Cheesy Meatball Sliders

 

2 pounds lean ground beef (90% lean)

1 C. Italian-style bread crumbs

3 T. 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 tsp. dried oregano

1/4 C. melted butter

1 T. olive oil

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 tsp. Italian seasoning

1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes

2 T. grated Parmesan cheese

1 C. shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese or shredded Italian cheese blend

Minced fresh basil

 

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. Meanwhile, without separating rolls, cut horizontally in half; arrange bottom halves in a greased 13×9-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. 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. Bake, uncovered, until cheese is melted, 10-15 minutes longer. Sprinkle with fresh basil before serving.