By Meatball Boats is a comfort-food classic made simpler for home cooks. With everyday ingredients and reliable technique, it delivers big flavor with little effort.
Meatball Boats captures the essence of meals|beef & lamb while staying approachable for everyday cooking. The method focuses on maximizing flavor with minimal steps, using common pantry items and fresh ingredients. From the first bite you’ll notice a balance of texture and taste that feels both familiar and exciting. To build depth, we combine proper seasoning with simple techniques: gentle heat for aromatics, accurate measurements, and attention to doneness. Small details—like resting time or layering ingredients—make a noticeable difference in the final dish. This recipe is designed to be flexible. You can swap in seasonal produce, adjust spices to match your preferences, or adapt the base to suit dietary needs. The goal is to keep the spirit of the dish while letting you tailor it to your kitchen. Serving ideas are wide open: pair with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, warm bread, or your favorite grains. Leftovers store well and often taste even better the next day as flavors settle. That makes the recipe suitable for meal prep and busy schedules. For best results, read the steps once before you start, assemble ingredients, and cook with confidence. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning. With these principles, Meatball Boats becomes a reliable addition to your rotation—crowd-pleasing, practical, and full of flavor.
INGREDIENTS
2 pounds ground beef
2 eggs
1 cup bread crumbs
1/4 cup fresh parsley + 2 tablespoons, chopped, divided
6 cloves garlic, minced, divided
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
Vegetable oil
4 soft rolls
8 slices mozzarella cheese
1 cup marinara sauce
1/4 cup butter, melted
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
How To Make Meatball Boats
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, eggs, bread crumbs, 1/4 cup parsley, 3 cloves garlic, salt, and pepper. Shape the ground beef mixture into golf ball-size balls.
Heat a cast iron pan or skillet with oil over medium-high heat.
Cook the meatballs until browned on all sides. Transfer meatballs to a plate then remove pan from heat.
Heat oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C).
Place the soft rolls in a baking sheet. Cut the top of the rolls with a knife and press the inside down to create a boat.
Mix together the melted butter, 3 cloves garlic and 2 tablespoons parsley.
Brush the rolls with the garlic butter. Bake for 5 minutes, or until toasted.
Place two slices of mozzarella in the rolls. Place a spoonful of marinara on top of the cheese.
Place three meatballs in the boat and top with more marinara.
Bake for 25 minutes, or until cheese is melted.
Top with Parmesan cheese.
PREPARATION STEPS
Heat a cast iron pan or skillet with oil over medium-high heat.
Cook the meatballs until browned on all sides. Transfer meatballs to a plate then remove pan from heat.
Heat oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C).
Mix together the melted butter, 3 cloves garlic and 2 tablespoons parsley.
Bake for 25 minutes, or until cheese is melted.
ORIGIN STORY
Home-style cooking inspired by classic flavors and modern, reliable methods.
META INFOS
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 65 min | Servings: 4 | Calories: ~450 kcal | Difficulty: Medium
BENEFITS
Balanced flavor with approachable prep. Nutrition-friendly options and make-ahead friendly for busy schedules.
OCCASIONS
Weeknight dinners; Family gatherings; Potlucks; Holidays; Picnics; Meal prep
VARIATIONS
Swap seasonal produce; Adjust spices; Offer gluten-free or low-carb options where suitable; Try alternative proteins.
PAIRING
Green salad; Roasted vegetables; Rice or bread
STORAGE
Refrigerate in airtight container 2–4 days; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
TIPS
Measure accurately; Preheat pans/oven; Avoid overcooking; Taste and adjust seasoning; Rest before slicing when needed.
