Meatball Boats are a fun and delicious twist on the classic meatball sub, perfect for a casual family dinner or a gathering with friends. These delightful boats are made by hollowing out mini rolls and filling them with savory meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and melted cheese. Each bite offers a perfect combination of flavors and textures, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
I remember the first time I made Meatball Boats for a game night with friends. The idea came from wanting something easy to eat and full of flavor. As everyone took their first bite, the room was filled with sounds of approval and requests for the recipe. The best part is that they’re simple to make, yet look impressive on the table. Whether you’re hosting a party or just want a comforting meal, Meatball Boats are a fantastic choice. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients
1 pound minced meat
1 large egg
1/3 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon freshly chopped parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon olive oil
2 cups marinara sauce
8 mini hoagie rolls
12 slices of Asiago cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Tray
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
Prepare the Baking Tray:
Spray a baking tray with nonstick cooking spray to prevent the meatballs from sticking.
Step 2: Make the Meatball Mixture
Combine the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 pound of minced meat, 1 large egg, 1/3 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, and 1 teaspoon of freshly chopped parsley.
Season the Mixture:
Add salt and pepper to taste. Use your hands to mix all the ingredients until well combined. Ensure that all the components are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Step 3: Form the Meatballs
Form the Meatballs:
Using an ice cream scoop or your hands, form the mixture into meatballs. Each meatball should be about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place the formed meatballs on a plate and set aside.
Step 4: Cook the Meatballs
Heat the Skillet:
Add 1 teaspoon of olive oil to a large skillet and heat it over medium heat.
Cook the Meatballs:
Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs to the skillet one by one. Cook the meatballs for about 5 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure they brown evenly on all sides.
Bake the Meatballs:
Transfer the browned meatballs to the prepared baking tray and place it in the preheated oven. Bake the meatballs for 12 minutes or until they are fully cooked through.
Step 5: Prepare the Rolls
Prepare the Rolls:
While the meatballs are baking, take the 8 mini hoagie rolls and cut an oval out of the top of each roll, leaving about an inch around the edges and sides. Scoop out the inside of the rolls to create a well for the meatballs. Be careful not to cut through the bottom of the rolls.
Flatten the Tops:
Use a knife to flatten the tops of the rolls slightly, creating more space for the filling.
Step 6: Assemble the Meatball Boats
Add Cheese to the Rolls:
Place the prepared rolls on a baking tray. Put a slice of Asiago cheese into the well of each roll.
Bake the Rolls:
Return the tray with the rolls to the oven and bake for 8 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the rolls are slightly toasted.
Add Marinara Sauce:
Remove the rolls from the oven. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce over the melted cheese in each roll.
Add the Meatballs:
Place three meatballs on top of the marinara sauce in each roll.
Top with More Sauce and Cheese:
Add more marinara sauce over the meatballs. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
Final Bake:
Return the assembled meatball boats to the oven and bake for an additional 6-8 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
Step 7: Serve
Serve the Meatball Boats:
Remove the meatball boats from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
Enjoy:
Serve the meatball boats warm and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors and textures.
Variations and Substitutions
Turkey or Chicken: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Cheese Variations: Use mozzarella, provolone, or cheddar cheese instead of Asiago for a different flavor.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free rolls and breadcrumbs to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Vegetarian Option: Replace the meatballs with a plant-based alternative or use large, marinated portobello mushrooms.
Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or use a spicy marinara sauce for an extra kick.
Conclusion
Meatball Boats are an innovative and delightful dish that combines the comfort of meatballs with the fun of mini sandwiches. The rich, savory meatballs paired with tangy marinara sauce and melted cheese make for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. The recipe is straightforward and allows for plenty of customization to suit various dietary preferences and tastes.
Whether you’re preparing these for a casual dinner, a party, or a game night, Meatball Boats are sure to be a hit. Their appealing presentation and delicious flavors make them a memorable dish that everyone will love. Enjoy making and sharing these tasty meatball boats with your loved ones!
