Mini Meatball Sliders with Chipotle Mayo

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy, seasoned beef meatballs nestled in soft slider buns with tangy pickles and a smoky chipotle mayo for a crowd-pleasing appetizer. This American-inspired sandwich and wrap recipe, ready in about 35 minutes, pairs ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 12, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 12 American cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground beef, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 large egg, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1 tsp kosher salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix gently until ingredients are just combined.
  3. Step 3: Form mixture into 24 small meatballs (about 1 inch each) and place evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
  4. Step 4: Drizzle 2 tbsp olive oil over the meatballs and bake for 18-20 minutes until cooked through and browned on the outside.
  5. Step 5: Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup mayonnaise with 1 tbsp finely chopped chipotle pepper in adobo sauce to make chipotle mayo.
  6. Step 6: Slice 12 mini slider buns in half horizontally. Place one meatball on the bottom half of each bun, top with a slice of dill pickle and a dollop of chipotle mayo, then cover with the top bun.
  7. Step 7: Serve immediately while warm for an energetic party appetizer.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Mini Meatball Sliders with Chipotle Mayo take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Mini Meatball Sliders with Chipotle Mayo?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Mini Meatball Sliders with Chipotle Mayo?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Mini Meatball Sliders with Chipotle Mayo for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Mini Meatball Sliders with Chipotle Mayo?

American sandwiches & wraps like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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