Meatball Boats
Delve into the cozy embrace of these spaghetti squash meatball boats, where traditional Italian flavors meet the inventive charm of a hearty meal. Each bite is a testament to the joys of homemade cuisine, featuring a blend of juicy meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and melted cheese nestled within a mini hoagie roll.
This dish not only pays homage to cherished family recipes but also caters to the modern need for convenience with its slow-cooker meatball preparation.
Whether it’s a family dinner or a comforting meal for one, these meatball boats are designed to satisfy deep cravings with minimal fuss. The recipe is a blend of simplicity and tradition, ensuring that you can enjoy a delightful dinner any night of the week.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 large egg
- ⅓ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 8 mini hoagie rolls
- 12 slices Asiago cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Spray a baking pan with non-stick cooking spray.
- Mix the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper. Mix well with your hands until thoroughly combined.
- Form the meatballs: Use an ice cream scoop to scoop and shape the mixture into meatballs. Set aside.
- Cook the meatballs: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs, searing them until all sides are browned, about 5 minutes. Then, transfer the meatballs to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake the meatballs: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 12 minutes.
- Prepare the hoagie rolls: While the meatballs bake, slice off the top of each roll to create an oval opening, leaving about a ½ inch border. Hollow out the inside slightly.
- Add cheese: Place a slice of Asiago cheese inside each hollowed-out roll. Bake in the oven for 8 minutes or until the cheese begins to melt.
- Assemble the boats: Remove the rolls from the oven. Spoon two tablespoons of marinara sauce over the melted cheese in each roll. Add three meatballs to each, then top with more marinara.
- Final bake: Sprinkle additional grated Parmesan over the top and return to the oven for another 6-8 minutes, until everything is hot and bubbly.
- Serve: Enjoy your meatball boats hot, perfect as a comforting dinner that brings a touch of Italian flair to your table.
These meatball boats are not just meals but a delightful experience, perfect for sharing the warmth and tradition of Italian cooking in a fun, family-friendly format.