Cheesy Meatball Sliders

Flavorful and satisfying sliders

Ingredients

• 2 pounds lean ground beef (90% lean)
• 1 cup Italian-style bread crumbs
• 3 tablespoons prepared pesto
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 jar (24 ounces) pasta sauce
• 1 package (18 ounces) Hawaiian sweet rolls
• 12 slices part-skim mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese or shredded Italian cheese blend
• Minced fresh basil

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°. Combine ground beef, bread crumbs, pesto and egg; mix lightly but thoroughly. Shape into 12 meatballs; place on a greased rack in a 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Bake until browned and a thermometer reads 160°, about 35 minutes. Toss meatballs with sauce; set aside.
2. Meanwhile, without separating rolls, cut horizontally in half; arrange bottom halves in a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Place half the cheese slices over roll bottoms; sprinkle with oregano. Add meatballs and sauce. Top with remaining cheese slices and bun tops.
3. Combine butter, olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes; brush over buns. Bake, covered, for 20 minutes. Uncover; sprinkle with Parmesan and shredded mozzarella.
4. Bake, uncovered, until cheese is melted, 10-15 minutes longer. Sprinkle with basil before serving.