Meatball Boats

Ingredients

Meatballs:

2 pounds ground beef

2 eggs

1 cup breadcrumbs

1/4 cup fresh parsley (plus an additional 2 tablespoons, 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

Optional Garnishes:

Fresh basil leaves

Extra Parmesan cheese

Construction

Prepare the Meatballs:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

In a large bowl, mix ground beef, eggs, breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup parsley, 4 cloves of minced garlic, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese until well combined.

Roll the mixture into golf-ball-sized meatballs and place them on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.

Cook the Meatballs:

Bake the meatballs for 15-20 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.

Prepare the Boat Base:

While the meatballs are baking, hollow out the centers of the hoagie rolls or baguettes, leaving enough bread to hold the filling.

Brush the inside of each roll with a little olive oil and toast them in the oven for 5-7 minutes until slightly crispy.

Assemble the Boats:

Fill each toasted roll with a layer of marinara sauce.

Add 3-4 meatballs to each roll (depending on size), then top with more marinara sauce.

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.

Melt the Cheese:

Place the assembled boats on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Garnish and Serve:

Remove the boats from the oven and sprinkle with the remaining parsley and Parmesan cheese. Add fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve immediately.

Variations

Spicy Meatball Boats: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or use a spicy marinara sauce.

Cheese Lovers: Mix shredded mozzarella into the meatball mixture for an extra cheesy center.

Vegetarian Option: Substitute meatballs with plant-based meatballs or roasted veggies like zucchini and eggplant.

Garlic Bread Boats: Brush the rolls with garlic butter before toasting for a flavorful base.

Tips

Even-Sized Meatballs: Use a cookie scoop to ensure uniform meatballs that cook evenly.

Soft Rolls: Choose rolls with a soft crust for easier eating.

Make Ahead: Prepare the meatballs in advance and store them in the refrigerator or freezer. Assemble the boats just before baking.

Leftovers: Store assembled boats in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

Enjoy these hearty and delicious Meatball Boats!

Enjoy!