Description
Creamy Meatball Boats are a delicious and satisfying meal featuring tender, seasoned meatballs simmered in a rich, creamy sauce, served inside toasted hoagie rolls and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. This comforting recipe combines juicy ground beef meatballs with an herbed creamy sauce, all baked to perfection for a flavorful, hearty dish that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp flour
Assembly
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 hoagie rolls
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking sheet. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup.
- Mix and form meatballs. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well combined, then shape the mixture into roughly 1-inch diameter meatballs.
- Brown the meatballs. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and partially cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove meatballs from skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the creamy sauce. In the same skillet, add heavy cream, beef broth, and flour. Whisk the mixture continuously over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine meatballs and sauce. Return the browned meatballs to the skillet and coat them thoroughly in the creamy sauce. Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for an additional 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Toast the hoagie rolls. While the sauce simmers, slice the hoagie rolls in half lengthwise. Scoop out some of the soft interior to create a cavity for the meatballs. Arrange the rolls on the baking sheet and toast them in the preheated oven for about 5 minutes or until golden brown.
- Assemble the meatball boats. Spoon the meatballs and creamy sauce into each toasted hoagie roll, making sure to distribute evenly.
- Add cheese and bake. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the filled meatball boats. Place them back in the oven and bake for 5-7 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and just starting to brown.
- Serve. Remove the meatball boats from the oven, allow them to cool slightly for a few minutes, and serve warm for a delightful and hearty meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add fresh chopped parsley or basil on top before serving.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter meat option.
- If you prefer, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and rolls to make this dish gluten-free.
- The creamy sauce can be made dairy-free by substituting coconut cream and using dairy-free cheese.
