“Meatball boats” can refer to a delicious and creative dish made with meatballs. Here’s a simple recipe for Meatball Boats:
Ingredients:
- Meatballs (homemade or store-bought)
- Submarine rolls or hot dog buns
- Marinara sauce
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Meatballs: You can make your own meatballs using a mixture of ground meat (beef, pork, or a combination) seasoned with herbs and spices, or you can use pre-made frozen meatballs.
- Cook the Meatballs: If using frozen meatballs, follow the package instructions for cooking. If making your own, bake or pan-fry the meatballs until they are fully cooked.
- Warm the Rolls: Preheat your oven to a medium temperature. Slice the submarine rolls or hot dog buns lengthwise without cutting them all the way through, creating a “boat” shape.
- Assemble the Boats: Place the cooked meatballs inside the sliced rolls. You can fit as many meatballs as you like, depending on the size of the rolls.
- Add Sauce: Spoon marinara sauce over the meatballs. You can use store-bought marinara or make your own by combining crushed tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and salt.
- Cheese Topping: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the meatballs and sauce. You can also add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for extra flavor.
- Bake or Broil: Place the meatball boats in the oven and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, or broil for a few minutes until the cheese is golden and slightly crispy.
- Garnish (optional): Once out of the oven, garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley for a burst of freshness.
- Serve: Allow the meatball boats to cool slightly before serving. They can be enjoyed as a fun and tasty meal, perfect for gatherings or a family dinner.
Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite toppings or experimenting with different types of cheese. Enjoy your meatball boats!