Meatball Sub Boats

 INGREDIENTS

• For the Meatball Boats:

• 4 bread rolls or baguette sections
• 12 cooked meatballs (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 1/2 cups (360ml) tomato sauce (marinara, arrabbiata, or your favorite)
• 1 1/2 cups (180g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• Chopped fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
For the Meatballs:

• 1 pound (450g) ground beef
• 1/2 cup (45g) breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
• 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) finely chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup (15g) fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

DIRECTIONS

• For the Meatballs:
• In a mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Allow them to sit for a few minutes to absorb the liquid.
• Add the ground beef, grated Parmesan cheese, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, egg, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the breadcrumb mixture.
• Mix everything together until well combined. Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
• Place the meatballs on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes or until they are cooked through and browned on the outside. You can also cook them in a skillet with a bit of oil over medium heat.
• For the Meatball Boats:
• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Slice the tops off the bread rolls or baguette sections, and hollow out the centers to create “boats.”
• Place 3 meatballs in each bread boat.
• Spoon tomato sauce generously over the meatballs.
• Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
• Bake the Meatball Boats in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil, if desired.
• Serve your Meatball Boats hot and savor the delightful combination of meaty, saucy, and cheesy goodness!