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Meatball Boats Recipe: A Fun, Delicious, and Family-Friendly Meal
If you’re looking for a unique twist on classic meatballs, these Meatball Boats are the perfect dish to add some fun and flavor to your dinner routine. Combining savory meatballs, melty cheese, and tangy marinara sauce all nestled in a “boat” of soft, toasted bread, this dish offers everything you love about comfort food, with a playful presentation that’s sure to delight both kids and adults alike.
These Meatball Boats are a fun and interactive way to enjoy meatballs, turning a regular weeknight meal into a family favorite. They are easy to make, packed with flavor, and can be customized to fit any dietary preferences. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy night in, these meatball boats will have everyone reaching for seconds!
Why You’ll Love These Meatball Boats:
- Easy to Make: This dish comes together quickly and can be prepped in advance, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
- Family-Friendly: Kids will love the hands-on experience of eating meatballs in a boat-shaped bread, while adults will appreciate the bold flavors and satisfying meal.
- Versatile: You can switch up the type of bread, meatballs, or cheese to suit your tastes. Whether you prefer turkey meatballs, beef, or even a vegetarian option, these meatball boats can be tailored to your preference.
- Comfort Food with a Twist: Think of them as a mix between classic meatball subs and cheesy garlic bread, elevated with fresh ingredients and a fun presentation.
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey, chicken, or plant-based substitute)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ cup marinara sauce (for mixing with meatballs)
- Olive oil (for browning meatballs)
For the Boats:
- 4 hoagie rolls or sub rolls (soft or crusty, depending on your preference)
- 2 cups marinara sauce (for topping the meatballs)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan)
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking the meatball boats.
2. Make the Meatballs:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and onion powder. Mix everything together until well combined.
Next, use your hands to form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You should have about 20-24 meatballs, depending on the size.
3. Cook the Meatballs:
In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs to the skillet in batches, browning them on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. Don’t worry about cooking them all the way through at this stage, as they will finish cooking in the sauce later.
Once browned, remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside. If needed, add more oil for the next batch.
4. Prepare the Bread Boats:
While the meatballs are cooking, slice your hoagie rolls in half lengthwise, but don’t cut all the way through. You want the bread to stay intact, creating a “boat” shape that can hold the meatballs. Using a spoon, gently hollow out some of the inside of the bread to create more space for the meatballs and sauce.
Place the hollowed-out rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
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