Introduction
Meatball Boats are a delicious and hearty dish perfect for any occasion. Combining tender homemade meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and gooey mozzarella cheese.
this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that is both satisfying and easy to prepare. Whether you’re hosting a party, feeding a family, or simply craving comfort food.
Meatball Boats bring a unique twist to the classic meatball sub. The hollowed-out hoagie rolls provide.
the perfect vessel to hold all the tasty ingredients, making each bite a savory delight.
Ingredients
Ingredients
Meatballs:
2 pounds ground beef
2 egg
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup fresh parsley (plus an additional
2tablespoons, chopped, divided)
6 cloves garlic, minced, divided
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Boat Base:
4 hoagie rolls or baguettes, hollowed out
1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, eggs.
breadcrumbs, parsley, garlic, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese. Use your hands to mix everything together until the ingredients are well incorporated.
Next, roll the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake the meatballs for 18 to 20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and golden brown on the outside.
While the meatballs are baking, prepare the hoagie rolls or baguettes. Slice them in half lengthwise and carefully.
hollow out the inside of each roll, removing some of the bread to create space for the meatballs and sauce.
Once the meatballs are done, warm the marinara sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce and stir to coat them evenly.
Now, assemble the Meatball Boats. Spoon the marinara sauce and meatballs into the hollowed-out rolls.
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the meatballs, then place the boats on a baking sheet.
Place the baking sheet in the oven for an additional 5 to 7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from the oven, garnish with extra chopped parsley, and serve hot.
How to Make
To make Meatball Boats, start by preparing the meatballs. Mix ground beef with eggs, breadcrumbs, parsley, garlic, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan.
Form the mixture into small meatballs and bake them until golden brown. As they bake, prepare the hoagie rolls by cutting them open and hollowing them out to make room for the meatballs.
Once the meatballs are cooked, heat up marinara sauce in a pan and toss the meatballs in it. Next, stuff the hollowed-out rolls with the meatballs and sauce.
making sure each roll gets a generous portion. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and bake until the cheese is melted and the rolls are slightly toasted.
These Meatball Boats are simple to make but are packed with flavor. The combination of savory beef, tangy sauce.
and gooey cheese inside a toasted roll makes for a truly satisfying meal. Feel free to add your favorite herbs and spices to personalize the flavor even further.
Tips
To ensure your meatballs are tender, don’t overmix the ingredients. Mix until everything is just combined to avoid dense meatballs.
You can use any ground meat of your choice for the meatballs, such as turkey or chicken, if you prefer a lighter option.
When hollowing out the hoagie rolls, be careful not to tear the bread. Leave enough of the crust around the edges to hold the filling securely.
If you prefer extra cheesy Meatball Boats, feel free to add more mozzarella cheese or even sprinkle some Parmesan on top before baking.
For a spicier version, try adding red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or the meatball mixture.
If you’re preparing the Meatball Boats in advance, you can freeze the meatballs and sauce separately. Assemble the boats later when you’re ready to bake.
Consider serving these Meatball Boats with a side of crispy garlic bread or a fresh salad to round out the meal.
Conclusion
Meatball Boats are a fun, flavorful, and satisfying dish that everyone will love. The blend of homemade meatballs, marinara sauce, and melty mozzarella cheese is sure to impress.
Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these boats are guaranteed to be a hit.
Take your meal to the next level by getting creative with the toppings and variations. Meatball Boats are a versatile and easy-to-make dish that will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.