Mini Meatball Sliders with Honey Mustard
Bite-sized, tender meatballs smothered in sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce, served on mini buns for easy eating. This american-inspired kid friendly ready in about 22 minutes pairs (80% lean) ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, 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.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb (80% lean) ground beef
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup, store-bought marinara sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 8 mini slider buns
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine ground beef, 1/4 cup breadcrumbs, and 1 egg. Mix gently with hands until just combined (do not overmix). Form into 16 small meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter).
- Step 2: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through (internal temperature 160°F).
- Step 3: While meatballs cook, mix 2 tbsp honey and 1 tbsp Dijon mustard in a small bowl.
- Step 4: Place meatballs on paper towels to drain excess fat. Spread honey mustard mixture on bottom halves of slider buns. Top with 2 meatballs each, then sprinkle with 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella. Serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Mini Meatball Sliders with Honey Mustard take to make?
Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 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 Honey Mustard?
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 (80% lean) ground beef from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Mini Meatball Sliders with Honey Mustard?
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 Honey Mustard for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Honey Mustard?
American kid friendly 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 12-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★☆☆
It was fine. Came out a bit bland for my taste.
- ★★★☆☆
Average. The concept is good but execution needs work on seasoning.
