Cheesy Meatball Sub Boats Recipe

Cheesy Meatball Sub Boats Recipe

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These hearty and delicious meatball sub boats feature soft, hollowed-out rolls filled with savory meatballs, marinara sauce, and melted cheese. They’re perfect for a casual dinner, game day, or a fun family meal.  

Ingredients:

  • 3 long rolls (hoagie rolls, French rolls, or Italian rolls)
  • 1 pound cooked meatballs (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Olive oil (for brushing)
  • Optional: Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Rolls:
    • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
    • Slice the rolls in half lengthwise.
    • Gently hollow out the insides of the rolls, leaving a shell about 1/2 inch thick. You can use the removed bread for breadcrumbs or discard it.
  2. Cook the Meatballs (if needed):
    • If using homemade meatballs, cook them according to your recipe.
    • If using store-bought meatballs, heat them according to the package directions.
  3. Heat the Marinara Sauce:
    • In a saucepan, heat the marinara sauce over medium heat until warm.
  4. Assemble the Subs:
    • Brush the inside of each roll half with olive oil.
    • Place the hollowed-out rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.
    • Divide the cooked meatballs evenly among the rolls.
    • Spoon the warm marinara sauce over the meatballs.
    • Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese over the sauce.
  5. Bake the Subs:
    • Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the rolls are lightly toasted.
  6. Garnish and Serve:
    • Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
    • Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil, if desired.
    • Serve immediately.

Tips and Notes:

  • Roll Variations: You can use different types of rolls, such as ciabatta rolls or submarine rolls.
  • Meatball Variations: You can use different types of meatballs, such as Italian sausage meatballs or turkey meatballs.
  • Cheese Variations: Feel free to use other cheeses like provolone, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses.
  • Add Vegetables: You can add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to the subs for added flavor and nutrition.
  • Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a spicy kick.
  • Make Ahead: You can assemble the subs ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to bake. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

Enjoy your delicious Cheesy Meatball Sub Boats!

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