Soft, cheesy, and loaded with flavor, these Mini Pizza Sliders with Beef and Tomato are a delightful twist on the traditional pizza. Featuring savory ground beef, zesty tomato, and gooey mozzarella layered on fluffy mini buns, they’re baked until golden and perfect for parties, snacks, or casual dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect Party Food: Bite-sized and handheld, ideal for gatherings and game nights.

• Hearty and Filling: Packed with seasoned beef and melted cheese for a satisfying meal.

• Simple to Prepare: Minimal prep and quick baking time make this a weeknight winner.

• Kid-Friendly: Familiar flavors make it a hit with younger eaters.

• Versatile: Easily customizable with your favorite toppings or sauces.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 8 mini slider buns or thick-cut bread rounds

• 1/2 lb (225g) ground beef

• 1/2 small onion, finely chopped

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/2 cup marinara or pizza sauce

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1–2 ripe tomatoes, sliced into rounds

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

• Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.

3. Add ground beef, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned, breaking the meat into small pieces. Drain any excess fat.

4. Stir in marinara sauce and cook for another 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat.

5. Arrange slider buns or bread rounds on the prepared sheet. Spoon a portion of the beef mixture onto each base.

6. Top with shredded mozzarella and a slice of tomato. Sprinkle with extra oregano or red pepper flakes, if using.

7. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

8. Remove from oven and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 (2 sliders per person)

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes

• Cooking Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Use Ground Turkey or Chicken: A leaner alternative that still delivers on flavor.

• Add Pepperoni or Sausage: For a meat-lovers’ version.

• Make it Vegetarian: Substitute the beef with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or grilled veggies.

• Cheese Options: Try provolone, cheddar, or a blend of Italian cheeses.

• Swap the Sauce: Use BBQ or pesto sauce for a new flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid microwaving to maintain the bread’s texture.

FAQs

Can I make these sliders ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare the beef mixture in advance and assemble the sliders just before baking.

Can I freeze these sliders?

It’s best to freeze them unbaked. Assemble the sliders, freeze on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Bake from frozen, adding 5–7 minutes to the cooking time.

What type of bun works best?

Mini slider buns are ideal, but thick bread rounds or even halved dinner rolls work well too.

How do I prevent soggy bottoms?

To avoid sogginess, toast the buns slightly before adding the filling or use a thicker bread base.

Are these good for kids?

Absolutely. Their small size and familiar flavors make them perfect for children.

What can I serve with these sliders?

They pair well with fries, a green salad, or a simple coleslaw.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes. Use a dairy-free cheese substitute and check that your buns are dairy-free as well.

Can I add vegetables to the filling?

Certainly. Diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini blend well with the beef.

How spicy are these?

The standard recipe is mild. Add red pepper flakes or spicy sausage for more heat.

Can I use store-bought pizza sauce?

Yes. Store-bought marinara or pizza sauce works perfectly and saves time.

Conclusion

Mini Pizza Sliders with Beef and Tomato are the perfect solution for quick dinners, party trays, or hearty snacks. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, these sliders strike the ideal balance between comfort food and crowd-pleasing appeal. Whether you serve them hot from the oven or prepare a batch in advance, they’re sure to disappear fast.