Meatball Boats – Looking for a mouthwatering, crowd-pleasing recipe that combines the goodness of juicy meatballs, gooey cheese, and zesty marinara sauce? Look no further than these delectable Meatball Boats! Bursting with flavors and served in crusty Italian sandwich rolls, these cheesy delights are perfect for any occasion. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will leave you craving more.
In my little family, these Meatball Boats have become an absolute favorite. It all started when my husband took the first bite and his eyes widened with delight. The combination of tender meatballs, oozing cheese, and robust marinara sauce was a revelation for him. From that moment on, Meatball Boats have become a cherished tradition in our household, often enjoyed during cozy family gatherings or shared with friends at backyard picnics. Each bite tells a story of love, togetherness, and the joy of savoring simple yet irresistible flavors.
Why This Recipe Will Steal Your Heart: Unleashing the Delightful Meatball Boats
- Irresistible Combination: These Meatball Boats bring together perfectly seasoned ground beef, Parmesan cheese, and aromatic garlic, creating meatballs bursting with savory goodness.
- Cheesy Indulgence: The trio of provolone, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses adds a melty, gooey, and irresistible cheesiness to the dish, making each bite pure bliss.
- Flavorful Marinara Sauce: Simmering the meatballs in a rich marinara sauce infuses them with a tangy, robust flavor, elevating the overall taste of the dish.
- Crispy Bread Boats: Hollowed-out Italian sandwich rolls serve as the vessel for this culinary masterpiece, providing a delightful contrast of textures when toasted to perfection.
Ingredients:
- 450g ground beef
- 1 large egg
- 80g breadcrumbs
- 30g grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp. chopped parsley
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 15ml olive oil
- 475ml marinara sauce
- 4 crusty Italian sandwich rolls
- 12 slices provolone cheese
- 60g shredded mozzarella cheese
- 30g shredded Parmesan cheese
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F) and spray a baking sheet with non-stick spray.
Meatballs:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and chopped parsley.
Season with salt and pepper, and mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
Shape the mixture into 12 evenly sized meatballs.
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the meatballs and cook until they are seared on all sides, approximately 4 minutes.
Pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs, gently stir, and cover the skillet with a lid.
Reduce the heat to simmer and cook until the meatballs are no longer pink in the center, about 8-10 minutes. Ensure the internal temperature of the meatballs reaches 71°C (160°F).
Prepare the Bread Boats:
Cut a long rectangular opening through the top of each bread loaf, creating a hollowed-out area resembling a boat.
Lay three slices of provolone cheese over the hollowed-out area of each roll, and bake for 5 minutes or until the cheese has melted and turned gooey.
Place four meatballs on top of the melted cheese in a row inside each bread boat.
Spoon marinara sauce generously over the meatballs, ensuring they are well-covered. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese equally over the meatballs, followed by the shredded Parmesan cheese.
Place the Meatball Boats in the oven and bake for an additional 6-8 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. If desired, you can broil for a minute or two to achieve an extra crispy and slightly charred topping.
Notes:
- For a twist, you can experiment with different types of ground meat, such as turkey or pork, to create unique flavor profiles.
- Feel free to add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes if you prefer a touch of heat.
- Serve these Meatball Boats alongside a fresh garden salad or a side of garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
In conclusion, these Cheesy Meatball Boats are a culinary masterpiece that combines the comforting flavors of juicy meatballs, melty cheese, and zesty marinara sauce, all nestled inside a crusty Italian roll. This recipe has the power to bring people together, creating cherished memories and filling hearts and bellies with pure satisfaction.
Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer, a delicious lunch, or a hearty dinner, these Meatball Boats are sure to impress. The tender and flavorful meatballs, enveloped in a blanket of gooey cheese and bathed in a robust marinara sauce, will transport your taste buds to food heaven.
So, gather your loved ones, ignite the oven, and embark on a culinary journey that will make your taste buds sing. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner, a casual get-together with friends, or a special occasion, these Cheesy Meatball Boats will steal the show and leave everyone asking for seconds.
Indulge in the simple joy of savoring every bite, where the explosion of flavors and the delightful combination of textures will tantalize your senses. This recipe has earned its place as a beloved staple in my household, and I’m confident it will become one in yours too.
So, set sail on a flavor-packed adventure and discover the magic of these Cheesy Meatball Boats. It’s time to create memories, share laughter, and enjoy the pleasures of good food. Bon voyage to flavor town!
FAQs
Can I use store-bought marinara sauce instead of making it from scratch?
Absolutely! Store-bought marinara sauce works just as well and can save you some time in the kitchen. Choose a high-quality brand for the best flavor.
Can I freeze the Meatball Boats for later?
While it’s best to enjoy them fresh, you can freeze the baked Meatball Boats. Make sure to wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or place them in airtight containers. To reheat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then bake them at 190°C (375°F) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
Can I make smaller or larger meatballs?
Absolutely! You can adjust the size of the meatballs according to your preference. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the size.
Are there any vegetarian alternatives for the meatballs?
Yes! You can substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or try making vegetarian meatballs using ingredients like lentils, chickpeas, or mushrooms.
Meatball Boats
Ingredients
- 450 g ground beef
- 1 large egg
- 80 g breadcrumbs
- 30 g grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tbsp. chopped parsley
- Kosher salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 15 ml olive oil
- 475 ml marinara sauce
- 4 crusty Italian sandwich rolls
- 12 slices provolone cheese
- 60 g shredded mozzarella cheese
- 30 g shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F) and spray a baking sheet with non-stick spray.
Meatballs:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and chopped parsley.
- Season with salt and pepper, and mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Shape the mixture into 12 evenly sized meatballs.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the meatballs and cook until they are seared on all sides, approximately 4 minutes.
- Pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs, gently stir, and cover the skillet with a lid.
- Reduce the heat to simmer and cook until the meatballs are no longer pink in the center, about 8-10 minutes. Ensure the internal temperature of the meatballs reaches 71°C (160°F).
Prepare the Bread Boats:
- Cut a long rectangular opening through the top of each bread loaf, creating a hollowed-out area resembling a boat.
- Lay three slices of provolone cheese over the hollowed-out area of each roll, and bake for 5 minutes or until the cheese has melted and turned gooey.
- Place four meatballs on top of the melted cheese in a row inside each bread boat.
- Spoon marinara sauce generously over the meatballs, ensuring they are well-covered. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese equally over the meatballs, followed by the shredded Parmesan cheese.
- Place the Meatball Boats in the oven and bake for an additional 6-8 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. If desired, you can broil for a minute or two to achieve an extra crispy and slightly charred topping.
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