Baked Spaghetti and Meatball Slider Recipe for Game Night

Meatball Sliders pair juicy baked meatballs and saucy spaghetti on sweet Hawaiian rolls, finished with melted mozzarella for a delicious handheld meal.

Let’s talk about Spaghetti and Meatball Sliders and why they’re so irresistible.

Yes—spaghetti sliders. These are mini sandwich versions of the classic spaghetti and meatballs: small baked meatballs and sauced noodles tucked into soft Hawaiian rolls, topped with plenty of cheese and brushed with garlic butter for a garlic-bread finish.

They’re easy to make, great for feeding a crowd, and perfect for weeknights, game day, or family gatherings. I often make a double batch because they disappear fast.

You can prepare several components ahead of time—bake the meatballs and cook the pasta in advance—so assembly and final baking are quick when guests arrive.

This mash-up of two comfort-food favorites is playful, kid-friendly, and simple to customize with extras like extra cheese, herbs, or a little heat.

1. All your favorites in one bite: Combines the comfort of spaghetti and meatballs with the fun of sliders.
2. Great for sharing: Ideal as an appetizer or main for gatherings.
3. Kid-friendly: Mini meatball subs make mealtime fun and approachable for kids.

• Lean ground beef
• Italian bread crumbs
• Parmesan cheese
• Large egg
• Beefy onion soup mix
• Garlic powder
• Dried oregano
• Black pepper
• Spaghetti noodles
• Jarred marinara sauce
• Hawaiian rolls
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Salted butter
• Dried Italian seasoning
• Onion powder

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and line a sheet tray with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, gently combine ground beef, bread crumbs, parmesan, egg, onion soup mix, garlic powder, oregano, and black pepper. Avoid overmixing; use your hands if preferred.
3. Divide the mixture into 12 even portions and roll into meatballs. Place them on the prepared sheet tray with space between each.
4. Bake the meatballs 10–15 minutes, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
5. While the meatballs bake, cook spaghetti according to package directions and drain. Toss the cooked noodles with marinara sauce and 1/4 cup grated parmesan in a large bowl.
6. Slice the Hawaiian rolls lengthwise and place the bottom halves, cut side up, in the prepared 9×13 dish.
7. Spoon the sauced spaghetti over the roll bottoms, then place one meatball on each slider and sprinkle with mozzarella.
8. Cover with the top halves of the rolls.
9. Combine melted butter, dried Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder in a small bowl. Brush the mixture generously over the roll tops.
10. Cover the dish with nonstick foil (or spray foil with nonstick spray so it won’t stick to the rolls) and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake 4–5 minutes more, until the tops are lightly browned.
11. Let the sliders rest about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Can I use frozen meatballs?

Yes. Frozen premade meatballs are a great time-saver—choose a brand you like and reheat them before assembling the sliders.

Can these be made ahead?

Absolutely. Bake the meatballs and cook the spaghetti ahead of time and store separately in the fridge. Reheat, assemble, and bake the sliders when you’re ready to serve.

Any additions?

Yes—this recipe is easy to customize. Ideas include:

• Add red pepper flakes to the meatball mix for heat.
• Layer provolone or extra mozzarella for more gooey cheese.
• Stir fresh basil into the marinara for brightness.
• Finish with parsley or extra grated parmesan for garnish.
• Include sautéed peppers and onions under the meatballs for extra vegetables.

Any substitutions?

• Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter meatball.
• Swap Hawaiian rolls for dinner rolls or any soft slider buns you prefer.
• Use premade or frozen meatballs to save time.

Refrigerator: Store leftover sliders in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or covered in the oven to keep them from drying out.

Freezer: Wrap individual sliders in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen in the oven until heated through.

Meatball Sliders are a fun, flavorful way to combine two classics into a convenient handheld dish. They work perfectly as an easy weeknight dinner, a party appetizer, or a game-day favorite.

With options to customize, make ahead, and freeze, they’re a versatile addition to any meal plan. If you try these MEATBALL SLIDERS, leave a comment to share how they turned out.