TREMENDOUS CREAMY MEATBALL BOATS

Instructions: How to Make Tremendous Creamy Meatball Boats

Step 1: Make the Meatballs

1. Mix the meatball ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined, but be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
2. Form the meatballs: Using your hands, form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get around 16-20 meatballs, depending on the size.
3. Brown the meatballs: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 5-6 minutes, turning them occasionally until they are golden brown on all sides. They don’t need to be fully cooked through yet, as they will finish cooking in the sauce.
4. Set the meatballs aside: Once browned, remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside on a plate. You’ll finish cooking them in the sauce.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce

1. Sauté the onion and garlic: In the same skillet, add the butter and olive oil. Heat over medium heat and add the finely chopped onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Add the cream and broth: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to reduce slightly and thicken. This will create the creamy base for your sauce.
3. Add the Parmesan and seasonings: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, dried basil, and salt and pepper to taste. Continue to cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and the sauce to become smooth and creamy.
4. Add the meatballs: Carefully return the browned meatballs to the skillet, gently spooning them into the sauce. Cover the skillet and simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened.

Step 3: Prepare the Bread Boats

1. Prepare the rolls: While the meatballs are cooking, cut the sub rolls or hoagie buns in half lengthwise. Gently scoop out some of the inside of the bread, creating a hollow “boat” shape to hold the meatballs and sauce. Be careful not to scoop too much, as you want the bread to hold its shape.
2. Toast the bread (optional): For extra texture, you can toast the hollowed-out bread boats in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-7 minutes or until they are lightly golden and crispy on the edges.

Step 4: Assemble the Meatball Boats

1. Fill the bread boats: Once the meatballs are fully cooked and the sauce is thick and creamy, spoon the meatballs and sauce into the hollowed-out bread boats. Be generous with the sauce so that every bite is creamy and flavorful.
2. Top with cheese: If desired, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the meatballs in each bread boat. Place the boats back under the broiler for 2-3 minutes to melt the cheese, making it bubbly and golden.
3. Garnish and serve: Once the cheese is melted and the meatball boats are hot and bubbly, remove them from the oven. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a touch of color and freshness.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Now that your Tremendous Creamy Meatball Boats are ready, serve them hot and fresh. These boats are perfect for dipping, scooping, or just enjoying bite after bite. The combination of tender meatballs, creamy sauce, and the crispy bread makes this dish absolutely irresistible!

Tips for Making Perfect Meatball Boats

• Make ahead: If you’re short on time, you can prepare the meatballs and sauce ahead of time, then assemble and bake the boats when you’re ready to serve. The meatballs and sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Customize your sauce: Feel free to add extra ingredients to your creamy sauce, such as sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes, to give it a unique twist.
• Add a side: Serve the meatball boats with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread to complete the meal.
• Use different bread: While hoagie rolls work perfectly for this dish, you can experiment with other types of hearty bread, such as baguettes or ciabatta, for a different texture.

Conclusion: A Comforting Dish You’ll Crave

Tremendous Creamy Meatball Boats are a delightful and indulgent meal that combines all the best elements of comfort food. With savory meatballs, a creamy, flavorful sauce, and crusty bread to soak up every bite, this dish is perfect for family dinners, casual get-togethers, or when you just want something cozy and satisfying. Whether you enjoy it as is or customize it to your tastes, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

So next time you’re craving something hearty and fun to eat, grab your bread, prepare the meatballs, and dive into these tremendous creamy meatball boats—you won’t regret it!