Ingredients
Meatballs:
2 pounds ground beef
2 eggs
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup fresh parsley (plus an additional 2 tablespoons, chopped, divided)
6 cloves garlic, minced, divided
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Boat Base:
4 hoagie rolls or baguettes, hollowed out
1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Optional Garnishes:
Fresh basil leaves
Extra Parmesan cheese
Construction
Prepare the Meatballs:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large bowl, mix ground beef, eggs, breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup parsley, 4 cloves of minced garlic, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese until well combined.
Roll the mixture into golf-ball-sized meatballs and place them on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
Cook the Meatballs:
Bake the meatballs for 15-20 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.
Prepare the Boat Base:
While the meatballs are baking, hollow out the centers of the hoagie rolls or baguettes, leaving enough bread to hold the filling.
Brush the inside of each roll with a little olive oil and toast them in the oven for 5-7 minutes until slightly crispy.
Assemble the Boats:
Fill each toasted roll with a layer of marinara sauce.
Add 3-4 meatballs to each roll (depending on size), then top with more marinara sauce.
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
Melt the Cheese:
Place the assembled boats on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve:
Remove the boats from the oven and sprinkle with the remaining parsley and Parmesan cheese. Add fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve immediately.
Variations
Spicy Meatball Boats: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or use a spicy marinara sauce.
Cheese Lovers: Mix shredded mozzarella into the meatball mixture for an extra cheesy center.
Vegetarian Option: Substitute meatballs with plant-based meatballs or roasted veggies like zucchini and eggplant.
Garlic Bread Boats: Brush the rolls with garlic butter before toasting for a flavorful base.
Tips
Even-Sized Meatballs: Use a cookie scoop to ensure uniform meatballs that cook evenly.
Soft Rolls: Choose rolls with a soft crust for easier eating.
Make Ahead: Prepare the meatballs in advance and store them in the refrigerator or freezer. Assemble the boats just before baking.
Leftovers: Store assembled boats in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Enjoy these hearty and delicious Meatball Boats!
Enjoy!
