Have you ever craved a comforting, flavorful meal that’s both easy to prepare and satisfyingly delicious? Then you need to try Meatball Boats! These little boats of goodness are a fantastic way to bring a touch of whimsy to your dinner table while satisfying your cravings. Imagine a soft, pillowy roll, lovingly hollowed out and filled with a savory, juicy meatball bathed in a rich tomato sauce. It’s an experience that’s sure to delight your taste buds and leave you wanting more! So grab your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to embark on this culinary adventure. Let’s sail into the world of Meatball Boats!

Ahoy, Matey! Set Sail for Meatball Boat Adventures!

INGREDIENTS

For the Meatballs:
1 pound ground beef (or a combination of beef and pork)
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
1 clove garlic, minced
1 egg, beaten
1/4 cup bread crumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Sauce:
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup tomato paste
1/4 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup water
For the Boats:
6 large dinner rolls (or hamburger buns)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

DIRECTIONS

Prepare the Meatballs:
1. In a large bowl, combine all the meatball ingredients. Mix well with your hands until thoroughly combined.
2. Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. It’s fun to try different shapes! Round meatballs, oval meatballs, even miniature boat-shaped meatballs – you’re the captain of your own culinary ship here!
Prepare the Sauce:
1. In a large saucepan, combine all the sauce ingredients. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
Prepare the Boats:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
2. Cut the tops off the dinner rolls and carefully scoop out some of the bread from the center. Leave about 1/2 inch of bread on the bottom of each roll.
3. Place the rolls on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 5 minutes. This will help the rolls get a little toasty and prevent them from becoming soggy in the sauce.
Assemble the Boats:
1. In a large skillet, brown the meatballs over medium heat for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally.
2. Pour the tomato sauce over the meatballs and simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
3. Place a meatball in each bread boat.
4. Top each meatball with a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese.
5. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serving Time:
1. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
2. Serve immediately and enjoy your delightful Meatball Boats!

Meatball Boats are a delightful meal that’s perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to festive gatherings. Their versatility is their greatest asset. You can customize them to your liking by experimenting with different flavors and toppings. Add a touch of spice with jalapeno peppers or experiment with a creamy white sauce. The possibilities are endless! So set sail on your Meatball Boat adventure today and discover a world of culinary delights. Bon voyage!