Meatball Boats: A Flavorful and Fun Twist on a Classic
Meatball Boats are a delightful and creative way to elevate the classic meatball. This dish combines the comforting flavors of juicy meatballs, melted cheese, and rich marinara sauce, all nestled in the cozy embrace of a soft roll. It's a perfect dish for a family dinner, game day, or a casual gathering with friends.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, plus 2 tablespoons chopped, divided
- 6 cloves garlic, minced, divided
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- Vegetable oil
- 4 soft rolls
- 8 slices mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, eggs, bread crumbs, 1/4 cup parsley, 3 cloves garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well, then shape the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs.
- Brown the Meatballs: Heat vegetable oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the meatballs until browned on all sides. Transfer them to a plate and set aside.
- Prepare the Rolls: Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Cut the tops off the soft rolls and hollow out the insides to create "boats."
- Create the Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, 3 cloves garlic, and 2 tablespoons chopped parsley.
- Toast the Rolls: Brush the inside and outside of the rolls with the garlic butter. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes, or until golden brown and toasted.
- Assemble the Boats: Place two slices of mozzarella cheese in each roll, followed by a spoonful of marinara sauce. Top with three meatballs and another spoonful of marinara sauce.
- Bake and Serve: Bake the meatball boats for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and serve immediately.
Tips
- For extra flavor, consider adding grated Parmesan cheese to the meatball mixture.
- If you prefer spicier meatballs, add red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture.
- To make the meatballs even juicier, add a spoonful of grated onion to the mixture.
- For a healthier option, use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef.
- Experiment with different types of cheese, such as provolone or cheddar.
- Serve Meatball Boats with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
By following these steps and incorporating the tips, you'll create delicious Meatball Boats that will impress your family and friends. Enjoy!
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