Get ready to set sail on a culinary adventure with these delectable Meatball Boats! Bursting with savory flavors and ooey-gooey cheese, these hearty treats are sure to become a family favorite. Perfect for a cozy dinner at home or a fun gathering with friends, Meatball Boats are a creative twist on traditional meatballs that will leave everyone craving more.
Ingredients: For 4 servings, you will need:
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (plus 2 tablespoons for garnish)
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- Oil
- 4 soft rolls
- 8 slices mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Preparation:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, eggs, breadcrumbs, ¼ cup chopped parsley, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Shape the ground beef mixture into golf ball-sized balls, ensuring they are compact and uniform in size.
- Heat a cast-iron pan or skillet with oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides. Transfer the cooked meatballs to a plate and set aside. Remove the pan from the heat.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Place the soft rolls on a baking sheet. Using a knife, cut off the tops of the rolls and press down the inside to create a boat-like shape.
- In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, and 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley. Brush the inside of each roll with the garlic butter mixture.
- Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 5 minutes, or until lightly toasted.
- Once the rolls are toasted, place two slices of mozzarella cheese in each roll, ensuring they cover the bottom.
- Spoon a generous amount of marinara sauce over the cheese in each roll.
- Arrange three cooked meatballs in each roll, on top of the marinara sauce.
- Spoon additional marinara sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are well coated.
- Bake the Meatball Boats in the oven for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the Meatball Boats from the oven and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top of each boat.
- Garnish with the remaining chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve the Meatball Boats hot and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors and textures!
Conclusion: With their savory meatballs, gooey cheese, and zesty marinara sauce, these Meatball Boats are a culinary delight that’s sure to please. Whether enjoyed as a comforting dinner at home or served as a crowd-pleasing appetizer at your next gathering, these delicious treats are guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. So why wait? Set sail on a flavor-packed journey with Meatball Boats today!