why make this recipe
Meatball Boats are a fun and delicious way to enjoy classic meatballs. They are an easy meal, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. The combination of juicy meatballs, flavorful marinara sauce, and gooey mozzarella cheese all served in a tasty submarine roll makes this dish a crowd-pleaser. Not only are they satisfying, but they also allow for some creativity in the kitchen as you can customize them to your liking.
how to make Meatball Boats
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Submarine rolls
- Marinara sauce
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish
Directions:
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Place meatballs in the crock pot and cover with marinara sauce.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Halve the submarine rolls and place meatballs inside with extra sauce.
- Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and place under a broiler for 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve.
how to serve Meatball Boats
Serve your Meatball Boats warm, straight from the oven. They are great as a main dish alongside a simple salad or some crunchy chips. Each person can grab their own boat, making it a fun and interactive meal for everyone.
how to store Meatball Boats
If you have leftovers, you can store the Meatball Boats in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply place them in the oven until warmed through. You can also freeze the meatballs and sauce separately, then assemble and heat when you’re ready to enjoy them again.
tips to make Meatball Boats
- Make sure to mix the meatball ingredients well to ensure they hold together.
- For extra flavor, you can add chopped onions or bell peppers to the meat mixture.
- If you prefer, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
- Don’t skip the broiler step! It makes the cheese melty and delicious.
variation
You can customize Meatball Boats by experimenting with different sauces, cheeses, or toppings. For example, try adding some spicy marinara or red pepper flakes for a kick. You could also try using garlic bread rolls for a more flavorful base.
FAQs
Can I use frozen meatballs instead?
Yes, you can use frozen meatballs. Just make sure to thaw them before placing them in the crock pot and cover them with marinara sauce.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or make meatballs with lentils and veggies.
Can I prepare the meatballs in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook them.
Meatball Boats
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- to taste Salt and pepper
For Assembly
- Submarine rolls
- Marinara sauce
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
Cooking
- Place meatballs in the crock pot and cover with marinara sauce.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Assembly
- Halve the submarine rolls and place meatballs inside with extra sauce.
- Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and place under a broiler for 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve.