are best enjoyed fresh, as the buns may get soggy if stored.
Instant Pot Meatball Sliders are a fantastic recipe that’s both simple and delicious. They’re perfect for a quick meal, a party appetizer, or just when you want something yummy without a lot of work. Give them a try and see just how easy and tasty they are. Don’t forget to rate the recipe, leave a review, and pin to your favorite Pinterest board!
Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!
Instant Pot Meatball Sliders
Equipment
Ingredients
- 16 ounces frozen mini meatballs homestyle recommended
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- ½ cup water
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 12 slider rolls Sweet Hawaiian rolls preferred
- 2 tablespoons butter melted
- 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon fresh chopped parsley
Instructions
- Combine frozen meatballs, marinara sauce, and water in the Instant Pot. Secure the lid and set the valve to the “sealing” position.
- Select ‘Pressure Cook’ on ‘Normal’ and ‘High Pressure’ settings. Set the timer for 4 minutes.
- After cooking, perform a quick release of pressure by turning the valve to “venting.”
- Once depressurized, open the lid and stir in the shredded mozzarella until it melts into the sauce.
- Place 1-2 meatballs with sauce on each slider roll. Add additional mozzarella if desired.
- Mix melted butter, Parmesan, garlic powder, and parsley in a bowl. Brush this mixture over the slider rolls.
- Serve the sliders immediately for the best taste.
Notes
- Toast buns at 400°F (200°C) for 5-7 minutes before assembling if making ahead, to avoid sogginess.
- Keep meatballs warm using the “Keep Warm” function on the Instant Pot for up to 1 hour.
- Any small-sized bun can be substituted for Sweet Hawaiian rolls.
Best enjoyed fresh; leftovers may result in soggy buns.
Nutrition
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
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