Meatball Boats

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Meatball Boats are a hearty and satisfying dish that takes the beloved meatball sub to the next level. This recipe combines juicy meatballs with gooey mozzarella, savory marinara sauce, and crispy rolls for a meal that’s sure to please both kids and adults alike. Whether you’re looking for a fun dinner idea or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these Meatball Boats are an irresistible choice.

Why You’ll Love Meatball Boats

  1. Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a meal ready to serve in under an hour.
  2. Great for Meal Prep: These Meatball Boats are perfect for prepping in advance, whether you’re making them for a busy weeknight dinner or a weekend get-together.
  3. Family-Friendly: Who doesn’t love the combination of meatballs, cheese, and sauce? This recipe is a great way to get your kids involved in the kitchen.
  4. Versatile: You can customize the toppings, add different cheeses, or swap the bread for something more unique to suit your tastes.

What You’ll Need for Meatball Boats

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup bread crumbs
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley + 2 tablespoons, chopped, divided
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced, divided
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • Vegetable oil (for frying)
  • 4 soft rolls (such as sub rolls or hoagie buns)
  • 8 slices mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1/4 cup butter, melted
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)

How to Make Meatball Boats

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

  1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, eggs, bread crumbs, 1/4 cup parsley, 3 cloves garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
  2. Shape the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs. This recipe should make about 12 meatballs, depending on size.

Step 2: Cook the Meatballs

  1. Heat a cast-iron pan or skillet over medium-high heat and add a bit of vegetable oil to coat the bottom.
  2. Add the meatballs to the hot pan and cook them until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to turn them carefully to ensure they cook evenly.
  3. Once browned, transfer the meatballs to a plate and remove the pan from the heat. Set them aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Rolls

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
  2. Place the soft rolls on a baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, slice off the top of each roll. Carefully press down the inside of each roll to create a “boat” shape.
  3. In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, 3 cloves garlic, and 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley.
  4. Brush the garlic butter mixture generously over the cut sides of the rolls. Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 5 minutes, or until they are toasted and golden.

Step 4: Assemble the Meatball Boats

  1. Once the rolls are toasted, place two slices of mozzarella cheese inside each roll.
  2. Spoon a generous amount of marinara sauce over the mozzarella cheese.
  3. Add 3 meatballs to each roll, then top with more marinara sauce. Make sure the meatballs are nestled into the bread, ensuring they stay in place while baking.

Step 5: Bake

  1. Place the assembled Meatball Boats back into the oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

  1. Once the Meatball Boats are done, remove them from the oven and sprinkle them with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
  2. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for the Perfect Meatball Boats

  1. Use Lean Ground Beef: For a leaner version of this dish, you can use lean ground beef or even a mixture of ground turkey and beef.
  2. Make It Spicy: Add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or sprinkle some into the garlic butter for a little heat.
  3. Custom Cheese: While mozzarella is traditional, you can use provolone, cheddar, or even a blend of Italian cheeses for added flavor.
  4. Serving Suggestions: These Meatball Boats are delicious on their own, but they pair perfectly with a side salad, crispy fries, or roasted vegetables.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

  • Servings: 4 (1 boat per person)
  • Calories per serving: ~500-600 kcal (depending on size of meatballs and type of cheese)
  • Protein: 30-35g
  • Fat: 30g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g

Time

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes

Conclusion

Meatball Boats are the perfect comfort food—savory, cheesy, and easy to prepare. Whether you’re serving them for a quick weeknight dinner or at a casual gathering, they’re sure to be a hit. Plus, they offer plenty of room for customization, allowing you to tweak the ingredients to suit your tastes. Enjoy!

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