Mini Meatball Sliders with Honey Mustard

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

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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. 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).
  2. 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).
  3. Step 3: While meatballs cook, mix 2 tbsp honey and 1 tbsp Dijon mustard in a small bowl.
  4. 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.

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

Related recipes