Meatball Boats

If you’re a fan of meatballs and looking for a unique and tasty way to enjoy them, then Meatball Boats are the perfect solution. These savory delights take the classic meatball and elevate it to a whole new level by serving them in a delicious bread boat. Packed with flavorful meatballs, melted cheese, and your favorite toppings, Meatball Boats are sure to become a family favorite. Get ready to set sail on a culinary adventure and enjoy these delectable handheld treats.

Ingredients:

For the meatballs:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 pound ground pork
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 large egg

For the sauce:

• 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)

For assembling:

• 4 small baguettes or hoagie rolls
• Sliced mozzarella cheese
• Sliced bell peppers (optional)
• Sliced onions (optional)
• Fresh basil leaves (optional)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions :

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, milk, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and egg. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
3. Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. You should get around 20-24 meatballs, depending on the size.
4. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Place the meatballs in the skillet and cook until browned on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.
5. In the same skillet, pour in the marinara sauce and bring it to a simmer. Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce and let them simmer for another 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. While the meatballs are simmering, prepare the bread boats. Slice each baguette or hoagie roll in half lengthwise, leaving one side still connected. Gently hollow out the inside of each half, creating a well to hold the meatballs.
7. Place the hollowed-out bread boats on a baking sheet. Fill each boat with a generous amount of meatballs and sauce. Top with sliced mozzarella cheese, bell peppers, onions, and fresh basil leaves, if desired.
   8. Bake the Meatball Boats in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the bread is toasted.
   9. Remove the Meatball Boats from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh parsley.
   10. Serve the Meatball Boats warm and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors and textures. The tender meatballs, gooey melted cheese, and crusty bread create a mouthwatering experience.
   11. Feel free to customize your Meatball Boats with additional toppings such as sliced olives, diced tomatoes, or your favorite sauces. Let your creativity shine and make each boat uniquely delicious.
   12. These Meatball Boats are perfect for parties, game nights, or a fun family dinner. They can be enjoyed as a main course, paired with a side salad or fries, or served as an appetizer for sharing.
   13. Remember to have plenty of napkins on hand because these Meatball Boats can get delightfully messy as you bite into their savory goodness.

   Get ready to set sail on a culinary adventure with these Meatball Boats. They are sure to impress your taste buds and become a crowd-pleasing favorite. Enjoy the combination of juicy meatballs, flavorful sauce, and the satisfying crunch of the bread. Bon appétit!