Smashed Meatball Sliders

These tasty sliders are layered with marinara, smashed ricotta meatball, and cheese sauce on a brioche bun. Great for a party or a Tuesday.

Ingredients

• 12 brioche buns

• 1 cup Simple Tomato Sauce (or store bought)

• 1 pound ground beef

• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese

• 1/2 cup grated parmesan

• 1 egg

• 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs

• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella

• 1/4 cup provolone

• 1 tablespoons butter

• 1 tablespoons flour

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon pepper

• 2 tablespoons Nocellara del Belice Olive Oil 

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees

2. Mix together ground beef, ricotta, parmesan, egg, panko, salt and pepper. Form balls, drizzle with olive oil and bake for 10 minutes.

3. While the meatballs cook make the cheese sauce by melting butter in a pot. Whisk in the flour and cook for a minute, then add the cream and simmer until slightly reduced. Whisk in the cheese until melted.

4. Place the bottoms of the buns on a sheet pan, put a layer of the tomato sauce, add the meatballs and smash them flat, then drizzle a little more tomato sauce and the cheese sauce. Top with the tops of the buns and bake for 5 minutes.

Takes 20 minutes

Serves 4-8