Hello, food lovers! Get ready to sail into flavor with these irresistible Meatball Boats. This fun, hearty dish combines juicy homemade meatballs, gooey melted cheese, and crusty hoagie rolls to create a meal that’s perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Let’s set sail on this delicious culinary journey!
Introduction
Meatball Boats are a creative twist on the classic meatball sub. With their hollowed-out hoagie rolls stuffed with tender, flavorful meatballs, marinara sauce, and melted cheese, they’re an easy yet satisfying dish that’s great for feeding a crowd. Whether you’re looking for a game-day snack or a quick weeknight dinner, these boats are sure to become a favorite. With the perfect balance of crispy bread, rich sauce, and savory meatballs, every bite is a delight. Plus, they’re fun to make and customize!
Ingredients
To make these delicious Meatball Boats, you’ll need:
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 large egg
- ⅓ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp. minced garlic
- 1 tbsp. fresh chopped parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 8 mini hoagie rolls
- 12 slices asiago cheese
How to Make Meatball Boats
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
Preheat your oven to 350°F and prep a baking pan with nonstick spray. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and fresh parsley. Mix the ingredients with your hands until well combined. Add salt and pepper to taste. Using an ice cream scoop or your hands, form the mixture into meatballs. Set them aside.
Step 2: Sear the Meatballs
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, place the meatballs in the skillet one at a time. Sear them for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until they’re browned on all sides. Transfer the seared meatballs to a parchment-lined baking pan and bake in the oven for 12 minutes. Remove and set them aside.
Step 3: Hollow Out the Hoagie Rolls
While the meatballs are cooking, prepare the hoagie rolls. Using a knife, cut an oval-shaped opening on the top of each roll, leaving about ½ inch on the ends and sides. Carefully scoop out the bread to create a hollowed-out space, but don’t cut through to the bottom. Arrange the prepared rolls on the baking pan.
Step 4: Assemble the Boats
Place a slice of asiago cheese inside each hollowed-out roll. Bake the rolls in the oven for 8 minutes until the cheese is melted. Remove the rolls and spoon 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce into each. Add three meatballs on top of the sauce, then spoon additional marinara over the meatballs. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the marinara.
Step 5: Final Bake
Return the assembled Meatball Boats to the oven and bake for another 6-8 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the rolls are slightly crisp. Remove from the oven, let them cool slightly, and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious Meatball Boats!
Helpful Tips
- Use fresh breadcrumbs for a softer texture in the meatballs.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce.
- Use a combination of ground beef and ground pork for even juicier meatballs.
Cooking Tips
Here are a few extra tips to perfect your Meatball Boats:
- Choose the Right Rolls: Opt for sturdy hoagie rolls that can hold the weight of the meatballs and sauce without falling apart.
- Melting Cheese: For evenly melted cheese, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before placing it in the rolls.
- Customizing Meatballs: Add your favorite herbs and spices, like oregano or basil, to the meatball mixture to suit your taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Meatball Boats with a side of crispy fries, a fresh garden salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. They’re also fantastic for sharing at parties or as a game-day treat. For an extra touch, garnish with chopped parsley or grated Parmesan before serving.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional breakdown for Meatball Boats:
- Calories: 450
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 780mg
- Potassium: 450mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
- Vitamin A: 8%
- Vitamin C: 6%
- Calcium: 20%
- Iron: 15%
These boats are not only delicious but also a balanced mix of protein and carbohydrates, perfect for a hearty meal.
Storage and Leftovers
Refrigerate: Store leftover Meatball Boats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: To reheat, wrap the boats in aluminum foil and warm in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes. For quicker reheating, microwave on medium power, but note that the bread may lose some of its crispness.
For a fun twist, slice leftover Meatball Boats into smaller pieces for appetizers or mix the leftover meatballs and marinara into pasta for a new meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare and cook the meatballs ahead of time, then refrigerate them for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat them in marinara sauce before assembling the boats.
What other cheeses can I use?
Mozzarella, provolone, or a blend of Italian cheeses work well as substitutes for asiago cheese.
Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
Absolutely! While homemade marinara adds a personal touch, store-bought sauce is a convenient option that saves time.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the meatballs with plant-based meatballs or roasted vegetables for a delicious vegetarian version.
Related Recipes
If you enjoyed Meatball Boats, here are some other recipes you might like:
Conclusion
There you have it—the ultimate recipe for Meatball Boats! This dish is perfect for satisfying your cravings with its hearty meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese. Whether you’re serving it for dinner, a party, or a cozy weekend meal, these boats are guaranteed to impress. Let us know how your Meatball Boats turn out, and enjoy every bite of this delicious creation!