Meatball Boats

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🛳️ Meatball Boats Recipe

🔸 Servings: 4

🔸 Prep Time: 20 minutes

🔸 Cook Time: 25 minutes

🔸 Total Time: ~45 minutes

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🧾 Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried)

• 1 egg

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

• 1/2 tsp dried oregano

• 1/2 tsp onion powder

• 1/4 cup milk (to moisten the breadcrumbs)

For the Boats:

• 4 small hoagie rolls (or large sub rolls)

• 1 ½ cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)

• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• Extra grated Parmesan, for topping

• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)

• Butter + garlic powder (optional, for brushing rolls)

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🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatballs:

1. In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let sit for 2 minutes.

2. Add the ground meat, egg, garlic, parsley, Parmesan, salt, pepper, oregano, and onion powder.

3. Mix just until combined—don’t overwork the meat.

4. Form into 1 ½-inch meatballs (you should get about 16–20).

2. Cook the Meatballs:

You can bake, pan-fry, or air-fry them.

To bake:

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

• Place meatballs on a lined baking sheet.

• Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.

To pan-fry:

• Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.

• Brown meatballs on all sides, about 8–10 minutes total. Drain excess grease.

3. Simmer in Sauce (Optional but flavorful):

• Warm the marinara sauce in a large pan.

• Add cooked meatballs and simmer for 5–10 minutes, letting them soak up flavor.

4. Prepare the Rolls:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Slice a deep V-shaped trench down the center of each roll (do not cut all the way through).

3. Hollow out some of the bread inside to make room for filling.

4. Optional: Brush inside with garlic butter and toast for 5 minutes.

5. Assemble the Boats:

1. Place 3–4 meatballs in each roll.

2. Spoon marinara sauce over the meatballs.

3. Top with shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan.

6. Bake the Boats:

• Place the stuffed rolls on a baking sheet.

• Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

7. Finish and Serve:

• Garnish with chopped parsley or basil.

• Serve hot with extra marinara for dipping.

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📝 Tips & Variations

• Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes to meatballs or marinara.

• Cheese Swap: Try provolone or fontina for a melty twist.

• Vegetarian: Use plant-based meatballs.

• Make Ahead: Meatballs and sauce can be prepped up to 2 days in advance.

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