Description
Meatball Boats offer a delightful twist on traditional meatball sandwiches, combining savory meatballs, gooey cheese, and crusty bread for a satisfying meal. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a flavorful dish that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or explore creative variations, Meatball Boats promise to satisfy with every cheesy, saucy bite.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 Tbsp. chopped parsley
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 4 crusty Italian sandwich rolls
- 12 slices provolone
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/4 cup shredded parmesan
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 375°F. Spray a baking sheet with non-stick spray.
Meatballs
- Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine ground beef with egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper. Mix well. - Form Meatballs
Form the mixture into 12 evenly sized meatballs. - Cook Meatballs
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Cook meatballs until seared on all sides, about 4 minutes. Add marinara sauce, gently stir, and cover with a lid. Turn the heat down to simmer until meatballs are no longer pink, about 8-10 minutes more. The internal temperature of the meatballs should be 160°F.
Prepare the Bread Boats
- Hollow the Rolls
Cut a long rectangle through the top of the bread loaf and hollow out the top of your hoagie roll to make a boat. - Add Provolone
Lay three slices of provolone over the roll to cover the hollowed-out area and bake for 5 minutes, until melted. - Assemble the Boats
Place four meatballs on top of the cheese in a row. Spoon marinara over the meatballs. Sprinkle the mozzarella equally over the meatballs. Then sprinkle the Parmesan. - Bake and Broil
Place in the oven and bake for 6-8 minutes more. Broil if desired.
Notes
Serving Tips:
- Accompaniments: Serve Meatball Boats with a side of marinara sauce for extra dipping. A simple green salad or roasted vegetables make great sides to balance the richness of the dish.
- Garnishing: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or basil over the top for a burst of color and fresh flavor. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a nice touch of heat for those who like it spicy.
- Serving Size: Depending on the size of your rolls, one Meatball Boat can be quite filling. Cut them in half for a more manageable portion or for sharing as an appetizer.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover Meatball Boats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, store the meatballs and bread separately to prevent the bread from becoming soggy.
- Freezing: Meatballs can be frozen separately. Place cooled meatballs and sauce in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat meatballs and sauce on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through. To reheat the bread, wrap it in foil and warm it in a 350°F oven until heated through. Assemble the Meatball Boats just before serving.
Enjoy these serving and storage tips to make the most out of your delicious Meatball Boats!
