These meatball boats are my favorite take to meatball subs. So much more appealing, and extra delicious, and these meatball boats make a better presentation. Super easy to make and always a big hit!
Ingredients
1 large egg
1 pound ground beef
2 garlic cloves, minced
⅓ c. breadcrumbs
¼ c. grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 c. marinara sauce
12 slices provolone
½ c. shredded mozzarella
¼ c. shredded Parmesan
4 crusty Italian sandwich rolls
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
How to make Meatball Boats
Step 1: Prepare the oven. Preheat it to 375 degrees F. Using a non-stick spray, grease a baking sheet.
Meatballs:
Step 2: Place the ground beef with egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, and parsley in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Mix well until just combined.
Step 3: Into 12 evenly sized meatballs, shape the mixture.
Step 4: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs and sear for about 4 minutes on all sides. Then, pour in the marinara sauce. Stir gently and put the lid on.
Step 5: Decrease the heat and let the mixture simmer for about 8 to 10 minutes or until the meatballs are no longer pink and the internal temperature of the meatball reaches 160 degrees F.
Bread Boats:
Step 6: Through the top of the bread loaf, cut a long rectangle, then hollow the top to make a boat.
Step 7: Over the roll, lay three slices of provolone to cover the hollowed-out area. Place in the preheated oven and bake for about 5 minutes until melted.
Step 8: In a row, place four meatballs on top and spoon the marinara over. Over the meatballs, evenly sprinkle the mozzarella, followed by the Parmesan.
Step 9: Return to the oven and resume baking for another 6 to 8 minutes. If desired, you can also broil the meatball boats.
Notes:
For this recipe, the best bread to use is Italian or French sandwich rolls as they are crusty outside and DO NOT get soggy.
For a bit of color and extra flavor, garnish the meatball boats with some chopped fresh basil.
For a deeper flavor, you can use half ground beef and half Italian Sausage.
You can use smaller rolls for a party platter.