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- 1 pound ground beef - 1/2 pound Italian sausage, casings removed - 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (mix of red and green) - 1/4 cup diced red onion - 1/4 cup diced pepperoncini peppers - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - 12 slider buns - 1 cup marinara sauce - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - Fresh basil leaves for garnish To make these sliders, you need fresh ground beef and Italian sausage. They form a great meat base. The bell peppers add crunch and color. The red onion gives it a sweet taste. Pepperoncini peppers add a nice zing. Garlic powder and Italian seasoning bring all the flavors together. Don’t forget salt and pepper to make it pop. For the buns, choose slider buns for the best fit. Marinara sauce is key for that classic Italian flavor. Finally, the mozzarella cheese melts beautifully on top. You can add some extra toppings to make these sliders even better. Try adding sliced olives for a briny taste. You might also like to include sliced tomatoes for freshness. Or, add a sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor. To make these sliders, you'll need some basic tools. A large skillet is essential for cooking the meat and veggies. Use a spatula to break up the meat as it cooks. A baking sheet will hold your slider buns while they toast. Finally, a small bowl can hold the marinara sauce for dipping. Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more fun! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef and 1/2 pound of Italian sausage, with the casings removed. Cook until the meat is browned, which takes about 5-7 minutes. Use a spatula to break the meat into smaller pieces as it cooks. Next, add 1/2 cup of diced bell peppers, 1/4 cup of diced red onion, and 1/4 cup of diced pepperoncini. Sauté everything together for 3-4 minutes until the veggies soften. Then, stir in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook this mixture for another 2 minutes to let the flavors blend. Now, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, arrange 12 slider buns on a baking sheet. Place them in the oven and toast them for about 5 minutes. You want them golden and slightly crisp. Once the buns are ready, take them out of the oven. Spoon a generous dollop of marinara sauce on the bottom half of each bun. Then, fill the buns with the meat mixture. Make sure to distribute it evenly. Next, top each slider with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Return the tray to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes. Wait until the cheese melts and bubbles. Finally, take the sliders out and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Place the tops of the buns over each slider, and they are ready to serve! To cook your chopped Italian sliders, I recommend using a skillet. It gives the meat a nice brown color. You can also grill them for a smoky flavor. If you use a grill, make sure to watch the heat. Keeping it medium helps cook the meat without burning. To boost the flavor of your sliders, try adding fresh herbs. Chopped parsley or oregano can add brightness. You can also mix in some grated parmesan cheese with the meat. It gives a nice salty kick that pairs well with the sauce. Don't forget to adjust the seasoning to your taste! You can make the meat mixture a day ahead. Store it in the fridge to save time. When you are ready to cook, just heat it up in the skillet. If you want, you can assemble the sliders in advance, too. Just keep the buns and toppings separate to avoid sogginess. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh bell peppers and herbs to enhance the flavor of your sliders. Perfectly Melted Cheese: Broil the sliders for the last minute of baking for an extra cheesy, golden finish. Customize Your Heat: Adjust the amount of pepperoncini peppers based on your spice tolerance for a personalized kick. Make Ahead: Prepare the meat mixture in advance and store it in the fridge for an easy assembly when you're ready to serve. {{image_2}} You can switch up the meats in these sliders. Ground turkey or chicken works great. If you want a richer flavor, try using ground lamb. You can also mix meats. For example, blend beef with sausage for extra taste. Each type of meat changes the flavor. Feel free to experiment! Want a meat-free version? No problem! Use a mix of black beans and lentils instead of meat. You can also try crumbled tofu or tempeh. Season them with Italian spices for the same great taste. Adding veggies like mushrooms or zucchini gives you more texture. These options keep the sliders tasty and satisfying. Combining flavors makes these sliders exciting. Try adding spicy jalapeños for a kick. Sweet roasted red peppers pair well too. For a twist, add a dollop of pesto to the slider. It adds a fresh, herby taste. You can also mix in different cheeses, like provolone or parmesan. The choices are endless! To keep your chopped Italian sliders fresh, place them in an airtight container. Use parchment paper between layers to avoid sogginess. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. For best taste, eat them within 24 hours. Reheat your sliders in the oven for the best results. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the sliders on a baking sheet and cover them with foil. Heat for about 10 minutes until warm. You can also use a microwave. Just heat them for 30 seconds, checking to avoid overcooking. If you want to save some sliders for later, freezing works well. Wrap each slider tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. To eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight, then reheat as described above. You can add many toppings to your sliders. Some great options include: - Sliced tomatoes - Fresh arugula - Pickles - Olives - Extra marinara sauce - Parmesan cheese Feel free to mix and match. Each topping adds a tasty twist. Try different combinations to find your favorite! Yes, you can make these sliders in advance. Prepare the meat mixture ahead of time. Store it in the fridge for up to two days. You can also assemble the sliders, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Keep them in the fridge for up to a day. Bake them just before serving! Chopped Italian sliders pair well with many sides. Consider these tasty options: - Crispy french fries - Mixed green salad - Coleslaw - Pasta salad - Garlic bread These sides will complement your sliders nicely. Enjoy a complete meal with easy-to-make options! This guide covered all you need for tasty sliders, from ingredients to storage. You learned how to prepare the meat mixture, toast buns, and assemble everything perfectly. Explore various meats and flavors to suit your taste. Use my tips for cooking methods and reheating to enjoy them later. Remember, sliders can be fun and flexible. Try new toppings and sides for even more enjoyment. Happy cooking, and enjoy your delicious sliders!

Chopped Italian Sliders

Delicious sliders made with a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage, topped with marinara and mozzarella.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Italian
Servings 12
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (mix of red and green)
  • 1/4 cup diced red onion
  • 1/4 cup diced pepperoncini peppers
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 12 slider buns
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the ground beef and Italian sausage. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Add the diced bell peppers, red onion, and pepperoncini to the skillet. Sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
  • Stir in the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well to incorporate all flavors and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the spices to meld.
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Arrange the slider buns on a baking sheet and lightly toast them in the oven for about 5 minutes until they are golden.
  • Remove the buns from the oven and spoon a generous dollop of marinara sauce on the bottom half of each bun.
  • Fill the buns with the chopped meat mixture, evenly distributing it among all sliders.
  • Top each slider with shredded mozzarella cheese. Return the tray to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Remove the sliders from the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves before placing the tops of the buns over each slider.

Notes

Serve the sliders on a large platter with a small bowl of additional marinara sauce for dipping. Add a sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top for an extra touch!
Keyword beef, Italian, sausage, sliders