Meatball Parmesan Sliders

Meatball Parmesan Sliders Recipe found here:
http://iamafoodblog.com/meatball-parmesan-sliders/

makes 8 sliders
prep time: 10 minutes
cook time: 40 minutes
total time: 50 minutes

Simple Tomato Sauce

2 tablespoons oil
1 1/2 teaspoons crushed red pepper
1 teaspoon toasted fennel seeds, crushed
1/2 yellow onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 carrot, finely shredded
28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
1/2 teaspoon salt

Meatballs

1 lb ground beef
1/3 cup panko or breadcrumbs
1/3 cup finely grated parmesan
1/2 onion, finely diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 large egg
1/3 cup milk
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
2 tablespoons freshly finely chopped parsley

Sliders

8 slider buns
8 slices mozzarella cheese or 3/4 cups shredded mozzarella
flat leaf parsley, if desired
   

Make the sauce: heat up the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the crushed red pepper, fennel seeds, onion, garlic and carrot. Cook, stirring, until slightly softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and salt. Keep on a low simmer while you make your meatballs.

Make the meatballs: gently mix together all of the meatball ingredients together in a bowl. Shape into large meatballs or meatball patties and simmer in the sauce, partially covered, over medium heat, flipping occasionally. Simmer gently until cooked through, about 20-25 minutes.

Make the sliders: preheat the oven to 400°F. Arrange the buns, cut side up, on a lined baking sheet. Top the bottom buns with a bit of sauce, a meatball, and cheese. Bake until cheese is bubbly and melted, about 3 minutes. Sandwich and enjoy hot!