Greetings, culinary enthusiasts! Today’s recipe invites you to embark on a journey of savory indulgence with our Meatball Boats. This inventive dish transforms traditional meatballs into a delightful fusion with the comforting charm of crusty Italian rolls. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a delicious twist on a classic, these Meatball Boats are sure to satisfy. Let’s dive into the details and discover the magic of crafting this delectable creation.
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
- Ground Beef (1 lb.): Choose high-quality, lean ground beef for a flavorful base.
- Egg (1 large): Binds the meatball ingredients together.
- Breadcrumbs (1/3 cup): Provides structure and helps retain moisture.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/4 cup): Adds a rich, savory depth to the meatballs.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses the meatballs with aromatic goodness.
- Chopped Parsley (1 Tbsp.): Enhances freshness and color.
- Kosher Salt: To taste, enhancing the overall seasoning.
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper: To taste, adds a hint of warmth.
- Olive Oil (1 Tbsp.): Used for searing the meatballs.
For the Bread Boats:
- Crusty Italian Sandwich Rolls (4): Opt for fresh rolls with a hearty texture.
- Provolone (12 slices): Melts beautifully, adding a creamy layer.
- Shredded Mozzarella (1/2 cup): For gooey, cheesy goodness.
- Shredded Parmesan (1/4 cup): Adds a finishing touch of salty richness.
For Assembly:
- Marinara Sauce (2 cups): Choose your favorite marinara for a saucy finish.
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and spray a baking sheet with non-stick spray.
- Meatball Creation:
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef with egg, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, and chopped parsley.
- Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mix well.
- Form the mixture into 12 evenly sized meatballs.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Cook meatballs until seared on all sides (about 4 minutes).
- Add marinara sauce, gently stir, cover with a lid, and simmer until meatballs are cooked through (about 8-10 minutes, with an internal temperature of 160°F).
- Prepare Bread Boats:
- Cut a long rectangle through the top of each Italian roll, hollowing out the top to create a boat-like shape.
- Lay three slices of provolone over each roll to cover the hollowed-out area and bake for 5 minutes until melted.
- Place four meatballs on top of the melted cheese in a row.
- Final Assembly:
- Spoon marinara sauce over the meatballs.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella equally over the meatballs, followed by the shredded Parmesan.
- Bake in the oven for an additional 6-8 minutes. Broil if a golden finish is desired.
Helpful Tips:
- Meatball Consistency: Ensure the meatballs are evenly sized for consistent cooking.
- Fresh Rolls: Use crusty Italian rolls for a satisfying crunch.
- Cheese Placement: Placing the provolone under the meatballs helps hold them in place.
- Broiling Tip: Broil for a minute or two at the end for a golden, bubbly cheese topping.
Experience the joy of our Meatball Boats, where the goodness of meatballs meets the comfort of a sandwich. Elevate your sandwich game and savor the layers of flavor in every bite!
