meatball buns

Peri Peri Meatball Buns

Written by on in Beef

If you’re looking for the ultimate party food or weeknight comfort meal, these Peri Peri Meatball Buns are about to become your new obsession. Think soft bakery-style buns stuffed with juicy meatballs in a creamy, smoky tomato sauce, baked with melty mozzarella, and finished with a drizzle of fiery peri peri sauce. They’re messy in the best possible way, and trust me – you’ll be making these on repeat.

This recipe actually came together because I had frozen meatballs in the freezer and wanted something a little more exciting than pasta night. The combination of paprika, creamy tomato sauce, and peri peri heat hits every flavor note: smoky, savory, tangy, spicy, and cheesy. Basically, it’s a flavor bomb in a bun.

Peri Peri Meatball Buns
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Peri Peri Meatball Buns

Recipe by itskristinskitchenCourse: Uncategorized
Servings

6

servings
Prep time

20

minutes
Cooking time

20

minutes
Calories

450

kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 red onion, diced

  • 1 red bell pepper, diced

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 3–4 tbsp tomato paste (go heavy-handed here)

  • 2–3 tbsp sour cream

  • 1 tbsp paprika

  • 1 bag frozen meatballs

  • 6 large sandwich buns (or bakery rolls)

  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

  • Peri peri sauce (to taste)

  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for topping

Directions

  • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced red onion and red bell pepper, cooking until softened.
  • Stir in the tomato paste, sour cream, and paprika. Let it cook down for a few minutes until it becomes a rich, creamy tomato base.
  • Add the frozen meatballs straight into the pan, cover, and simmer until they’re heated through and coated in the sauce.
  • Slice open your buns and generously stuff each one with the saucy meatball mixture. Place them on a baking tray.
  • Top each bun with a handful of mozzarella and bake at 375°F (190°C) until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Remove from the oven, drizzle with peri peri sauce, and sprinkle with parsley before serving.

Notes

  • Swap peri peri sauce for buffalo or BBQ if you want a different flavor twist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Peri Peri Meatball Buns are easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for game day, parties, or even a fun family dinner. The buns soak up all that smoky sauce, the mozzarella gives you the melty cheese pull moment, and the peri peri drizzle takes everything up a notch.

Product Recommendation

Since this recipe goes from stovetop to oven, a good cast iron skillet is a total game-changer—you can sauté your onions, simmer your meatballs, and bake the cheesy buns all in one pan. Here’s a solid option on Amazon if you don’t already own one.

More Recipes You’ll Love

If these buns hit the spot, you’ve got to try my Steak and Guac Tostadas next! It’s another bold and saucy recipe that’s perfect for dinner or entertaining.

Let’s Stay Connected

If you make these Peri Peri Meatball Buns, tag me on TikTok or Instagram—I love seeing your recreations!