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!
Thanks for your SHARES!
This recipe is even better than the restaurant version, my hubby loves it
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