Meatball Boats

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

1. Mix the Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
2. Form Meatballs: Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
3. Cook the Meatballs: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the meatballs in batches until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. You can also bake them at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes if you prefer a hands-off approach.

Step 2: Prepare the Rolls

1. Hollow Out the Rolls: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the tops off the sub rolls and gently hollow out the insides to create a boat shape, leaving a sturdy shell to hold the meatballs.
2. Toast the Rolls (Optional): For extra crispiness, you can lightly toast the rolls in the oven for about 5 minutes before filling them.

Step 3: Assemble the Meatball Boats

1. Fill the Rolls: Spoon a little marinara sauce into the bottom of each hollowed-out roll. Place 3-4 meatballs into each roll, depending on the size.
2. Add More Sauce: Spoon additional marinara sauce over the meatballs to cover them generously.
3. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of each meatball boat.

Step 4: Bake the Meatball Boats

1. Bake: Place the filled rolls on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
2. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot, with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping.

Tips for Perfect Meatball Boats

• Customize the Flavor: Add a kick by mixing in some crushed red pepper flakes into the meatball mixture or using spicy marinara sauce.
• Cheese Variations: Feel free to mix cheeses—try provolone or a sprinkle of Parmesan on top for an extra cheesy experience.
• Make Ahead: The meatballs can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to assemble the boats.

Conclusion

Meatball Boats are a tasty and creative way to enjoy all the flavors of a classic meatball sub in a fun, easy-to-eat package. The combination of tender meatballs, rich marinara, and gooey cheese nestled in a crispy sub roll makes this dish a winner for both kids and adults. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a weekend treat, these Meatball Boats are bound to become a family favorite.