Mouthwatering Meatball Boats: A Cheesy Delight You Won’t Resist!

Meatball Boats – Get ready to sail away on a culinary adventure with our irresistible Meatball Boats recipe. These cheesy delights are packed with flavorful meatballs, gooey melted cheese, and a rich marinara sauce, all nestled in a crusty Italian sandwich roll. Discover what makes these Meatball Boats so special and why they’re the perfect choice for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Let me tell you about the love affair my husband and I have with this fantastic recipe. It all started one cozy evening when I decided to surprise him with a delicious dinner. As I prepared the meatballs, the aroma of minced garlic and grated Parmesan filled the kitchen, making our mouths water in anticipation. Once the meatballs were cooked to perfection and simmered in the luscious marinara sauce, we couldn’t resist sneaking a taste. The first bite was pure bliss — the tender meatballs, the explosion of flavors, and the melty cheese blending harmoniously. From that moment on, Meatball Boats became a staple in our household, bringing us comfort, joy, and a memorable dining experience every time we indulge.

Why This Recipe Rocks: “Boatload of Goodness!”

• Succulent Meatballs: Made with premium ground beef, eggs, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and aromatic seasonings, these meatballs are juicy, tender, and bursting with flavor.
• Cheesy Heaven: Each Meatball Boat is adorned with a trio of provolone slices, creating a melted cheese blanket that envelops the meatballs in gooey goodness.
• Divine Marinara Sauce: Our meatballs are bathed in a rich and savory marinara sauce, elevating the flavors and infusing each bite with a delightful tang.
• Crusty Italian Roll: The crusty Italian sandwich roll serves as the vessel for these delectable meatballs, providing the perfect texture and a satisfying bite.
• Easy and Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re preparing a family dinner or hosting a gathering, these Meatball Boats are a crowd-pleaser and can be whipped up with ease.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. (450g) ground beef
• 1 large egg
• 1/3 cup (40g) breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 Tbsp. chopped parsley
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 Tbsp. (15ml) olive oil
• 2 cups (480ml) marinara sauce
• 4 crusty Italian sandwich rolls
• 12 slices provolone cheese
• 1/2 cup (60g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup (25g) shredded Parmesan cheese

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a baking sheet with non-stick spray.

Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated. Form the mixture into 12 meatballs of equal size.

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until they are seared and browned 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 let the meatballs cook for an additional 8-10 minutes or until they are no longer pink in the center and have reached an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

Prepare the Bread Boats: Cut a long rectangle through the top of each bread loaf, creating a hollowed-out “boat” shape.

Lay three slices of provolone cheese over the hollowed-out area of each roll and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.

Arrange four meatballs on top of the melted provolone cheese in each roll. Spoon marinara sauce generously over the meatballs, ensuring they are fully covered. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese equally over the meatballs, followed by the shredded Parmesan cheese.

Return the Meatball Boats to the oven and bake for an additional 6-8 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly. For a delightful finishing touch, you can broil them for a minute or two to achieve a deliciously browned and slightly crispy top.

Remove from the oven and let the Meatball Boats cool slightly before serving. Get ready to sink your teeth into a delightful combination of tender meatballs, melty cheese, and savory marinara sauce!

Notes:

• Feel free to experiment with different types of ground meat, such as turkey or a blend of beef and pork, for a unique twist on this recipe.
• Customize your Meatball Boats by adding your favorite toppings, such as sliced bell peppers, onions, or even a drizzle of pesto sauce.
• To make the preparation even easier, you can use store-bought marinara sauce, but don’t hesitate to enhance its flavor with a pinch of dried herbs or a splash of red wine.
• These Meatball Boats can be a versatile meal option. Serve them as a main course alongside a fresh green salad or as a delightful party appetizer.
• Remember to adjust the cooking time if you decide to change the size or number of meatballs.

Indulging in the delectable Meatball Boats is like embarking on a flavor-packed journey that will leave your taste buds satisfied and your heart content. The tender meatballs, embraced by a melty cheese blanket and bathed in a savory marinara sauce, are nestled within a crusty Italian roll, creating a delightful harmony of textures and flavors. Whether you’re looking for a comforting family dinner or a crowd-pleasing party appetizer, these Meatball Boats are sure to become a beloved addition to your recipe repertoire.

So, gather your loved ones around the table, share stories, and savor the joy of a homemade meal that brings people together. With each bite of these cheesy wonders, you’ll experience the warm embrace of flavors that have captured hearts and palates alike. Unleash your inner chef, get creative with toppings, and make these Meatball Boats your own.

From our family to yours, we hope this recipe sparks moments of happiness and culinary delight. Let the Meatball Boats sail you away to a world of taste sensations and create memories that will be cherished for years to come. Enjoy the magic of homemade goodness and the pleasure of sharing a meal made with love. Bon appétit!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze the Meatball Boats?

While it’s possible to freeze them, it’s best to freeze the meatballs separately from the bread and cheese. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw the meatballs in the refrigerator overnight, reheat them, and assemble the Meatball Boats with fresh bread and cheese.

Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses or mix different types together. Mozzarella, cheddar, or even a sprinkle of gorgonzola can add an extra layer of flavor to your Meatball Boats.

Can I make the meatballs in advance?

Yes, you can make the meatballs ahead of time. After cooking them, let them cool, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to enjoy your Meatball Boats, reheat the meatballs in the marinara sauce, and proceed with the rest of the recipe.

Meatball Boats

Sacrlett

These cheesy delights are packed with flavorful meatballs, gooey melted cheese, and a rich marinara sauce, all nestled in a crusty Italian sandwich roll.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course Main Dish

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb. 450g ground beef
• 1 large egg
• 1/3 cup 40g breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup 25g grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• 1 Tbsp. chopped parsley
• Kosher salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 Tbsp. 15ml olive oil
• 2 cups 480ml marinara sauce
• 4 crusty Italian sandwich rolls
• 12 slices provolone cheese
• 1/2 cup 60g shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup 25g shredded Parmesan cheese

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a baking sheet with non-stick spray.
• Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated. Form the mixture into 12 meatballs of equal size.
• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until they are seared and browned 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 let the meatballs cook for an additional 8-10 minutes or until they are no longer pink in the center and have reached an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
• Prepare the Bread Boats: Cut a long rectangle through the top of each bread loaf, creating a hollowed-out "boat" shape.
• Lay three slices of provolone cheese over the hollowed-out area of each roll and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
• Arrange four meatballs on top of the melted provolone cheese in each roll. Spoon marinara sauce generously over the meatballs, ensuring they are fully covered. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese equally over the meatballs, followed by the shredded Parmesan cheese.
• Return the Meatball Boats to the oven and bake for an additional 6-8 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly. For a delightful finishing touch, you can broil them for a minute or two to achieve a deliciously browned and slightly crispy top.
• Remove from the oven and let the Meatball Boats cool slightly before serving. Get ready to sink your teeth into a delightful combination of tender meatballs, melty cheese, and savory marinara sauce!

Notes

Feel free to experiment with different types of ground meat, such as turkey or a blend of beef and pork, for a unique twist on this recipe.

Customize your Meatball Boats by adding your favorite toppings, such as sliced bell peppers, onions, or even a drizzle of pesto sauce.

To make the preparation even easier, you can use store-bought marinara sauce, but don't hesitate to enhance its flavor with a pinch of dried herbs or a splash of red wine.

These Meatball Boats can be a versatile meal option. Serve them as a main course alongside a fresh green salad or as a delightful party appetizer.

Remember to adjust the cooking time if you decide to change the size or number of meatballs.

Keyword Meatball Boats