Meatball Boats

Meatballs have long been an easy and quick dinner to make. I do prefer homemade meatballs, however, I have been known to buy frozen meatballs, depending on the meal I have chosen of course. This recipe for Meatball Boats does actually use premade meatballs that you can buy at your local store.

This also makes this a perfect meal when you do not have a whole lot of time after work.

Making Meatball Boats is fun and can be very versatile. You can use any type of meatball, beef, turkey, or even vegetable-based meatballs. You can also top the Meatball Boats with your choice of toppings. In other words, although these great little meatball boats do not look like it, it is similar to one of those Meatball Sub Sandwiches.

The type where they ask what you would like on top, and then they place the ingredients and wrap the sandwich and you take it to eat where you choose.

Voila! You’ve got yourself some delicious and fun-to-eat meatball boats!

Scroll to bottom for printable recipe card.

What type of Roll should I be using for these Meatball Boats?

I would suggest miniature Hoagie rolls. Our local market has a variety of these in the bakery department. If there is a different roll you prefer, please go ahead and use that. The hoagies are sturdy enough to hole the weight of the meatballs. That is why I suggest those.

Can I make homemade Sauce and Meatballs?

You can make your own if you would like. This recipe is a great one for those that do not have time to make their own. Purchasing premade meatballs and sauce help you get dinner on the table in a quicker fashion.

How do I know when the Meatballs are hot enough?

The meatballs can be tested using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should read a minimum of 160*, The safe temperature is 165*However, the meat is going to continue to cook for a short time after.

What are some variations?

You can use Baguette, Ciabatta or hoagie rolls, you can make your own meatballs or buy the premade type. You could use toppings such as banana peppers, different cheese, sliced onion, and parsley. You could also use ingredients that are completely plant-based options.

What To Serve With Meatball Sub Bake?

You can serve Meatball Sub Bake with a side of salad, chips, or fries. Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks also make a great addition to this dish.

Ingredients:

• Ground beef
• Egg
• Breadcrumbs
• Parmesan cheese
• Minced garlic
• Fresh chopped parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil
• Marinara sauce
• Hoagie rolls
• Asiago cheese

How to make Meatball Boats:

Step 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Step 2. Prep baking pan with nonstick spray.

Step 3. Add the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic, parmesan, garlic, and parsley to a bowl.

Step 4. Using your hands work the ingredients together.

Step 5. Add salt and pepper.

Step 6. With the ice cream scoop start to form your meatballs. Set aside.

Step 7. Add the oil to the skillet heating it to medium.

Step 8. Add one meatball at a time to the heated skillet.

Step 9. Cook for about 5 minutes or until they are seared on all sides.

Step 10. Place the meatballs on a parchment-covered baking pan into the oven, and cook for 12 minutes.

Step 11. Remove from the oven and set to the side.

Step 12. Cut an oval on the top of the roll leaving about an ½ inch on the ends and sides.

Step 13. Scoop but do not cut through to the bottom half of the roll.

Step 14. Use a knife to hollow out the top of the roll.

Step 15. Place the roll on the baking pan.

Step 16. Lay 1 slice of cheese in the hollowed-out area.

Step 17. Return to the oven and cook for 8 minutes.

Step 18. Add 2 tbsp. of marinara on top of the cheese.

Step 19. Place 3 meatballs on top of the cheese.

Step 20. Add more marinara on top of the meatballs.

Step 21. Place grated parmesan cheese on top of the marinara.

Step 22. Return to the oven and bake for 6-8 minutes.

PIN FOR LATER 🙂

How do I store the Meatball Boats?

This is a tough one. I can only suggest that you fully assemble only the amount that you need. Storing the Meatball Boats completely assembled is going to result in soggy bread. You do not want that! The meatballs and sauce can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 or 4 days in the refrigerator.

Can I freeze the Meatball Boats?

Again, do not try to freeze once the Meatball Boats are fully assembled. The bread will not survive through the freezing and thawing process with the Sauce. The Meatballs and sauce can be placed in an airtight and freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

More meatballs recipes

Honey Sriracha Meatballs – Sweet and spicy Honey Sriracha Turkey Meatballs that are perfect for a weekly meal prep!

Italian Meatballs – If you are in the mood for something amazing, try this Grandma’s Italian Meatballs!

Meatballs and Potatoes Soup – The perfect way to warm up on a chilly day.