Construction
Step 1 – Prepare the Meatballs:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, eggs, breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup parsley, 4 minced garlic cloves, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan.
Form into golf-ball-sized meatballs and place on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 2 – Cook the Meatballs:
Bake for 15–20 minutes, until browned and cooked through.
Step 3 – Prepare the Boat Base:
While meatballs bake, hollow out the hoagie rolls or baguettes.
Brush the insides with olive oil and toast in the oven for 5–7 minutes, until slightly crispy.
Step 4 – Assemble the Boats:
Add a layer of marinara sauce to each toasted roll.
Add 3–4 meatballs, more marinara sauce, and top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
Step 5 – Melt the Cheese:
Return assembled boats to oven and bake for 5–7 minutes at 400°F (200°C), until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6 – Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle remaining parsley, Parmesan, and fresh basil if desired. Serve immediately.
Variations
Spicy Meatball Boats: Add red pepper flakes to the meatball mix or use spicy marinara.
Cheese Lovers: Mix mozzarella directly into the meatball mixture.
Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based meatballs or roasted veggies like zucchini and eggplant.
Garlic Bread Boats: Brush rolls with garlic butter before toasting.
Tips
Even-Sized Meatballs: Use a cookie scoop for uniform meatballs.
Soft Rolls: Pick soft-crust hoagie rolls for easier biting.
Make Ahead: Meatballs can be prepped ahead and refrigerated or frozen.
Leftovers: Store in the fridge up to 2 days and reheat in the oven for best texture.
Enjoy these hearty and delicious Meatball Boats!
Construction
Step 1 – Prepare the Meatballs:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, eggs, breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup parsley, 4 minced garlic cloves, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan.
Form into golf-ball-sized meatballs and place on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 2 – Cook the Meatballs:
Bake for 15–20 minutes, until browned and cooked through.
Step 3 – Prepare the Boat Base:
While meatballs bake, hollow out the hoagie rolls or baguettes.
Brush the insides with olive oil and toast in the oven for 5–7 minutes, until slightly crispy.
Step 4 – Assemble the Boats:
Add a layer of marinara sauce to each toasted roll.
Add 3–4 meatballs, more marinara sauce, and top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
Step 5 – Melt the Cheese:
Return assembled boats to oven and bake for 5–7 minutes at 400°F (200°C), until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6 – Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle remaining parsley, Parmesan, and fresh basil if desired. Serve immediately.
Variations
Spicy Meatball Boats: Add red pepper flakes to the meatball mix or use spicy marinara.
Cheese Lovers: Mix mozzarella directly into the meatball mixture.
Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based meatballs or roasted veggies like zucchini and eggplant.
Garlic Bread Boats: Brush rolls with garlic butter before toasting.
Tips
Even-Sized Meatballs: Use a cookie scoop for uniform meatballs.
Soft Rolls: Pick soft-crust hoagie rolls for easier biting.
Make Ahead: Meatballs can be prepped ahead and refrigerated or frozen.
Leftovers: Store in the fridge up to 2 days and reheat in the oven for best texture.
Enjoy these hearty and delicious Meatball Boats!
