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Creamy Meatball Boats Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.1 from 78 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 meatball boats
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Creamy meatball boats are a fun and hearty dinner idea made with toasted sub rolls filled with juicy, flavorful meatballs smothered in a rich, creamy cheese sauce. This dish combines tender meatballs cooked to perfection with a luscious blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese sauce, all served in warm, buttery sub rolls. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining, these cheesy meatball boats offer comfort and satisfaction in every bite. Serve alongside a crisp side salad or roasted vegetables to complete a balanced meal the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients

Meatballs

  • 1 lb ground beef or pork
  • ¼ cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Cheese Sauce

  • 1½ cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Assembly & Toasting

  • 4 sub rolls or hoagie buns
  • 1 tablespoon butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for toasting and finishing the meatball boats.
  2. Make Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined to keep the meatballs tender. Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs for even cooking.
  3. Cook Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until evenly browned and fully cooked through.
  4. Prepare Cheese Sauce: In a separate saucepan over medium-low heat, warm the heavy cream until it starts to simmer. Whisk in mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste, keeping the sauce luscious and flavorful.
  5. Prepare Rolls: Cut a deep ‘boat’ shape into each sub roll, making sure not to slice all the way through to hold the filling. Brush the insides and tops of the rolls with melted butter mixed with garlic powder for added flavor and crispness.
  6. Toast Rolls: Place the prepared rolls on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 5 minutes to achieve a lightly crispy texture.
  7. Assemble Meatball Boats: Fill each toasted roll with 3–4 cooked meatballs. Generously spoon the creamy cheese sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are well-coated and saucy.
  8. Bake to Finish: Return the assembled boats to the oven for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese sauce is bubbly and everything is heated through.
  9. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle chopped parsley over the top if desired, and serve warm for a comforting and delicious meal.

Notes

  • You can prepare the meatballs and cheese sauce ahead of time and assemble just before baking for convenience.
  • Swap ground turkey or chicken for a lighter meat option if preferred.
  • Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the cheese sauce to introduce extra flavor and nutrients.

Find it online: https://slsrecipes.com/creamy-meatball-boats-recipe/